Your home is protecte from the weather

Public holiday Thurs

By STEFAN BRADLEY

VICTORIANS are set to experience a four-day weekend, with two public holidays to close this working week. Tomorrow (Thursday, September 22), has been declared a one-off National Day of Mourning, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96. Then on Friday, Victoria will observe the Grand Final Eve public holiday. The state government has designated both holidays as a “normal trading day”, meaning businesses are not required to reduce their opening hours nor close, unless they wish to do so. MANY Australians have had their medical appointments and surgeries postponed due to the sudden Thursday public holiday. Central Gippsland Health acting chief executive, Kelli Mitchener, said that consultations have been made with patients and families to minimise the impact of postponements. “Central Gippsland Health respects and recognises the importance of the day. Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-serving monarch and it is important to give people the opportunity to reflect on her decades of service during her time on the throne,” she said. “Central Gippsland Health has rescheduled some elective surgery and outpatient appointments in consultation with patients and their families to minimise the impact and ensure patients’ needs are met. “As a major healthcare provider, Central Gippsland Health is well equipped for these unpredictable circumstances, and we will continue to liaise with patients, families and staff to ensure the most minimal disruption to services, while respecting the passing of our constitutional monarch. “

Lawyers seek info on abuse

By TOM PARRY

MAURICE Blackburn Lawyers are seeking the public’s help with historical cases of abuse at two Gippsland primary schools. The law firm wants to hear from attendees of Bairnsdale West Primary between 1970 and 1980, and the now-closed Nambrok West Primary between 1980 and 1983. Senior associate at Maurice Blackburn, John Rule, is leading the case on behalf of alleged victims at both schools. Mr Rule believes there could “very likely” be more victims at both schools during the same period. “Unfortunately, this particular perpetrator was fairly blatant and I suspect that there will be… other people that have been affected,” Mr Rule said. “There’ll be plenty of witnesses out there and people who remember this (perpetrator).” According to Mr Rule, police have previously convicted the alleged perpetrator of other crimes. It is believed the same perpetrator is deceased, but Mr Rule has not been able to confirm this information. Mr Rule is based in Melbourne, and dedicates himself to representing victims of historical childhood abuse. He is urging anybody with information to come forward, noting that the passing of time and loss of information puts his clients at a disadvantage. “They might not have witnessed abuse, but they might remember things about this (perpetrator) or things about the school - those sorts of things that can help in preparing these cases and ultimately being successful for our clients,” Mr Rule explained. “There’s no cut-off date (for information), and anyone’s very welcome to give us a call at any stage. “We’ll always take the call and it’s always confidential.” Those wishing to share information can phone (03) 8102 2087.

Aquarium weed warning

AGRICULTURE Victoria is concerned about rise in the sale of state prohibited water weeds such as salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Concerns have been raised by the practise happening through the aquarium industry in Victoria. Agriculture Victoria incursion controller, Victoria Byrne, said reports of salvinia for sale at aquarium shops and via online platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook marketplace had increased in recent months. “Aquarium retailers could face serious legal consequences, such as large fines, if they are found to be selling state prohibited weeds,” she said. “Salvinia and water hyacinth are both floating aquatic plants that can quickly form dense mats and completely cover the water surface. “They can block waterways, impede irrigation, and prevent recreational activities and impact water quality, resulting in the loss of native flora and fauna. “It’s very important an effective eradication program be implemented as soon as an infestation is discovered to prevent linked open water systems from becoming infested.” Ms Byrne said people are often unaware of the serious problem posed by these weeds. “It’s an offence under the Catchment and Land

Alarm bells:

The sale of illegal water weeds is causing concern for Agriculture Victoria.

photograph supplied

Protection Act 1994 to buy, grow, sell, propagate or give away state prohibited weeds, such as salvinia and water hyacinth,” she said. “We want to work with people, both householders and aquarium retailers, to ensure state prohibited weeds such as water hyacinth and salvinia don’t establish in Victoria.” If you spot salvinia or water hyacinth, email photographs and details of the plant to weed. spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au, and an officer will reach you to offer assistance. For more information on state prohibited weeds, visit the state prohibited weeds in Victoria page on the Agriculture Victoria website.