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■ More than 40 people came to the Molesworth Hall to learn about current animal health issues and how farmers can deal with stressful situations.

Wetlands re-open

■ The Yea Wetlands have now reopened, after being significantly impacted by the October 2022 flood event.

Following the latest inspection, Murrindindi Council can confirm that the wetlands are safe to reopen.

“When you visit, please be mindful that some pathways may be a bit slippery due to recent wet weather and a build-up of leaf litter,” said a Council representative.

“This may limit accessibility for prams and wheelchairs until all the pathways have been resurfaced.

“While most of the wetlands have been reopened, a section of damaged boardwalk remains closed.

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● ● ● ● Dr Anna Manning discussing how to tackle worms in stock. vice to small business owners, their families and their employees under the Partners in Wellbeing Program, also attended.

Murrindindi Shire Council and Agriculture Victoria hosted the ‘Caring for Our Stock, Caring for Ourselves’ workshop to highlight the importance of animal and farmer health.

Principal Vet Dr Anna Manning from Delatite Veterinary Services shared some observations about stock on flood affected properties.

Dr Manning explained current health issues in animals across the region and how to respond, particularly liver fluke, worms and lice.

Advice on managing feeding regimes to minimise susceptibility to grass tetany was highly engaging.

With 40 years of experience specialising in trauma recovery, psychologist Dr Rob Gordon spoke to attendees about the effects that stress can have on the body, and some of the signs to keep an eye out for.

As disasters tend to disrupt the usual patterns of life, one of the most important things

Long Shots

Ms Edmonds reported that trauma (resulting from a disaster) which is unresolved can lead to ongoing stress and impact physiological health.

“Over the coming weeks works will continue in the wetlands to resurface the pathways and rebuild the damaged boardwalk.

“Murrindindi Shire Council would like to acknowledge the financial contribution of the Victorian State Government in completing this important work.”

Nature strip chat

■ The Whittlesea City Council wants to hear feedback from residents about a proposed new policy on nature strips.

“Nature strips play a vital role in our streetscapes by beautifying streets and contributing to our natural environment,” said a Council representative.

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Celebrating 54 years in local media

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“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do” in recovery is staying connected with your community.

Another key message was that if situations seem so difficult that it becomes hard to make a decision or take action, it can be an indicator of ongoing stress.

A useful short cir- cuit can be to make time for relaxation, pleasure and leisure.

Representatives from RuralAid and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry attended.

Mental Health Consultant Zoe Edmonds, who offers a free counselling ser-

This event is one of the latest flood recovery activities conducted across the Shire, as the Council reaches out through pop up hubs and events connecting with communities to support the recovery process for all.

Murrindindi Shire Council representatives are also attending the monthly Yea Cattle Sales at the Yea Saleyards to offer information and support to farmers.

Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr John Walsh said; “Farmer health is very important in both the physical and psychological sense.

“We know healthy farmers equals healthy farms, and vice versa.

“Supporting farmers and their farms to bounce back after the floods is essential for our community to grow and prosper.”

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“With the aim of empowering residents to actively shape their surroundings, the updated guidelines offer greater opportunities to modify nature strips adjacent to homes.

“The draft guidelines aim to support the creation of more liveable neighbourhoods while taking safety into account.

“They provide clarity on what modifications can be made, striking a balance between greenery and the safety of road users and pedestrians.

“Under the proposed changes, residents would be able to plant shrubs and edible crops, while limiting the use of materials that can have a detrimental environmental impact such as artificial turf.”

All feedback will be considered before the guidelines are finalised. It is anticipated that the new guidelines will come into effect on October 1.

Lifeline’s op shop

■ Lifeline’s new op-shop has opened in Bundoora, next to DFO Uni Hill

Local people will be able to buy new and pre-loved homewares, fashion, manchester, electrical items, books, music and small items of furniture while helping to fund Lifeline’s local suicide prevention services.

Shop manager Rebecca Rowbotham and her team of volunteers are looking forward to welcoming existing and new customers.

Ms Rowbotham said the store will have many items to choose from across all departments and a great shopping experience.

“The store has a great, fresh look and will be open for customers to enjoy 7 days a week,” Ms Rowbotham said.

She said proceeds from Lifeline shops go to delivering 13 11 14 crisis line phone support, local free counselling services, as well as community suicide prevention training and support programs.

“There’s more demand for Lifeline services than ever. Our shops help to make sure people can keep calling Lifeline to have someone listen to them, and to offer hope.

“We urgently need more volunteer crisis supporters for our 13 11 14 service and shop proceeds help fund the training and ongoing support for these amazing local people.”

Donations of quality pre-loved items to the shop are welcome during shop hours.

“That’s another benefit of op-shopping with Lifeline. You get a bargain but also help the environment by giving items another life. Because we sell the items to raise funds, we need donated items to be in a good condition.”

Ms Rowbotham is always looking for new shop volunteers too. The new shop is at Shop 4 / 30 Janefield Drive, Bundoora. It will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.

?Murrindindi Mayor Cr John Walsh has fronted the first of a series of videos, explaining what happened at the latest Council meeting. The video is available through social media channels. Murrindindi Shire, whose residents have a median age of 50, remains one of the last adaptors of residents to digital media. Manyresidents, especially older people, do not use social media or the internet to access municipal news.