Smoking ban passes 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.

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.”