Just briefly...

Cafs' Thread Together Program has received a mobile wardrobe which will allow the delivery of new clothing to reach even more people experiencing hardship across the Central Highlands region.

Operating in Ballarat since 2021, Cafs Thread Together Program is stocked with new clothing and is open, via referral, to anyone in the community who is experiencing hardship including homelessness, women and children escaping family violence, long-term unemployed, refugees, people facing severe illness, children or young people in care and young adults preparing to leave care. Details: 5337 3333.

The federal government is set to fall well short of its goal of building one million homes over five years according a report from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, says Tim Reardon, Housing Industry Association’s chief economist.

“Every state and territory needs to take action to attract more investment in the housing sector to improve the supply of new homes,” Mr Reardon said. “Over the decade, this will see an expected 79,300 shortfall in the supply of new homes. This will see the acute rental shortage worsening and unnecessarily high increases in home prices.”

The Fred Hollows Foundation is searching for a new Junior Ambassador among year 6 students in Victoria as part of the 2023 Humanity Award.

The award celebrates children who show compassion, integrity and kindness in their everyday lives. Whether it’s helping others, supporting good causes or volunteering, no act of kindness is too small to acknowledge. In 2022, Matilda Goodbourn, of Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Ballarat, was nominated by her little sister for shining a light on social justice issues. Inspired by The Big Issue magazine, Matilda created her own social justice publication for kids, The Little Issue. Nominations close on July 21. Link: www.hollows.org/au/humanityaward

Hepburn Shire Council is reviewing its Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy.

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the council made allowances for cafes and restaurants to offer more options for outdoor dining during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Outdoor dining is included in this review and we are interested to hear from the community, business operators and visitors to hear what they think as we plan for the future. We want to support our towns and communities to thrive, but we also need to ensure that these activities are done safely in our shared public spaces." The survey closes on April 14. Link: www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/outdoor-trading

Ballarat local and Adnyamathanha Yuru man, Shu Brown, has been appointed to the Central Highlands Water board of directors as Independent Aboriginal Delegate.

Board chair Angeleen Jenkins said this was a significant position and Mr Brown’s input would enhance the reconciliation work of CHW across the region by strengthening understanding of First Nations peoples' strong spiritual connection to water in Aboriginal culture and identity, and the longstanding commitment to care for and protect water resources. Mr Brown manages the Cultural & Therapeutic Team at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative.

Helicopters carrying patients requiring emergency care will be diverted to the Ballarat airport or an oval for three years while a helipad is built on the top of the new multi-level Ballarat Base Hospital.

Minister for Heath and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced funding of $54 million to deliver the helipad and an extra 400 parking spaces for staff and patients. Construction on the tower begins next year and is set for completion in 2027. It will include a new emergency department, women and children’s hub, stateof-the-art theatre suite, 100 additional inpatient and short stay beds and the helipad. Ms Thomas said the new helipad would give patients quicker access to the emergency department and operating theatres – "ensuring patients in an emergency get the care they need as fast as possible".

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