Bendigo Monthly April 2022 by bendigomonthly

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Whats On this May - Events Festivals, exhibitions plus more...

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Triple-zero crisis mired in secrecy

COUNCIL NOTHING CHANGED Bendigo Citizens and Ratepayers held high hope for change at City Hall after the last Council Elections. Sadly, not to be. Max Turner President Bendigo Alliance I well remember all the promises from most sitting and budding councillors prior to the last Council election, and they’re behind the scenes promises trying to gain our vote. Remember: ‘I will support Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability’. Some strongly supported change at the top. There was an expectation that the new council would stand up

Bendigo Seniors Festival

The Andrews Labor Government’s contempt for the victims of Victoria’s triple zero crisis has deepened, says Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition. "While the Premier continues to refuse to release the Ashton report into the crisis, his government has now refused to comply with a parliamentary order to produce key documents relating to failures in management of the emergency call system". The government has told the Legislative Council that it doesn’t have time to comply.

and put Bendigo first. What has changed since being elected for some? I warned at the time that “This new council has been invested with trust from the residents and ratepayers. That faith will quickly evaporate if Bendigo is dished up the same distasteful and dismissive menu that characterized the majority of previous councils” I also wrote, “Council should end the charade of councillors giving reports at meetings. Be like other probing and inquiring councils across Victoria and replace reports with questions of the CEO and directors – return the initiation of new projects and actions back to residents and their elected representatives.” There is no place in the new council for an inferior model of democracy that has only served to shut out questions and..

Million Paws Walk On Again

Continued

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Page 4.

Scene from Million Paws Walk at Lake Albert Melbourne.

Australia’s premier event on the canine calendar is back, with around 10,000 people and their dogs set to walk together for RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk next month on Sunday 22 May. Bendigo walk to take place at Lake Weeroona on Napier Street. The RSPCA will be running a virtual challenge, Walk as well, for anyone who cannot attend a physical event, 'Walk This May'. Buy tickets or sign up for Walk This May at www.millionpawswalk.com.au

A good life deserves the best farewell Andrew and Heather Hampton 151 McCrae Street, Bendigo 12 Victoria Street, Eaglehawk

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Helping Families Celebrate Life

News

• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

National Trust Bendigo

EPSOM P.O Intoducing Nish and Zalak Brahmbhatt new licensees of Epsom Post Office.

Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve

Photo Courtesy National Trust Bendigp

Servicing the local community with all your postal needs. 167 Midland Highway Epsom. Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 5.15pm Saturday 9am to 12pm Sunday closed.

New campaign to expose Victoria’s worst roads Emma Manser

“Only a change in Government in November will stop the waste and mismanagement, with a better managed budget delivering savings that can contribute to reversing Labor’s cuts.” The State Labor Government carved nearly $200 million from road asset maintenance in last year’s State Budget alone, a 25 per cent cut down to $616 million. Since elected in 2014, State

Labor has also axed funds for targeted maintenance of local roads by abolishing the Country Roads and Bridges Program and disbanded the joint parliamentary committee that had overseen road safety since 1967. Ms Ryan said Victorian drivers had an important role to play in exposing the problems. “Instead of fixing roads that are falling apart, State Labor favours a cheap, band aid fix with lower speed limits,” Ms Ryan said. “We’ll be seeking reports direct from local communities, councils, farmers and community groups as we search for Victoria’s worst roads. “Fixing the maintenance backlog won’t be an easy task – as the Victorian Auditor-General says, poorly-maintained roads cost more to repair, cost motorists more in fuel and in vehicle repairs, on top of the safety risk. “Properly maintained roads are safer roads. Only a change in government in November will stop Labor’s neglect as we work to recover and rebuild.” To submit a road visit the web portal at VicsWorstRoad.vote

Wilkinson will be a feature of the festival’s program on Saturday May 14,

“Lisa is a household name and one of Australia’s most respected and recognised journalists, who has had a remarkable media career over more than four decades. “At 21 she was the youngest-ever editor to lead a national magazine, Dolly, and was then editor of Cleo magazine for 10 years before making the leap to television. “This year Lisa interviewed Priscilla Presley, who was in Bendigo to officially open the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery,” Information and tickets are available on the festival website bendigowritersfestival.com.au or at the Box Office, 50 View Street Bendigo, (03) 5434 6100

Victorian National Party

DISNEY ON ICE returns to Australia It’s the news families and Disney fans across the country have been wishing on a star for – the return of the much-loved Disney On Ice to Australia in 2022, in a six-city tour. After three years, this much-loved family favourite ice spectacular returns with Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic, opening in Melbourne on June 30. Tickets are on sale now . It’s the ice spectacular we all need.

The Bendigo National Trust Branch is holding a Walk & Talk at the Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve on this Sunday 1st May at 2pm. It will feature local historian & author James Lerk & qualified mine geologist Billy Allen who both have a passion for historical research and preservation. Council has issued a draft plan for the Reserve and is seeking responses from the community. Meet at the Richardson Reserve on Marong Rd opposite the Goldmines Hotel. No need to book, just come along. The event is free.

ictorians are being asked to name the state’s worst roads in a new campaign to identify the most dangerous hazards that are risking lives on our roads every single day. Launched last week by Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Shadow Minister for Roads Steph Ryan, the three-month campaign to find Victoria’s worst roads will seek safety reports straight from drivers. Victorians are encouraged to submit road condition reports as they travel the state via an online portal in an effort to build a list of the roads most in need of maintenance. “Decades of neglect has left Victoria’s roads rough and potholed, risking the lives of motorcyclists, car drivers and truckies every single day,” Mr Guy said. “There have been 76 lives lost on Victorian roads already this year, but Labor is spending less on maintaining and repairing the state’s roads network.

Steph Ryan M.P with motorcyclist Rodney Brown.

“Decades of neglect has left Victoria’s roads rough and potholed. “Meanwhile, the Andrews Labor Government has found more than $24 billion to pour into plugging its cost overruns on poorly managed major projects.

LISA WILKINSON ADDED TO BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL PROGRAM

he City of Greater Bendigo is thrilled to announce highprofile media personality Lisa Wilkinson is coming to the Bendigo Writers Festival. Wilkinson will be a feature of the festival’s program on Saturday May 14, when she will appear at 9am in the Capital Theatre in a special conversation with Manager Bendigo Venues and Events Julie Amos. Wilkinson is co-host of Network Ten’s The Project and has recently published her best-selling

memoir It Wasn’t Meant To Be Like This. The addition of Wilkinson to the Bendigo Writers Festival line-up was made possible when the Federal election was called for May 21, meaning she was able to come to Bendigo. Ms Amos said she was delighted to welcome Wilkinson to Bendigo. “We just kept hoping that Lisa would be able to join us for what promises to be a fantastic festival this year,” she said.

News

• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

Waste and Resources Expo (AWARE) CITY TO HOLD FREE “ABOUT WASTE AND RESOURCES EXPO” (AWARE) AT PEPPERGREEN FARM The City of Greater Bendigo is holding a free About Waste and Resources Expo (AWARE) on Saturday May 7, at PepperGreen Farm located on Thunder Street, North Bendigo from 10am to

2pm. City of Greater Bendigo Resource Recovery and Education Acting Manager Bridgette McDougall said the City was committed to waste and re-

source recovery education and was holding AWARE to help educate the community about zero waste living and how to better manage waste at home. “AWARE is a really good oppor-

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tunity to learn about zero waste living and will feature a range of workshops, stalls, live music, kids’ activities and more,” Ms McDougall said. “Workshops on the day include

modern cloth nappies for babies at 10am, simple ways to avoid food waste at home at 11am, plastic free living at 12pm and benefits of composting at 1pm. “There will be stalls on how to upcycle and repurpose clothing, repair and reuse items instead of replacing them, recycling at home and more. “Both kids and adults will also be able to take home some free giveaways of environmentally friendly products, a free bag of compost made from Greater Bendigo’s own organics waste collection (while stock lasts) and take a picture of their kids with one of our waste collection trucks. "AWARE is a free event where people will learn some really interesting information about how to improve waste management at home and lessen their impact on the environment. “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to PepperGreen Farm on the day.” Food and drinks will also be available to purchase from the PepperGreen Farm café.

News

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Council Nothing Changed Continued From front cover. ...concerns of residents. Good governance, transparency and accountability must be the order of the day.” Sad to say, nothing has changed. Much is the responsibility of the CEO. Mr Niemann came to City of Greater Bendigo in 2005, and was appointed CEO 2007. After his appointment council carelessly indulged in a spending spree. Rates increased 32.6% between 2006/07 and 2011/12, and employee costs rose by 42% from $31 million to $44 million. Residents can thank recent years’ rate capping stopping that trend, much to the CEO’s displeasure expressed on more than one occasion. I have picked at random project waste, overruns, and expenses under Niemann’s tenure, and the list is by no means complete: (See advert right on this page.) Much needs explanation. Why not release the business case? • Is the rental for the first year of Gov Hub in excess of $3+ million dollars and increasing annually over CPI for the next 40 years? • Tell us how much has been paid on rental to Bendigo Bank to date and the anticipated final figure until completion of the GovHub? • What other infrastructure costs have council incurred as a result of the GovHub and what further costs are anticipated, for example roads and utilities etc? • Is council intending to build a Multi-Storey Carpark to cater for public parking not provided in the GovHub. If so, how much and who will pay? • Is any provision being made for the loss of green space at Lyttleton Terrace? • Was the decision to sell our land at a pittance of just over 5 million dollars, (should have been at least $15 million), made believing the council would receive substantial rates going forward. Is it true that the Government intends to keep ownership and no rates will be forthcoming? What difference would this have made to the business case? • You do not have to be a Rhodes Scholar to calculate that rental over ten years will be over $30 million and growing. Surely it was a better proposal to keep the existing building or to build a stand-alone building, so we could retain our independence and residents have ownership and

liquidity into the future. At the end of the GovHub’s 40 years we will have nothing. Price Waterhouse recommended different to what has transpired, but that was not what the powers to be wanted, so guess what, yes, another consultancy to get the answer they wanted. Just a sham! All of the above examples could have been avoided with better planning and consultation and are by no means a full list. You add your own. No budget savings or staff redeployments or re-prioritisations are ever identified in Council Budgets to offset these losses, or to limit residents’ financial burden. Council now has uncertainty over its budget with inflation rising. To counter some of the pressures it will face next year the officers will search for “greater efficiencies”. Strange then that council recently knocked back a petition for an independent external review to find improvements, savings and efficiencies. The Council’s CEO Craig Neimann bears most of the responsibility. His contract is up for renewal this year. I hear on the grape vine he wants to stay on after his contract ends to see the completion of the GovHub. Council’s worst kept secret is he will get the nod for reappointment for another 12 months. I trust that this decision will be voted on at an open Council Meeting. Greater Bendigo residents are entitled to know the Councillors who vote for Niemann’s extended appointment. There should be no hiding behind closed doors. Sorry, Councillors, Local Government is not about creating and managing edifices and covering up wasted dollars. After 15 years it’s time for Mr Niemann to go, and now. New eyes, new vision is way overdue in Bendigo, and those Councillors who support his further appointment are out of touch with the community and some have turned 180 degrees on their election promises to myself and others. Bendigo people demand the best, not what is entrenched. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bendigo Monthly.

Exception: Cr Vaughan Williams, whom spoke out about the rate rise in the last council budget and voted against it. Cr Williams also spoke out about the 4 Year Community Plan and 10 Year Financial Plan, which he also voted against, citing council values “Seeking to achieve the best value for our use of the community’s public funds and resources”, speaking out about the low sale price of the land and the rent that rates payers will now incur in perpetuity and had the ratepayers had known all the facts there may have been a different outcome. Cr Williams video rebuttal can be found on his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Vaughan4Lockwood.

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Old council offices being demolished to make way for the GovHub

Courtesy Bendigo Alliance

Development

ADVERTISEMENT Costs to ratepayers

1. $2M cost overrun on Indoor Aquatic Centre. 2. $2M destruction of Community Hall in Kangaroo Flat. 3. $7.7 million Hargreaves Mall project (2007/10) with a $3.2 million cost overrun. Millions lost since and businesses destroyed. Still not fixed. 4. $M’s wasted over Carter family farm Marong’s industrial land debacle. 5. $1M Pioneers Football rooms built at Golden Square then club moved to Huntly Regional Reserve requiring $400,000 access road & car park 6. $150K loan blown away with financial collapse of the Golden Square ice rink. 7. $150k spent on doomed Strathdale Commercial Structure Plan because council did not have VicRoads approval to restrict Condon St through traffic. 8. $100K+ on Bull /Hargreaves Streets’ Town Hall Square’s useless pavers. 9. $250K per year holding costs on old Bendigo Advertiser building. 10.$1M+ for road alignments around multi storey car park. 11.$300K Repeated changes to Queen & Mitchell Streets intersection (lights, islands, etc). 12.$1M+ ripping up good footpaths/gutters and replacing them with good footpaths/gutters e.g. Queen Street. 13.$1M doing the same with roundabouts. 14.$$$$$$$$ Unaccounted in-kind staff costs not included in project costs. 15.$1M+ cleaning-up new Huntly Regional Reserve ovals and Howard Street Tannery asbestos removal - “Buyer Beware” ignored. 16.$100’sK’s Flood Study yet little remediation works done. No known provision for millions needed for future urgent works identified. A disaster waiting to happen. 17.$35,000+ Who can forget the seat in Hargreaves Street. 18.Finally, tens of millions of $$$$$’s lost on the “Daddy of then all”, the sale of the Council Offices and land and the Dud GovHub. I am sure eventually this project will be proven to be the worst financial decision ever undertaken by the Bendigo City Council and it could easily have been very, very different. CEO Craig Neimann is behind the GovHub economic vandalism and we pay. Authorised by M.Turner Bendigo President Bendigo Alliance

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• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

Seniors Expo

CITY TO HOST SENIORS EXPO FOR OLDER ADULTS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND CARERS The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting a free Be Well, Be Connected Seniors Expo for older adults, their family members and carers from 10am – 3pm on Thursday May 5, 2022 at the Bendigo Town Hall, Bendigo Library and in the Library gardens City Community Wellbeing Manager Richie Evans said the expo was free to attend and

Visitors to the expo will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with service providers and support groups, as well as participate in activities such as yoga, dancing and enjoy some entertainment would feature over 30 exhibits showcasing entry-level aged care supports, services and community groups, along with information sessions about My-

AgedCare, elder abuse and how to stay active and involved in the community. “Visitors to the expo will have the opportunity to meet faceto-face with service providers and support groups, as well as participate in activities such as yoga, dancing and enjoy some entertainment provided by local performers,” Mr Evans said. “There will also be a presentation from 11am to 12pm in the Bendigo Town Hall featuring the Victorian Government’s Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour, who will discuss preventing social isolation and loneliness. “Mr Mansour is a widely respected advocate for the needs of older people, with over 30 years of leadership experience within the aged and community services sectors. He was appointed as the inaugural Commissioner for Senior Victorians in 2013 and provides advice to the government on the needs and interests of senior Victorians, particularly those who are vulnerable, at risk or

disadvantaged. “He has also provided policy advice on the prevention of elder abuse and as the Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, has also worked to increase awareness of abuse among seniors and encouraged older Victorians to take action to protect themselves. “The theme of the expo is Be Well, Be Connected and this is important because it recognises the benefits of being well, connected and participating in the community. “The City is committed to supporting older residents to live in their homes longer, enjoy activities in their own community and live better and more connected lives. “Everyone is welcome to come along to the expo. It will be a great opportunity to learn about Commonwealth Home Support Services and what is on offer in Greater Bendigo to assist older people in our community to be more informed.” For more information visit https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Vision Australia can help you live life on your terms • Reading • Getting out and about • Products and technology • Independence and safety in the kitchen • Staying connected with family and friends; and so much more!

Retirement

ased in Junortoun, in the beautiful goldfields region of Bendigo, this area has so much history and plenty to offer it is a great place to start living the easy life. Park Lane Living Bendigo’s facilities boast a new and modern setting. You get the best of both worlds in Bendigo with the hustle and bustle of a major Victorian city, but located far out enough to enjoy the serenity and take on an easy living lifestyle. OWN YOUR OWN HOME At Park Lane Living, you own your home. It’s yours to decorate and make your own. COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE When you move into a Park Lane community, you are gaining more than a new home. There are many like-minded individuals enjoying the benefits of the community and the lifestyle. Our residents look out for one another and enjoy many social activities. ONSITE MANAGERS The village has onsite managers available 24/7 for emergencies and support. PET FRIENDLY We understand that pets are an important part of life and we welcome all furry and feathered family members at Park Lane Living.

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Parklane Living More than a home, IT’S A COMMUNITY

UNLOCK YOUR EQUITY Feel secure in purchasing a quality home in an established village while unlocking the equity in your current home and enjoy some extra funds for yourself. NO EXIT FEES When you purchase a home with Park Lane Living, it’s yours to sell if you choose to move on. With zero deferred management or exiting fees, you keep 100% of capital gains achieved from the initial purchase. Choose from pre-loved or brand new homes and have the opportunity to provide input on the design of your home to ensure it suits your individual needs. The village also provides the best affordability in Bendigo for retirement living. Within the Park Lane Living Bendigo village, there are many fantastic features that all residents will tell you just make it that extra special place. Outdoor Swimming Pool Outdoor Swim Spa Community Hall Lawn Bowls Social Club Onsite Management Indoor Play Centre DO I NEED TO BE RETIRED? No, they have residents working full-time, parttime and in a voluntary capacity. 761 McIvor Hwy, Junortoun VIC 3551, Australia 1300 300 425 bendigo@parklanegroup.com.au

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Whats On

• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

The Dinosaurs Are Coming To Bendigo 20th To 22nd May BOOK NOW Dinosaur Festival Australia makes its first appearance in Bendigo at The Regional Exhibition Complex, Bendigo Show Precinct, Vic from the 20th to 22nd May 2022 The exhibition offers free tickets to public schools in and around Bendigo, please note that these free tickets are strictly for school kids in uniforms and can only be valid for Friday at a first come first serve basis. The indoor and outdoor Dinosaur Festival in Bendigo offers a dynamic opportunity to expose school learners to experiences and explore the prehistoric world in a rich and friendly educational environment. The Dinosaur Festival organisers believe that through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities,

kids will have the ability to take ownership of their own learning, develop and explore their own curiosities. This unique exhibition provides the foundation for creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of their immediate environment importance. Organisers mandate is giving the unique opportunity for learning to every child, and family, giving back to the community. For this reason, they are donating 10000 tickets with a total value of $100 000 to school children from the surrounding schools within Bendigo. These tickets will be valid on Friday only and can only be requested by the school and issued to school groups only. Bendigo schools can request for free tickets through

Bendigoschools@dinofestivalaustralia.com and will be obtained on a first come first serve basis. Why should school children and families attend the Dinosaur Festival in Bendigo? The Dinosaur Festival will give school learners the opportunity to participate in practical education boost to self-esteem, knowledge and skill both educationally and on the outside world. It is a perfect opportunity for learners to compare and contrast what is important for them which leads to higher critical thinking skills. The unique exhibition will expose parents as well as children to new ideas and concepts in our developing world of science and technology. School groups and families in Bendigo will have the opportunity to meet various life size animatronic dinosaurs and come face to face with the legendary Tyrannosaurus rex. The exhibition is not only fun to examine up close, but children can also learn a lot about the dino-

saur tragic story of mass extinction over 150 million years ago. The general public such as families can book their tickets online to attend the Dinosaur Festival Bendigo, tickets will open for bookings once the venue is announced. The phenomenal exhibition is a great value day outing for families and school groups in Bendigo. Tickets are limited and only available online. Due to high demand of this event Dinosaur Festival tickets are usually sold out before the event dates. Organisers advise our customers to book their tickets in advance in order to avoid disappointments on the last minute. Please note no tickets at the door. STANDARD TICKETS (If you book from 10th of May 2022) • Kids $17.00 • Seniors $20.00 • Adults $25.00 • Family of four $74 (2 adults and 2 kids). • Group or Family of eight mixed kids or adults $150.00

Online Art Exhibition

Artist Angela Morrisey is sending out a message of peace to the world with her artworks with some featuring the word for “peace” in Russian (“мир”) and also the word for “no” in Russian as a way to say “no” to war and “no” to nukes. The word for “no” in Russian is: “нет.” "I have decided to paint the words in Russian, as Russia is the aggressor and I want to send a message of peace to Russia. The words have been painted in street art style. I have also painted an anti-nuclear symbol with the title: “No Nukes Are Good Nukes,” which was a slogan in the 1980s." "Another peace inspired artwork is called “Give Peace A Chance” after the John Lennon song and features the word for “peace” not only in English and Russian but also in other languages including: Japanese, Hebrew and Arabic amongst others. This is to really get the message of peace out there to people from different backgrounds." To see the exhibition go to: Angela Morrissey Artist on Facebook.

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Events

Buda: The cultural heart of Castlemaine Immerse yourself in the unique history, art and culture that is Buda Historic Home and Garden. This significant and charming historic property, which was once the home of the Leviny family, is one of Australia’s unique treasures which still remains largely intact from the goldrush days. Don’t miss the fabulous fifties soiree on Friday April 29 from 6.30 pm with an exclusive viewing of the Bustles and Bows fifties costume collection and a forties and fifties fancy dress champagne supper with fabulous music by the Peter Baylor duo. Dress up if it takes your fancy or just come along for the fun. If you haven’t heard of Peter Baylor, then you may have heard the names The Dancehall Racketeers or the Baylor brothers when he used to play with his fellow guitarist brother Andy Baylor. Peter has played with countless Australian bands and he also played the legendary guitarist Scotty Moore in the Sydney production of Elvis the musical - which the Bendigo Elvis fans might remember. He has an

eclectic guitar and vocal style and will be playing with swinging style of upright bassist Jono Brown on the night. Peter has played jazz at Buda before but next week you can expect them to get us dancing with Jazz and swing to Rockabilly and Rock and Roll. With glasses of champagne in hand there will also be serving some wonderful finger food style supper treats made by the amazing volunteer team that create Buda’s high teas. Bookings are essential via the website. Stroll through the tranquil and ever changing heritage listed garden, an ideal place to sit and relax under the magnificent trees, taking time to imagine what life was like for these inspired artisans of Central Victoria. Follow up with a visit to the Buda Plant Nursery or the Gift Shop stocking a lovely range of giftware and exclusive Buda merchandise to suit all occasions. Buda Historic Home & Garden is open daily 12 – 4pm. Check the website for further details www. budacastlemaine.org or call us on 5472 1032.

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JESUS WEPT. WHO FOR? AND WHY? CHURCH NEWS He wept about the death of Lazarus . He wept over Jerusalem. He shed tears like many of us . Jesus walked the earth as a man. He had emotions and hurts even to the point of Crucifixion as an innocent man. His tears for Lazarus were genuine, but overcome by the Messiah raising him from the dead. That startled everyone and created more enemies. Jesus is our Messiah . He was sent to save us ALL…. even His enemies. His tears over Jerusalem were for the chosen people of God who’d turned away and were leading troubled lives, adoring false gods and living in immoral ways. He was aware that His coming Crucifixion was to open the doorway to a new life of forgiveness , healing and a new joy of being saved from the curse of hell to one day live with Jesus forever. Does this have resonance today? Oh yes! Jesus is still avail-

able to all who turn to Him. The world struggles with many issues. Individuals struggle with many challenges. Jesus, “ who is the way, the truth and the life”, reaches out to everyone . Jesus invites us to come to Him. It’s our choice . Free will is a liberty created by God. I’m one of millions and millions of people who’ve turned to Jesus, been born again and walk in His love and protection . He provides us all with protection through His love for us. I invite people to consider Exodus 14:14.. “ The Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace”….. or you can hear that “ the battle is mine says the Lord, be still and trust in me.” Are you struggling with a problem ? Jesus is ready to help always. Ps Peter Pritchard. 0413682999.

SOLUTION

APRIL 2022

Published by Nilpop Pty. Ltd. Trading as Bendigo Monthly Newspaper ABN 23 627 235 983 Address: PO Box 6098 White Hills Vic 3550 Ph: 03 5448 4339 E: media@bendigomonthly.net

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• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

Cate Sinclair

I am Dr Cate Sinclair, and I am standing for the Greens because we need to place higher value on our environment, and urgently commit resources to fight the climate crisis so we can all have a better future. I am an occupational therapist and live in the bush. I’ve spent my career caring for young people with chronic pain and families. Pain which is exacerbated and maintained by the stress and pressure placed on young people and families daily. I have my own practice and understand and manage the pressures of running a small business. I am also a Mum of three young adults. I’m standing to fight for their future, the future of generations to come, and the future of our planet. As a health practitioner my strength has been to listen to people and their stories. I am committed to hearing, understanding, and representing the people of Bendigo who are leaders in caring for health and the environment. Greens support business and job security, but we don’t take dirty donations. We stand for the fair share of wealth to build strong, inclusive communities, prioritising housing, mental and physical well-being, and healthy environments – so in the balance of power we will make billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax so you can have a better life. I am a health scientist and have been reading the IPCC reports and the science of climate change for too long. We are living through the bushfires, storms, floods and droughts, and are running out of time to tackle the climate crisis. I am standing for the Greens because we need to act urgently.

Federal Election

Darin Schade

I am honoured and delighted to be endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Bendigo, and humbled to be given the opportunity to represent the people of the Bendigo electorate in the nation’s Parliament. I was born and raised in Bendigo and my family on both sides have called the region home since the gold rush days. With that history I could not be more proud to have been selected as the Liberal candidate for Bendigo. My father was an apprentice at the old Ordinance Factory, and went on to drive a truck, building up a successful small business in transport. My mother grew up in Castlemaine and moved to Bendigo when they were married, working as a teacher. Small business and education. Hard work and creating opportunity. These are the values I saw growing up, the values that brought me to the Liberal Party and the values I will bring to representing the Bendigo electorate. We have all had a tough couple of years. I see that in my work with large companies in banking and technology, and I feel that in the small business my wife and I run providing environmental sustainability education services to the early learning sector. But it seems like things are changing for the better. We need to support small businesses to put Bendigo on the top of people’s lists to live and to visit. We need to support small businesses to provide more jobs and get our unemployment below the rest of regional Victoria instead of above. And we need to support the people of the Bendigo electorate because a safe Labor member has provided too little to the region for too long.

Lisa Chesters

I am proud to be the Federal Labor Member for Bendigo, fighting for the people of Central Victoria. As a local mum, I am passionate about creating a bright future. My partner, Matt and I are raising our children Daisy and Charlie in Bendigo. I want stronger communities, secure jobs and for Medicare to be protected. Australia must be a country that makes things. After almost a decade of sending manufacturing offshore and neglecting Australian workers, we’ve seen the consequences: fewer jobs, missed opportunities, and a nation left exposed when coronavirus hit. An Albanese Labor Government will rebuild our proud manufacturing industry, and build a future made right here in Australia. Further, all Australians deserve access to universal, prompt, and world class medical care, and no one deserves to face a multi-year wait for vital treatments simply due to the cost. Labor built Medicare and we will always protect it. I believe in a stronger, fairer future for our region. Only Australian Labor has a plan for Bendigo. If you would like to speak to me you can contact my officer at lisa.chesters.mp@aph.gov.au

COMING TO BENDIGO SHOWGROUNDS JUNE 3rd 4th & 5th

Candidates 2022

Elijah Squires

Elijah is no career politician; he works as a professional structural engineer who has managed significant projects both interstate and overseas to create lasting community benefits. He intends to continue hearing, understanding, and working with others to solve everyday issues in sectors such as affordable housing, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, national security, and aged-care. 27 year-old Suares was raised in our electorate at Bendigo where his family own small businesses, he studied degrees in civil engineering and business at La Trobe University, and he worked for local retail, mining groups, local government, and multinational organisations. He intends to restore the peoples trust in our political system. He is committed to providing a higher level of leadership, honesty and transparency when it comes to making key decisions affecting everyday Australians. Elijah is the proud recipient of the prestigious 2018 Engineers Australia Rod McGee Medal and nationally shortlisted the 2020 ACT Young Professional Engineer of the Year Award for showing the highest technical, professional and community service standards in engineering. He has been active in his professional and local community, as the Chair of Young Engineers Australia Canberra Committee, ACT representative for the National Young Engineers Australia Committee. He often volunteers his time with secondary school students through the In2Science Program and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) to support Indigenous students to complete secondary school and enroll into university. He feels strongly that engineers must play their part to address everyday challenges for our energy crisis, national security, Australian manufacturing and innovation, housing affordability, outdated infrastructure, and the COVID-19 economic recovery. Elijah believes we are at a critical time in Australian history with rising cost of living and home loan interest rates increasing to a point that will render both young and older people homeless. In order for us to avoid an economic collapse, we need to be electing members of the United Australia Party who posses real world experience with solving these issues

Ben Mihail

I’m proud to be running as the candidate for Bendigo with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party. I believe I can make a real change in parliament by being the voice for the people of the Bendigo electorate. I believe we need Representatives of the people in parliament, not more politicians. I grew up in the area having gone to Castlemaine Secondary College and playing football with the Castlemaine and Maldon Football Netball Clubs. I have coached at four different junior football clubs across two leagues. For the last eleven years, I have been a police dispatcher and supervisor with Victoria’s 000 service. I am married with two boys. Over the last few years, we have seen our political landscape change quite dramatically. The handling of covid at both a federal and state level has placed what our governments do firmly under the microscope. We have seen governments colluding together to the detriment of Australians by way of disproportionate rules and laws and the people have simply had enough. The politicians have lost touch with the people they represent. One Nation has a plan to help our country through sound policy that puts the needs of the Australian people first. Declaring an end to the pandemic and a broad Royal Commission is a great place to start. Not to lay blame, but to find out what measures worked and what didn’t. A Royal Commission is required considering we have seen significant job losses for not taking a trial vaccination, the creation and fostering of a two-tiered society by the major parties, lockdowns, and remote learning for our children, just to name a few. The impact of these measure will impact our communities for many years to come. We need strong voices in parliament to make better decisions moving forward. For me, the question is a simple one. Are you happy with how the country and your electorate has been run in the last 3 years? If the answer is NO, then choosing the same people and parties won’t drive the change you’re after. I’d like to be the one driving that change for the community and country I love. Vote for change and a better future. #BenIntoBendigo

• Vol-03 • Edi-01 • April 2022

Matthew Bansemer

Rising authoritarianism, erosion of free speech, the progressive loss of privacy and the bloated “government knows best” society forming around us has concerned me for some time. Over the last two years this manifest in plain sight across our nation. My wife, who was apprehensive about my apprehensions, told me “Protesting doesn’t achieve anything, why don’t you do something else that might make a difference?” I thought about this and although I do believe in the right to peaceful protest, I thought “she’s right, I could do more” - so I decided to run as a candidate with the Liberal Democrats. When I told her she replied, “I meant write to a politician, not become one!” I was born in Adelaide in 1978 and moved to the district when I was 5 – First to Woodend and then East Trentham. I attended Woodend Primary, Tylden Primary, and Kyneton Secondary College, all within the present-day electorate of Bendigo. I studied engineering and have specialised in solar energy research and development, providing me with an in-depth understanding of the benefits and limitations of renewable energy. I also have served in the Australian Army as an Infantry reservist. In 2010 my wife and I found a beautiful property in Guildford, the town we now call home. We have two children, aged 5 and 8. I’m eternally grateful for all the time and joy that I share with my kids. I chose to run with the Liberal Democrats because their policies are not populist but are derived from the fundamental principles of the libertarian philosophy – Personal responsibility, freedom of the individual, accountability for the government and its bureaucrats, freedom from mass surveillance and sound economic policies that reduce government spending and debt while increasing the wealth and prosperity of the people. If elected, I will move government out of the way of small business and out of the role of imposing morality on us. When I’m not campaigning, I enjoy the simple things tending to my farm, restoring and racing old cars and spending time with my family and the community. I am an enthusiastic albeit unlikely candidate – however ordinary people are needed in office for this to be a true representative democracy.

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• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

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News

• Vol-03 • Edition-01 • April 2022

Star Cinema Eaglehawk To compliment the Elvis: Direct from

Graceland

exhibition

Star Cinema Eaglehawk will be screening several Elvis films on a Friday night throughout the exhibition period. Friday 27 May at 8:00PM FRANKIE AND JOHNNY (1966) Friday 24 June at 8:00PM LOVE ME TENDER (1956)

St Mary's Annual Car Boot Sale

St Mary's Annual Car Boot Sale is to be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Church Street Kangaroo Flat on Saturday 7 May from 8am to 1pm. In addition to all the ‘car boot’ sites, the church will run its usual BBQ, Morning Tea, Trash & Treasure, Book, Plant, Cakes and Preserves stalls. A small number of sites are still available for interested individuals or community groups who would like to hold a stall or mini-garage sale where we provide the space and do the advertising. If you are interested in booking a stall site, please contact Geoff on 0418 145 105.

Killiecrankie Autumn Music Day 7th May

A great day of wine music and fun. The mega talented Chris and Josh DeAraugo will be providing the live tunes Asian street food by Gaijin Eatery and wine of course :) $45 per ticket which includes a plate of delicious Asian Street Food, your first drink and live music. kcwine@bigpond.com

The Andrews Labor Government has walked away from a promise to establish a plantation nursery in East Gippsland last Wednesday. It raises another red flag on catastrophic building and construction material shortages that will be generated when Labor bans native timber in 2030 – at the cost of tens of thousands of Victorian jobs. Announced in October 2020, the nursery at Nowa Nowa in East Gippsland was billed as a key supplier of plantation timber, but today the Government finally admitted it’s “not suitable for development as the main site for the commercial scale state forest nursery”. Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for

“Walking away from the promise to build this nursery confirms what we already know – Labor’s claims of a ‘transition plan’ are nothing more than a cruel hoax.”

Disastrous building, construction material shortages loom unless 2030 ban reversed Agriculture Peter Walsh said Labor’s short-sighted timber ban will cost Victorian livelihoods and stall the dreams of Victorians hoping to build their own home. “Victoria’s native timber industry supports tens of thousands of local jobs in harvest and haulage, at timber mills, and in furniture-making

and manufacturing – all will be axed by Labor in 2030 if the ban isn’t reversed,” Mr Walsh said. “The ban will also guarantee more delays for Victorians dreaming of building their own home. Native timber is crucial for flooring, doors, window frames and fixtures, while plantation is

used for housing frames. “Builders are already facing ninemonth delays for timber trusses and say material supply shortages are contributing to houses now taking 30 per cent longer to build.

COVID-19

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours — but most of all we are a community. The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Liberals Nationals Federal Government is providing support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus. For the latest Coronavirus information at www.peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.

Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au Funded by Parliamentary budget.