Connections - Issue 1 by LatrobeCity

April/May 2020 | Issue 1 Latrobe City Council

MEALS ON WHEELS Delivering with a twist

BUSINESS LIFTOUT Focus-changing landscape

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Support local

31 PLAYS IN MAY Keeping your kids busy

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open

in Latrobe

One-on-one support through our business approvals process

Inside 4

H ACC T E A M D R I V E N TO VO L U N T E E R

LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS

Latrobe City Council Home and Community Care workers are stepping in to fill some pretty big shoes - those of the Latrobe Regional Hospital patient transport volunteers.

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and that’s what many Latrobe City businesses have been doing.

S E RV I C E S N A P S H OT Due to the pandemic, we have had to close some of our facilities but many of our services are still operating, even if we’re doing things a little differently.

I N N OVAT I V E P R O G R A M D E L I V E RY The three Ls; LRG, Leisure and Library services.

A quick word from the Mayor

Since creating a business concierge role more than 200 businesses have engaged. If you’re a local business owner/ operator looking to alter your business model or even start up a business that would fill a niche in this new-look market, Erin Moore, the business concierge, is your first point of contact to navigate through the business approvals process. Through initial conversations, the concierge can develop an understanding of your proposal and organise a pre-application meeting with relevant departments to coordinate potential Council permits that may be required.

‘It’s a way of reducing bureaucracy,’ Erin said. ‘We’ve replaced multiple forms from health, planning and local laws into a single form that includes any additional information for multiple permits to be processed at the same time. Sort of like a shopping cart on an online site. ‘Customers feel supported, and more importantly, they know they have a dedicated person to reach out to should the need arise,’ Erin said. The Concierge is also a part of the Business Support Service, a pilot program with Wellington and Baw Baw Shire Councils, Latrobe Valley Authority and Regional Development Victoria. It offers tailored support to SMEs looking to build capacity or expand. To contact the concierge, call Council on 1300 367 700.

For many people, life has changed drastically in recent weeks. Working from home, schooling from home, no

Latrobe City is offering new experiences to everyone

handshakes, no group activities, closed businesses,

in a changed world where we can’t physically spend

cancelled plans and self isolation. Many of these

time with each other. Our libraries are doing things

changes have been difficult to adapt to and as we

differently, our leisure centres are doing things

know change is one of the hardest things to deal

differently and we are trying to offer things to do at

with. Employers are downsizing their workforce in

home to help keep you busy. Many businesses are

an attempt to get by and survive, these are tough

doing things differently as well, being innovative and

decisions and affect many lives. Some people have

persisting through these tough times.

found themselves with reduced hours or no work at

I would encourage anyone who is struggling to

all putting enormous stress on households. This CONNECTIONS lift-out is filled with information to help you get through this pandemic and come out of it stronger and more resilient.

contact us and see how Latrobe City Council can help – call 1300 367 700. A supported community is a stronger community. Cr Dan Clancey, Latrobe City Council Mayor

Pictured : Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Dan Clancey

Support local together Latrobe City Council is implementing a series of immediate supports for almost 700 local businesses and over 100 sporting clubs and community groups experiencing adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A short-term Business and Community Support Package endorsed by Council includes a range of cash-flow support measures and initiatives to increase access to critical information on other business support grants and programs. Listed here are key measures in Council’s Business and Community Support Package:

Council will pay all outstanding invoices to local businesses and suppliers on 14-day terms, rather than the usual 30 days, to boost much-needed cashflow; Street trading and outdoor permit charges, from 1 March to 30 June 2020, will be refunded; Health registration charges, from 1 March to 30 June 2020, will be refunded for Latrobe City-owned and/or operated small to medium businesses who have been impacted by restricted activity directives from state and federal governments; Café and restaurant tenants in Council-owned buildings will have their rents reduced until in-house dining restrictions are lifted; Rents or fees will be waived for sporting clubs using Council-owned land, grounds and buildings

Please note: this photo was captured pre-COVID–19

for the 2020 winter season; Rents or fees will be suspended for community groups using Council-owned lands, grounds and buildings, for a rent amount equivalent to the period of 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020; A ‘Business Help Desk’, using Council’s contact centre number as the gateway, will be established; A COVID-19 newsletter will be prepared and circulated fortnightly to Council’s business database; The COVID-19 business grants and programs page on Council’s website will continue; A COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy, to include consideration of rates, fees and fines will be developed.

What goes around comes around While regional communities have long understood the importance of shopping local, it is now more important than ever. Consumers can make a real difference during these challenging times just by asking local businesses: ‘Can you get that in for me?’ Sometimes items may not be on display or in stock but that doesn’t mean they can’t be ordered. Supporting local is vital for the local economy, for the bottom-line of individual business and for sustaining the fabric of the community as a whole. In past weeks we have seen some of our much-loved local businesses press pause as they consider next steps. Others have been able to quickly adjust business models, ramping up takeaway and delivery services. Businesses with shop fronts have adopted in-store social distancing measures or switched to private shopping appointments. Latrobe City has over 4000 small business, many of which are struggling to remain viable during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Have you

thought about the impact you have when you spend a dollar in your community? Described by American Express research as the ‘Boomerang Dollar’ effect, shopping small can have an enormous effect. Almost $38 billion is reinvested into our communities every year through local spending – that’s a significant amount going back into the tills of businesses, into workers’ pockets and towards worthy community causes such as sponsorship and support for local sporting clubs, organisations and education facilities like schools and kindergartens. According to an American Express survey, small business owners say they invest 42 percent of their annual turnover back into their local communities. Of each dollar spent with small businesses, 42 cents are reinvested, with: • 27 cents going towards salaries of local employees • 12 cents being spent with local business suppliers, and • 3 cents going to support local charities, schools and sponsorships. The Household Expenditure Survey, conducted annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

(ABS), estimates the average household spends almost $40,000 a year on a broad range of consumer goods and services. Of this sum, consumers estimate that a quarter (24.6%) is spent with local small businesses. Remember to shop local. What goes around comes around; these are the same businesses supporting your local sporting clubs, organisations and schools by donating school fete prizes, sponsoring signage at recreation reserves, covering the cost of uniforms … shopping local is good for all of us.

Meals on Wheels Pictured: LRH COVID Clinic nurses (from left) Donna Taylor, Kylie Richards, Georgia Zammitt and team leader Monique Pickering.

Feeling unwell?

Due to COVID-19, Latrobe City Council has seen changes to the operation of the Meals on Wheels service.

Helpful info from Latrobe Regional Hospital Is it the common cold, influenza or coronavirus? Many of the symptoms are the same but there are key criteria GPs and health services like Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) will be looking out for before you are tested for COVID-19. If you become unwell and are a close contact of someone with coronavirus or have recently returned from overseas, you should let your GP or our Emergency Department know - similarly if you have an unexplained fever or chills or a really bad respiratory infection characterised by a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Your profession may also be a determining factor. Do you work in a role where you have face-to-face contact with the public? The first step is to phone ahead to your GP or the COVID screening hotline at LRH on 5173 8065. Our nurses will determine whether you should come in for a nasal swab. If you are presenting to LRH for a test, you’ll be asked to meet our nurse outside to get a mask before being taken to the COVID testing area away from the general public.

HACC team driven to volunteer Latrobe City Council Home and Community Care workers are stepping in to fill some pretty big shoes those of the Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) patient transport volunteers. A significant number of the LRH volunteers are unable to work due to pandemic restrictions but the Council team, already proficient in personal care and support, has undergone an orientation program to ensure they are up to speed with both LRH and COVID-19 procedures and requirements. Latrobe Regional Hospital’s General Manager Governance, Kylie Osborne, said the Council workers would provide a key service during this challenging period. ‘Patient transport is a vital cog in our wheel. Restrictions meant we had to temporarily stand

toilet rolls now an optional extra!

If you are extremely unwell you may be admitted, otherwise you will be sent straight home and must remain in isolation until you receive your test results. This is usually within 24 hours. Remain vigilant while waiting for your test results – wear a mask and keep to yourself to prevent possible spread of the virus. LRH is also screening visitors coming into the hospital to see patients during the restricted hours of 2pm to 4pm daily. You’ll be asked a few questions at the screening station at the main entrance of LRH and have your temperature checked to reduce the risk of spreading any illness at our hospital. Even if you don’t have coronavirus, it’s important to stay at home and get plenty of rest to assist your recovery. Don’t bring illnesses into your workplace or public places like the supermarket. Do your bit to ensure your family, friends and people in your community are fit and well and strong enough to fight off any infection that may come their way, particularly as flu season approaches.

In order to protect one of our most valuable assets, our volunteers, many of whom are considered ‘at risk’ themselves, Council’s home care team has taken on delivery of the meals. There has been a marked increase in the demand for Meals on Wheels, which can be directly attributed to the pandemic. Helen Taylor, manager direct care services, said ‘initially referrals increased from two a week to six a day, although this has since flattened out.’ Hot meals are delivered Monday to Friday in Morwell, Traralgon and surrounding local areas. A hot meal and enough frozen meals for the rest of the week are delivered once a week to outlying townships and surrounding rural areas. People get to choose from a diverse menu and the kitchen also provides for all dietary requirements – vegetarian, gluten free, lactose intolerance, pureed meals and so on. ‘We know those receiving the service really enjoy seeing a smiling face at their doorstep as they are handed a delicious hot meal.’ On a lighter note – COVID-19 has seen us add another option to the menu - toilet rolls!

______

Pictured : Latrobe City Council HACC team with LRH’s Volunteer Coordinator Maureen LeGassick

down a significant number of our own wonderful volunteers but the way Council’s HACC team has stepped up helps enormously. They will pick up our patients from their homes and drive them to the hospital to receive their essential treatment. Some of the patients stay with us for many hours so the HACC workers can still fulfil their shifts for Council and then return to collect the patient before driving them back home. ‘These patients often have no other way of getting to their appointments and the fact that they are transported by experienced healthcare workers is a real comfort to them.’ All Council HACC workers have now been trained to undertake their new volunteer roles.

‘We don’t know what has brought the bigger smile to people’s faces – the delicious meals or the inedible toilet rolls.’ ______

Council acknowledges the dedication and commitment of the meals supplier to providing nutritious and tasty food.

BUSINESS LIFT-OUT

Latrobe Valley businesses seize social media opportunities in the midst of crisis with Erika McInerney Many businesses across Latrobe City have combined innovation and social media to keep their doors open during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis. Continued on pg 6.

Photo: Adrian Cardillo from Cafe 3869 in Yinnar Inset: Erika McInerney

Yinnar’s Cafe 3869 Part of the community

The aroma of the smooth amalfi ‘3869 blend’ can be smelt wafting down the main street of Yinnar. The early morning rush sees a steady stream of locals picking up their caffeine hit - and perhaps a sweet treat in a brown paper bag as they head out the door to start their day. For many, the morning ritual hasn’t changed – it is a constant in this uncertain time. Café owner and the man behind the famous roasted blend, Adrian Cardillo, will tell you that people still need coffee! ‘My order of green beans hasn’t decreased, I am still roasting the same amount of beans,’ he said. ‘Everyone has been great in adjusting to our new way of operating. They will either place their order then wait outside or many of the locals give us a call in advance to place their coffee order and we’ll have it ready for them and often meet them out the front of the shop.’ The busy small town café employees six staff, including Adrian and his wife Melanie who have owned the business for just shy of three years. As passionate as Adrian is about his coffee beans and café, it is the customer base, who are like family, that inspires this small town businessman to go the extra mile. ‘Without the support from locals, our loyal customers, we would wouldn’t survive,’ he said.

______ ‘They have appreicated us not closing our doors and we appreicate them supporting us by stopping to get their coffee and dropping in to pick up lunch or some dinner.’ ______

‘Many of our regulars chat with us as they wait for their morning coffee. That may look a bit different at the moment but we are still able to socialise, have a yarn and keep our distance. More than anything, with all that is happening, it allows us to still do a welfare check on our older patrons.’ Adrian believes the current crisis has pushed many businesses to ‘see the long game’, think smarter and look outside the square as they strive to keep their enterprises afloat. As an example, he and his team now offer family catering packs on a Wednesday night, such as large lasagna trays, working in with the local pub’s kitchen hours. In the first week they sold 30 lasagna trays, with little to no promotion. The story of Café 3869 in Yinnar is like so many others across Latrobe City’s seven smaller towns. They are much more than commercial activities, they are a part of the fabric of rural towns and right now, more than ever, they need our support.

Latrobe Valley businesses seize social media opportunities in the midst of crisis – Continued from previous page... One example is Traralgon’s Three Little Birds. With a ban imposed on dining-in, the local cafe re-worked its menu to provide take-home meal packs for customers. And in a move that was unimaginable a month ago, the café has produced its own in-house instant coffee to sell to house-bound customers. How are they promoting these changes? Facebook and Instagram. In April, the café’s Facebook post reach is up 197 percent compared to March, reflecting the importance of a strong social media presence. Another example of versatility in action is Gippsland-based performing arts and dance studio,

Amaka Creative. Owner Michelle Theunissen-Scott recently completed Latrobe City Council ‘Six Steps to Business Success’ course, equipping her with the necessary skills to adapt when the pandemic struck. Within a month Michelle has moved her dance and drama classes online, harnessing Zoom to provide regular online classes and using daily Facebook posts to provide creative challenges for children and handy tips for parents. There are so many examples of local businesses stepping up to provide great value and maintain connection to customers in these challenging times. Most share several commonalities. The

businesses flourishing online are clear about their audience. Changed circumstances have thrown up new customer needs; smart businesses are working to fulfil those needs. Secondly, innovative local businesses have not allowed pursuit of the perfect to be the enemy of the good. They are launching products and services that are ‘good enough’ and learning as they go. Through this crisis, it is critical to remember the basic principles of marketing. Combining these with a strong online presence may provide your business with a path through to the other side.

Lemonade out of lemons When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and that’s what many Latrobe City businesses have been doing. Our local businesses are doing it tough but they’re also doing it creatively! Many businesses, and community members, have reached out sharing their stories of innovation, resourcefulness, imagination and courage to change their business model.

@rawharvest 18–20 Rutherglen Road, Newborough

Three Little Birds Cafe

Curate and Style

Butchers on George

62 Hotham Street, Traralgon

@curateandstyle

26C George Street, Moe

The locally-owned small business quickly evolved in response to COVID-19 restrictions by converting their operations to take-away only and offering an extensive menu of pastas, curries, risottos and soups. Café Manager Bryan and his team appreciate the ongoing support of loyal customers who have taken advantage of pre-packed lunches and dinners. Social distancing marks on the café floor ensure all customers keep safe. Check out their social media on Facebook www.facebook.com/3LBCafe and Instagram.

While Jess Ryan’s one-on-one personal shopping and in-home styling sessions have been paused in light of social distancing rules, her Virtual Styling Experiences ensure local women can still access style consultations, virtually-guided online shopping sessions and other supports to build wardrobes that align with their own personal style. ‘I’d like to help women resurface from this pandemic with more intention around how they manage their style and shopping habits.’ Visit www.curateandstyle.com Instagram @curateandstyle or on Facebook.

Butchers on George is continuing to service its loyal clientele, but with an innovative twist. The Moe-based store has taken its business totally online, with a comprehensive website showing more than 100 products on offer for delivery throughout Latrobe Valley. Locals are loving the fresh produce, including a range of ‘meat and veg box solutions’, delivered to their door. ‘We have had amazing support,’ said owner Andrew. ‘We never had a website before and now our whole store is online.’ Orders can be placed by phone, via Facebook on the website at www.butchersongeorge.com.au

Morwell Newsagency

Hodge Forestry

Glengarry Hotel

174-176 Commercial Road, Morwell

35 Ryland Way, Moe South

25 Main Street, Glengarry

While newspapers are its core business, including home delivery, the store – which remains open – has much on offer to keep you entertained with arts and craft, toys and games, magazines, books and puzzles, as well as resources and stationery for those working or learning from home. Owner Ray welcomes the ongoing support of customers popping in for their newspaper as part of their morning walk. Ray has seen a boost in magazine sales and a renewed puzzle-craze. ‘I think in these times people are looking to go with what they know,’ he said. Visit www.newspowercentre.com.au or check them out on Facebook.

The Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS) consulting business specialises in consulting, auditing and drone photography services to the forestry industry and is contending with a significant reduction in part of its core business - conducting system audits. But new protocols and ways of working remotely ensures continuity in service. Hodge Forestry’s major customers, Vic Forests and HVP, have also been supportive, working with the local business to adapt to regulation changes. Find out more on Facebook or at www.hodgeforestry.com

Determined to continue servicing its community, the popular pub has promoted its bottle-shop as a drive-through, as well as offering a range of take-away meals in place of in-house dining. An innovative promotion was the pre-Easter ‘Beers and Buns’ offer where it offered Bushies Bakery’s much-loved hot cross buns with take-away drinks. Office Manager Sandy said her team has risen to the challenge and learned not to resist trying new things. Check out their Facebook at www.facebook.com/glengarrypub

Got a place you love? Drop us a line on Facebook and tell us what business in Latrobe City has been your favourite during the pandemic and why.

Business Directory There are many ways to support local businesses who are still trading in a reduced or different capacity, and even those who have been forced to close their doors but are hoping to reopen when the restrictions are lifted. By supporting local businesses where you can, you are helping to keep our economy resilient and when the time comes, ready to bounce back. More than ever, it is vital that we shop and support local wherever possible. Together we can support local business by simply asking the question.

•

Ask your favourite restaurant if they deliver.

•

Ask your PT for an online session.

•

Ask your favourite café if they’re doing takeaway.

•

Ask your local supermarket if they can deliver your groceries.

In fact there are hundreds of Latrobe City businesses delivering right to your door. All you have to do is ask. Council is encouraging all residents to do their part in supporting local businesses wherever possible over the coming months. If your business has adapted over the past few weeks, let us help the community know you’re open for business by completing an online form which will develop a Latrobe City business directory. More

Take the challenge

suppor t local

than ever let’s make it easy for residents to know of your adapted service/product offering. Businesses will be added to a database and listed below as they begin to be registered. www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/localbusinessregistration This campaign is open to any local business in Latrobe City, regardless of the industry. Please note it may take upto 24–48 hours for your business to be added to the database due to the number of registrations we are receiving. Our Business Development team is here to support and help business. For more information, please contact 1300 367 700 or email busdev@latrobe.vic.gov.au

There has never been a more important time to support our local businesses. Why not challenge your neighbour, family or friends to support local? Be the first to complete a full row of five tasks.

Treat Mum with a local voucher for Mother’s Day

Host a virtual dinner party

Been meaning to call that tradie to do that job? What’s stopping you?

Order take away and settle in for a Friday night of ‘Tunes and Takeout’

Check in on neighbours and friends to see if they need anything Do your next shop at an independent grocer

Buy supplies from a local store to finish that DIY project Order flowers for a neighbour or friend

Buy a takeaway coffee from a local café Get on top of the gardening with help from local landscapers and suppliers

Pre-Pay for your next hair appointment and stock up on products at the same time

Treat yourself. Shop online at local fashion and beauty stores

Get the car serviced or the tyres checked ahead of the wet weather

Schedule regular online meditation classes

Try a new recipe with local ingredients Buy a restaurant gift card

Give a shout out to a local business on Facebook. Don’t forget to tag them!

Buy now and spend later. Buy a gift card to redeem in the future Start a vegetable garden

Pamper your pooch with a mobile dog wash

Plan that home reno or makeover

Do a Spring clean. Prepare items to donate, when we can, to those in need

Get delivery from a local restaurant

Sharing is caring. Pick up supplies for someone who can’t get out

Service snapshot Due to the pandemic, we have had to close some of our facilities but many of our services are still operating, even if we’re doing things a little differently.

Building The Building Services team is available to answer questions and provide information about building works, permits and exemptions under building regulations by phone. Council’s website also details this information. Details for private building surveyors, who are still operating and able to issue building permits, can also be found online.

Although the planning team is unable to arrange face-to-face meetings, video conferencing can be arranged on request. You can still request advice about planning permit requirements by phone or email and apply for a planning permit online. You can also find out about planning permits, fees, compliance and other information on our website.

www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/building

planningadvice@latrobe.vic.gov.au www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/planning

Customer Service Animals Remember to walk your dog on a lead and take a bag with you to clean up after your pet. The increase in dog-walking for exercise has, unfortunately, led to an increase in dog attacks across the municipality. All dogs should be registered, walked on leads or securely housed in your yard. To ensure the safety of staff and the community, the Animal Management team has moved to an appointment only system. Request an appointment to collect an animal. The Pound is undergoing some building construction so appointments will be organised around the work to allow for community and staff safety. Animals for adoption and lost pets can also be viewed online. www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/pound

Planning

Our service centres are closed but our team is happy to take your phone calls. General enquiries can be sent via email. You can also send Councilrelated issues via Snap Send Solve. latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au www.latrobe.vic.gov.au

Family Services Childcare continues to operate as usual. Kindergarten (four year old preschool) is open and free (subsidised by the State Government) this term. You do not have to send your child if you prefer them to stay at home during the pandemic. Our teachers will contact you to support your child’s learning from home.

Waste Kerbside waste collection, recycling and transfer stations continue to operate with measures in place to ensure community and staff safety. A range of OH&S procedures specific to COVID- 19 have been deployed. Please observe social distancing when you attend a facility. It is disappointing to note that despite waste services remaining open there has been a significant increase in illegal rubbish dumping. These incidents are being investigated. To report illegal rubbish dumping you can do this via ‘Snap Send Solve Mobile App’ or call Latrobe City. The EPA’s website includes instructions on ‘How to safely dispose of household waste that may have had contact with Coronavirus (COVID-19)’. www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/waste

Maternal and child health services are offering telephone appointments. Immunisation clinics are operating as usual. If your children or your family are unwell or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the service before attending. Supported playgroups, Triple P Parenting programs and New Parent Groups are not operating for the immediate future. www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/familyservices Pictured: Intergenerational Playgroup participants

Planned Activity Groups home delivery style

The definition of a group is ‘a number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together’ and as we all know, social distancing means that groups are not currently allowed to gather. So how does Council manage its Planned Activity Groups? Differently, that’s how. Council provides daily activity groups in Traralgon and Yallourn North for people who live in their own home and risk social isolation. The activities also provide an opportunity for their carer, if they have one, to take a break. And while the usual activities are no longer possible, fun isn’t banned. Helen Taylor, manager direct care services, said staff started home visits recently and has found

innovative ways to take the laughter with them. ‘The team has produced activity packs which include puzzle pages, mandalas with colouring pencils, plus they’ve raided the toy box, so there are puzzles, jigsaws and craft items. Library books are also on the delivery menu. We are also taking this time to develop life story books for individual clients, which they can share with their family once the social distancing restrictions are lifted,’ Helen said. ‘The Planned Activity Group model may not be transferable to takeaway, but it certainly suits a home delivery service and our clients are happy to see familiar faces and get some social interaction during their day.’

If the weather is good, staff support clients on an accompanied walk around the block to get fresh air and keep healthy.

Pictured: PAG worker, Shauleen and Ian Cain. Ian loves attending the PAG program, and really enjoyed his visit from Shauleen.

31Plays

TAKE THIS FUN CHALLENGE AND SEE HOW CREATIVELY YOU APPROACH THESE TASKS.

1 Every day you get to interpret, experiment, think, design and play with a series of tasks that will take you to the past, present and future. Share your creations with us #1Latrobe31PlaysinMay or email social@latrobe.vic.gov.au

The Hazelwood Power Station chimney stacks are an iconic sight in our region. Design some murals to decorate the chimneys.

The new Regional Aquatic Centre opens next year but what would your own water park look like?

Write your own anthem for Latrobe City.

The Latrobe Regional Gallery is putting on a show! Create your own art to hang in the gallery.

Recreate the Morwell Traffic School out of Lego or draw it!

Sorting our recycling is great for the environment. What can you make from items to be recycled in your house?

What will our Regional City look like in 2050?

You get to write a book set in Latrobe City. Who is the hero and villian? What’s the story about?

Did you know Latrobe City used to be home to a National Soccer League club - The Gippsland Falcons? Pick any sport and name your team!

Design your own power station out of Lego or draw it!

The Morwell International Rose Garden is home to hundreds of flowers. What would your own rose look like?

May

The Heritage Walk at Immigration Park in Morwell is about our region’s history. Design your own history panel.

Latrobe City has seven small townships. Design and name the eighth town.

Design a boat to sail the length of the Latrobe River.

Design a new hotel for visitors.

There are many parks, playgrounds, rail trails and reserves in Latrobe but what would your own outdoor wonderland look like?

You’ve heard of the Big Banana and the Big Pineapple, what ‘big’ thing would be in Latrobe City?

Latrobe City has entered a team at the Olympics! Design a flag for our team to wave!

A new family of Martians is moving in next door. What are your top five places in Latrobe to share with them?

The Mayor is hosting a dinner party and you’re the chef! What’s on the menu?

If we were lucky enough to set up a wildlife park in Latrobe City, what animals would we see there?

Old Gippstown in Moe is a heritage park with old buildings. What do you imagine your life would have been like 100 years ago?

When the new Creative Arts Precinct opens, what band or show would you like to see perform there?

What does your dream house look like?

There has been a new animal discovered in Tarra Bulga and Morwell National Parks. What does it look like?

Did you know the Queen visited Traralgon and Yallourn in 1954? Design a cake to give to her for her next visit.

The Latrobe Regional Airport wants you to design a new flying machine. What does it look like?

27 It’s National Simultaneous Storytime today! Join in and read anything you like at 11am.

You’re Mayor for the day. What do you do?

It would have been Eurovision today - an international singing contest. Choose a song and design your entrant’s costume.

#1Latrobe31PlaysinMay

A new library is opening in Latrobe, what does it look like?

LRG

Local exhibition marks LRG’s entry into virtual tours It’s an irony that an exhibition that commemorates Morwell’s boom period should have been scheduled in the midst of a pandemic that has closed the doors to the very gallery in which it was due to be displayed. However, as ‘Small Town Fetish’ by Pezaloom, also points out, during this boom the Latrobe Valley was at the cutting-edge of art, so the fact that this exhibition will now be viewed as one of Latrobe Regional Gallery’s first virtual tours is a delicious satirical twist. The exhibition documents Morwell artist Paul Berryman’s (Pezaloom) life in the Latrobe Valley and his personal journey with Parkinson’s Disease. His photographs capture the peak of the boom period of Morwell that he experienced as a child through the transition of, not only his town, but his personal life. One of his early professional aims was to show his works in the Latrobe Regional Gallery where he remembers attending science expos as a boy. The exhibition space, the Deco, was once part of the Morwell Town Hall and remains a majestic and much coveted space deep in his memory. While the gallery cannot currently open to the public to show the exhibition, the staff and artist have embraced the opportunity to explore an online presence for it, in the form of a virtual tour. Latrobe City’s director creative arts, Rebecca Cole, said it was an exciting moment for the gallery. ‘It’s quite apt that our first virtual tour, a feature that is truly of the now, is of an exhibition that is historical in nature. But it is also very fitting that it should feature such a familiar landscape for our community, limited as we are in our movements.’ The exhibition includes images which document Morwell as a place with a past and poetic images that document personal and resonant artefacts of earlier residents. Nineteen of the images will enter the permanent collection of the gallery to record of Pezaloom’s artistic career. Yo u c a n v i e w ‘ S m a l l To w n Fe t i s h’ www.latroberegionalgallery.com from Saturday 25 April. Click LRG Online on the menu tab. For more #LRGonline, you can watch as Senior Curator David O’Halloran walks through ‘Weapons For The Soldier - Protecting Country, Culture & Family’. This exhibition examines themes of weaponry, warfare, and their connection to fighting for and protecting land and country.

Leisure

Five ways to Fitness The leisure team is pumped to provide some tips and hints for staying fit and healthy during this trying time. Physical activity is as important as mental stimulation during lockdown as it helps to keep your immune system working. Exercise flushes bacteria from the lungs and airways, increases white blood cell circulation and increases your body temperature which helps fight infections. Exercise also helps with some of the psychological issues associated with being cooped up at home for long periods. When you exercise it releases feel-good endorphins and helps lower stress levels.

1. Improvise and innovate If you’re a fitness newbie or more experienced gym bunny missing your routine, now is the time to think outside the square! There are plenty of online home workouts that you can do with little to no equipment. The main thing is getting your body moving for at least thirty minutes a day. You can even use some tins of food or fill up drink bottles to use as dumbbells. From cardio to toning to yoga, there are a heap of workouts to choose from, we guarantee you’ll never get bored. Get the family to join in and make it a fun part of the day.

2. Put on your favourite playlist and dance Use the stress releasing magic of music to dance like nobody’s watching! Dancing is a wonderful way to stay active as it gets the heart rate up and helps release happy endorphins. There are also plenty of dance-based workouts online where you can learn some new moves. Otherwise, pull out your favourite playlist or go to CD and enjoy dancing along to your favourite songs.

3. Sit less During isolation many people are spending much more time sitting down. Taking regular breaks – aim for a short walk around the house every 20 to 30 minutes.

Library

The library’s top-shelf service continues Latrobe City Libraries might have closed their doors for now but the work goes on. Behind the scenes there’s always something happening – unpacking books, cataloguing, weeding and program planning. During the temporary closure, the existing Home Library Service has been expanded to include members across all libraries who are aged 65 years or older and who are unable to collect items themselves due to pre-existing health conditions or social isolation. The service includes selection preference, delivery and collection and an extended loan period. Inside the buildings themselves, the library team has been busy rearranging the shelves and spaces to present a more engaging experience for visitors. With an emphasis on improving access, more book covers will be on display, instead of twisting to read spines. There will be less crowding on the shelves and more new material available. When the libraries re-open, browsing will be an easier prospect. Staff are moving shelving to create ‘rooms’ - special spaces fit for different purposes, there will be a new area at Morwell where you can relax and enjoy our magazines in the afternoon sunshine. Libraries coordinator, Victoria Whelan, said, ‘we want returning to the library to be a delight for our customers’. While an official re-opening date has not been set, the community is being encouraged to take advantage of the many digital resources available with their library membership. ‘From audiobooks and magazines to movies and language learning, there has never been a better time to be a member,’ Victoria said. Visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library to join online or call 1300 367 700 to join over the phone. Membership is free.

4. Give your pets more love! It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your pets. Play in the backyard, go for walks and runs. Your pet will love you for it and it will help you stay active too. A win-win!

5. Get some sunlight at home Exposure to sunlight helps increase the brain’s release of serotonin which can boost your mood and help you stay calm and focused. Find a sunny spot in your home or go out in your yard and just breathe.

Pictured: Harry Potter Book Night participants at the Traralgon Library

Latrobe City Council Telephone 1300 367 700 Facsimile (03) 5128 5672 Post PO Box 264, Morwell, 3840 Email latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au Website www.latrobe.vic.gov.au

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