Smoking ban passes
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 3
Shire to consult community to establish scope COLLIE Shire Council will undertake a community consultation workshop to discuss restricting smoking in public areas before introducing a local law to enable its enforcement. A motion to create smoke free areas, proposed by Cr Elysia Harverson, was passed at last week’s council meeting.
The motion called for a local law to be drafted so that non-smoking areas can be designated. This is the first step in banning smoking in areas such as near children’s playgrounds, in parks where people may be picnicking or at public concerts. Cr Harverson’s motion included a call
Captains take the wheel COLLIE Senior High School’s new captains, Ebony Whitney and Austin Bates, are determined to increase student involvement within the school’s council. The pair, who are both in year 12, were selected for the role after being prefects in 2022, and undergoing an interview process with teachers and the deputy principal. Their “for students by students” approach has already brought about a fundraiser for families recently affected by local bushfires. They have also changed the school’s council meeting system, allowing students to chair the meetings instead of a teacher. They plan to continue this approach in organising the annual ARCH rewards day, and other events. School captaincy is not the pair’s only recent achievements - both will represent Collie in meetings with the commissioner of education, Sharyn O’Neill. Austin said he is excited to have the first in-person meeting with the commissioner as a member of the inaugural WA student council. He plans to discuss improving sustainability in schools, he said. Ebony is one of 10 students selected for the 10-day Premier's ANZAC Tour to Sydney and New Zealand in April. She said she was inspired to nominate for school captain so she could be in a position to help, and make changes. Austin agreed, saying he is always looking for ways to help people. The new leaders plan to focus on sustainability in the school, with increased recycling and use of Cash4Cans.
for community consultation at a workshop to define the scope of where restrictions on smoking should apply. Conclusions drawn at the workshop will be reported back to council with the aim of developing a smoke free area local law and policy framework for the Shire of Collie. Debating the motion, councillors asked questions about how such a policy would work. Cr Harverson said the distance required for smokers to stay away from playground equipment was 10 metres. “For instance in Soldiers’ Park, you shouldn’t smoke within 10 metres of the playground equipment,” she said. “As councillors, we should be engaging the rest of the community to restrict smoking in outdoor public places.” Council staff have been researching local authorities which have introduced smoke free areas. The Town of Vincent has introduced a local law, and parts of North Perth, Mt Hawthorn, Leederville, William and Beaufort Streets became smoke free
from November 22, 2022. The motion also calls on council staff to seek funding for a community education campaign including signage and other methods to promote smoke-free choices. Healthway partners with organisations that host community events and art festivals to create healthier communities, including smoke free events. A number of local organisations have been successful in obtaining this funding to promote smoke free events. In WA, it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places such as shopping centres, hospitals, cinemas, theatres, pubs, clubs and restaurants. It is also illegal to smoke in outdoor eating areas, unless in a designated smoking area in a liquor licensed premises; in taxis, on buses and other public transport that is available to or being used by the public; in vehicles carrying children under the age of 17; and near playground equipment. The Shire of Collie draft public health plan has identified smoking as a significant issue.
COLLIE’S Kate Hindle was successful at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, winning the “Female Artist of the Year” for the second consecutive year. This year, she shared the award with a
long-time friend of hers, Codee-Lee. Kate said she was thrilled to be recognised again, especially with Codee-Lee, as they have been competing against each other at the awards since they were juniors.
Kate makes it a double victory
LEADERS: Austin Bates and Ebony Whitney are the 2023 Collie Senior High School captains. Principal Dale Miller said she is confident in Ebony and Austin’s ability to lead the year 12 cohort, and the rest of the student body. “Collie Senior High School has a tradition of strong student leaders and 2023 is no exception,” she said. She said Austin and Ebony are keen to see positive changes continue. “It is critical that students are involved in decision making - it makes our school community a better place,” she said. “Our school board is also looking forward to meeting Ebony and Austin later this term.”
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