Northern Star Weekly - 19th May 2020

MAY 19, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Kinder days relived Past and present families and educators are being encouraged to share their memories of McLeans Road Kindergarten ahead of the construction of a bigger kinder later this year.

Whittlesea council will soon start building a two-room kindergarten on the Bundoora site, replacing the single room, 40-year-old facility.

The kinder currently accommodates only 30 children. Once the centre is rebuilt, it will be able to provide kindergarten for 66 children.

It is expected to open in 2022.

According to the council, McLeans Road Kindergarten was built in 1977 and has provided preschool to generations of families.

Anyone with photos, newsletters, newspaper article or other gems that showcase the history of the kindergarten are urged to share them with the council.

Submissions will form part of a memory board and one or more of the materials will be on display at the new facility.

Email your submission to kinderplanning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au by June 19.

McLeans Road Kindergarten pupil Vincent. (Supplied)

Laura Michell

McDonald’s shuts stores

By Laura Michell Twelve McDonald’s stores across Melbourne’s north-west have been closed ater a delivery driver, who was in contact with a conirmed coronavirus case from a Craigieburn McDonald’s, tested positive for the virus.

McDonald’s closed its stores at Campbellield, Melton East, Laverton North, Yallambie, Taylors Lakes, Sunbury, Hoppers Crossing, Riverdale Village, Sandown, Calder Highway northbound and southbound, and BP Rockbank Service Centre outbound for deep cleaning on Sunday night.

he Craigieburn Road McDonald’s was closed for deep cleaning last Friday.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said the truck driver was employed by an external company and made deliveries to the 12 restaurants, interacting with a small number of McDonald’s employees at each store, while asymptomatic. he Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has identiied the driver as a workplace close contact of the Craigieburn McDonald’s employee who tested positive for the virus last Friday.

“Potential close contacts and employees who have worked speciic shits during and ater the

truck driver’s delivery have been instructed not to return to work for 14 days and advised to be tested,” the McDonald’s spokesperson said.

“We will re-open each of the restaurants following the completion of the deep clean and pending the availability of replacement crew.”

DHHS conirmed the Craigieburn staf member was an extended relative of a conirmed COVID-19 case from Fawkner McDonald’s. he staf member had not worked at the Fawkner store and last worked at the Craigieburn store on May 12. he McDonald’s spokesperson said the employee was self-isolating at home with “little

to no symptoms”.

DHHS data shows Hume has one of the highest active coronavirus counts in the state, with 13 active cases as of Sunday. he municipality has recorded a total of 53 positive COVID-19 cases. Only Melbourne (17) has a higher number of active cases. here were 31 conirmed cases of coronavirus in Whittlesea as of Sunday, of which three were active.

Victoria’s chief health oicer Brett Sutton said the continued increase in cases illustrated that the battle against COVID-19 was far from over.

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Council coronavirus jobs boost

By Laura Michel Whittlesea council has created about 260 jobs which will be open to people who are unemployed or have been stood down from work as a result of COVID-19. he council is one of the irst 28 councils to partner with the state government to create jobs under the Working for Victoria Fund. he $500 million fund helps people who have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 to ind new work opportunities.

People registered on the Working for Victoria database can be matched to suitable jobs.

he state government will provide funding to eligible organisations to cover employment costs.

Whittlesea council is looking for outdoor workers, social workers, counsellors, digital technicians, delivered meals drivers and more. he jobs will be based at council or with a partnering community organisation and will complement the council’s existing workforce.

Whittlesea administrator Lydia Wilson said the council was pleased to support the Working for Victoria initiative, which could see thousands of Victorians back at work sooner.

“COVID-19 has afected many people and

businesses in our community and it is going to take some time to recover from the hardship it has caused,” she said.

“Working For Victoria has multiple beneits – connecting people with jobs, helping our organisation respond to the pandemic, and supporting many community organisations that have been overwhelmed by people experiencing hardship.

“When put together, these beneits all mean one thing – a brighter future for the community living and working in the City of Whittlesea.”

Hume council has also submitted a proposal to the state government to employ 160 people

for six months as part of the fund. Under Hume council’s proposal, priority would be given to locals and council employees in need of work.

A report to last week’s council meeting said workers were needed to collect rubbish on streets, along waterways and in parks and other open spaces; to clean and replace street signs; paint house numbers on kerbs and bins; support residents and community groups to apply for grants; and digitise council meeting agendas and minutes.

Cr Naim Kurt said the council was also proposing to create a “green army” of workers who would help “beautify” the city.

Station carpark a step closer

Northern Hospital staff formed a guard of honour. (Supplied)

Hospital rallies to thank nurses Nurses arriving for work at Northern Hospital last Tuesday were greeted by a guard of honour to mark International Nurses Day. he day, which is held annually on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, recognises the contribution of nurses in caring for the community.

Northern Health’s chief nursing and midwifery oicer, Debra Bourne said this year’s International Nurses Day was more important than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic. he World Health Organisation also declared

2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

“I am very proud of our nurses. his pandemic has demonstrated that nurses have the ability to step up, step into areas they don’t usually work in and develop new models of care, while keeping the humanity of patient care,” Ms Bourne said.

“Many of our nurses are undertaking additional training and education to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

Northern Health staf at the Bundoora,

Broadmeadows and Craigieburn sites also took time to honour their nursing colleagues by presenting gits and organising live music.

Among the nurses recognised last week was emergency department and neonatal unit nurse Stephanie Grey, who was delivered by Ms Bourne 24 years ago.

Ms Grey started working at Northern Hospital in 2016 and was noticed by Ms Bourne during graduate orientation.

Construction of a new carpark at Craigieburn station will start later this year ater the state government appointed a contractor to the project.

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne recently announced that Civilex has been appointed to deliver the carpark, which will bring the number of spaces at the station to more than 1000. he carpark will be built along the eastern edge of the Hume Highway, east of the station, and will be linked to the station via a new footpath.

It will have lighting, CCTV, multiple entry and exit points and bicycle parking.

A signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed at Potter Street and the pedestrian crossing over the railway line will be upgraded.

Funding for the project was announced in the 2018 state budget. he irst stage of the carpark will create 689 new parking spaces, with 50 spaces planned to be built in the future. he new carpark follows the creation of 128 spaces in October 2016 and 30 parking spaces in 2019 to help ease congestion in the short term.

“Yuroke MP Ros Spence said the new carpark will make it easier for commuters to park near the station.

“Now we have appointed a contractor, works will get underway later this year,” she said. “his is another milestone in the long-awaited carpark, and like all Craigieburn residents, I can’t wait to see works commence.”

Details: victrack.com.au Laura Michell

Laura Michell

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THANK YOU For the way we’ve faced these past few weeks.

With courage. With humility. And with hope.

We’ve kept our distance, we’ve looked out for each other and we’ve kept our cool.

Thank you especially to those who have been tested.

Because of your efforts, we’ve achieved the biggest testing blitz in our state’s history.

Or to use Victoria’s standard unit of measurement – more than one MCG’s worth of Victorians who’ve played their part in protecting our state.

Thanks to you, we are finding out more about the spread of coronavirus in our community.

If you haven’t been tested, and you are feeling unwell, you can still visit one of the regional clinics or speak to your GP. To find out how and where you can be tested go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Because getting tested keeps us together.

visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Student now the master

By Laura Michell A former Northern Hospital medical student has returned to the hospital to take up the role as its irst toxicologist.

Dr Joe Rotella started as a medical student at the hospital in 2007 and went on to become an intern and resident. He has since worked as the clinical informatics director and assistant director of education at other health services, before returning to Northern Hospital last month.

According to Northern Health, Dr Rotella is just one of 10 toxicologists in Victoria.

Dr Rotella said his predominant role is as an emergency department physician but his passion is clinical toxicology.

“Toxicologists are medical specialists who look ater patients for whom poisoning is an issue. Most typically we see patients who have overdosed,” he said.

“Other patients we might see are paediatrics – kids are very good at exploring surroundings and getting into places their parents think they might not be able to get into, so we do also look ater a lot of accidental overdoses.”

As part of his role as a toxicologist, Dr Rotella also covers toxinology – the management of snake bites, spider bites and marine envenomation.

“We also see and treat patients who have been poisoned with heavy metals. hey are rare but there are cases we have managed in previous years of lead and arsenic particularly.

So we cover a pretty broad spectrum,” Dr Rotella said.

Dr Rotella, who grew up in the northern suburbs, said studies have shown that when a toxicologist assists in the management of emergency department patients, their length of stay in hospital is reduced.

Northern Hospital toxicologist Joe Rotella. (Supplied)

“Part of my coming across to Northern is to explore opportunities in that space. Northern Health sees a very diverse group of patients culturally, as well as from a medical point of view,” he said.

“In toxicology, we see a lot of patients for

whom mental health is a pretty signiicant aspect.

“As we work towards more advances in terms of how we give patients more targeted, speciic care from a mental health point of view, there’s a big role for toxicology at Northern.”

NEWS

Video boosts police morale Students from Mernda Primary School and Ivanhoe Grammar’s Plenty campus have put their time in lockdown to good use, creating a video to say thanks to emergency services.

About 25 students from all year levels took part in the video to recognise the work the emergency services are doing to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mernda Primary School chaplain Chantelle Olafsen came up with the idea for the video ater reaching out to Mernda police station to ask if there was any way the school community could assist police during the pandemic.

“I think [the students] were really pleased to have the opportunity to thank the police and the emergency services as well, having the connection with the local police makes it more personal.”

Mernda police Senior Sergeant Daniel Jamison said the video had boosted morale at the station and throughout the wider police network ater being shared on the Eyewatch Whittlesea Police Service Area Facebook page.

“Our members are out there every day in the community and they do have concerns, they have families, they are worried they might contract the virus and pass it on … something as small as this video has actually had a great impact on the morale within the station,” he said.

To view the thank you video, visit: www.facebook.com/eyewatchwhittlesea/ Laura Michell

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Gambling losses down during COVID lockdown Close to $35 million has been saved from being fed into gaming machines across Whittlesea and Hume since the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of pubs and clubs.

Gaming venues have been closed since March 23 in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19.

According to the Alliance for Gambling Reform, $17.4 million would have been spent at Hume poker machines in the two months since the closure, while $17.3 million would have been spent in Whittlesea.

Alliance for Gambling Reform Chief

Advocate, Tim Costello, said this demonstrated the blight poker machines are on the economies and communities of Hume and Whittlesea. “he shutdown of poker machines … has undoubtedly improved lives for many people for the better, and perhaps even saved local lives,” Reverend Costello said.

“We’re hearing some great stories of how people are no longer worrying about how to pay their bills because they now have money in their bank accounts instead of them being bled by poker machines.

“his is the reality of the devastation poker machines wreak. hey are machines of addiction designed speciically to leech money from people, and also our economy.”

Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation data shows that between July, 2019 and March this year, more than $85 million was lost at poker machines in both Whittlesea and Hume.

In 2018-19, $111.7 million was lost at Hume’s poker machine venues, while $91.066 million was lost at Whittlesea venues.

Facing up to challenges

By Laura Michell Two northern suburbs companies have switched up their manufacturing processes to make much-needed plastic face shields for frontline workers.

Workers at Ford’s Broadmeadows plant have been putting their design and engineering skills to use to create 100,000 face shields which will be donated to frontline healthcare workers. he company is also liaising with the federal government to supply the shields to hospitals across the country.

Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive Kay Hart said prototype face shields were recently tested in ive Victorian hospitals, paving the way for Ford to begin the manufacturing of the irst 50,000 shields. he shields are being produced by a core team and are assembled in production cells at Broadmeadows.

“We said from the beginning of COVID-19 that any way we could help, we would help,” Ms Hart said.

“Producing face shields is certainly something new for us, but our innovation team and engineers were able to test a number of diferent designs in hospitals and with their input, we have been able to get the face shield right for the people who will be wearing them.”

She said Ford was working with local suppliers to procure the materials for the shields.

Meanwhile, homastown packing company PACKQUEEN recently received approval from the herapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its plastic face shield, which is designed to be worn with a P2 mask.

Owner Monique Samara said she felt compelled to help ater hearing that essential workers were struggling to get personal protective equipment.

She said the switch to manufacturing face shields had helped PACKQUEEN, which usually makes postage, git and food packaging, stay aloat and employ two extra people. “he primary focus of this project has been to help the community by producing an afordable face shield and keeping manufacturing jobs within Australia,” Ms Samara said.

Main: PACKQUEEN owner Monique Samara. (Damjan Janevski) 208381_02 Above: Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive Kay Hart; Staff at Ford in Broadmeadows are producing face shields for frontline healthcare workers. (Pictures: Supplied)

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HE’S HERE FOR US Rob Mitchell MP MEMBER FOR McEwen Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au | 5716 3000 Authorised by R Mitchell ALP 57-59 High St, Wallan.

6 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

Reverend Costello said it stood to reason that at least some of the money saved from pokies would have been spent locally, helping to boost the economy.

“Poker machines are an efective drain on the economy. hey prevent people from having the money to not only pay their bills but to also do the little things in their community,” he said.

“COVID-19 is presenting us with a unique opportunity to rethink the dire situation Australia has gotten itself into with the prevalence of gambling.”

No sign of media grants A federal government grants program aimed at supporting regional and community media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic has been labelled as “inadequate” by Labor.

Last month, the federal government announced a $50 million Public Interest News Gathering (PING) grants program in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis on newsrooms.

But Labor’s communications spokeswoman, Michelle Rowland said the grants program – and its administration – proved the government was out of touch with the needs of the media industry. “he PING is late, it is inadequate, it is confused and it undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know by putting the minister at the centre of grants approvals,” Ms Rowland said. “he minister should have no role in determining winners and losers when it comes to the survival of media outlets.”

Ms Rowland said the PING grants program was established almost a year ater the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended the government replace its Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund with a targeted grants program. “he opening of the PING also comes over ive weeks ater Labor wrote to the deputy prime minister requesting COVID-19 relief funding for regional and community media. It will again be weeks before successful applicants are announced and funding lows,” she said. “he media is essential, not a service that should go into hibernation during COVID-19. We have already seen suspensions and closures of local news gathering as a result of indecision, incompetence and delay by the Morrison government.”

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Police crackdown on warrants

By Jessica Micallef Hume Police Inspector Anthony Brown is calling on people who may have an outstanding warrant to come forward.

Inspector Brown said police are trying to execute as many outstanding warrants as possible across Hume.

“We are rostering available units to attend people’s addresses and try and locate them,” he said. “he majority of these warrants will be re-bailed to a court date in the future. It’s a matter of getting the people to deal with them.

‘‘

encourage them to come forward and deal with the matters - Inspector Brown

’’

“Sometimes people are hard to ind and deliberately avoid the police … we want people to come forward and get their matters dealt with.”

Inspector Brown said there were a number of outstanding warrants across Hume, with the majority relating to failure to appear at court.

“here are always outstanding warrants. It’s a bit of a churn,” he said. “We execute some and there is more issued by the courts for diferent reasons.

“From my perspective, once they do fail to appear at court, they tend to get worried about what to do.

“I’d always advise them to seek legal advice in most circumstances and then encourage them to come forward and deal with the matters so they are not placing themselves at risk of being detained overnight or arrested by a random check.

“At least this gives them the opportunity to control the timing.”

Inspector Brown said individuals would know if they have an outstanding warrant if they have been summoned to court and have not appeared.

He is encouraging anyone who may have an outstanding warrant or suspect they have one, to contact their local police station and arrange to meet police in person to deal with the matter.

“In the majority of cases this will simply mean handing yourself in to the station and being bailed to a date in the future,” he said.

Book in express service Hume residents can get lost in a good book during lockdown, with Hume Libraries launching a home delivery service.

Library members can reserve books and DVDs via the library catalogue, the Hume Libraries app, over the phone or by email and they will be delivered by librarians.

People can also ask librarians to choose their next read for them.

Hume community services director Hector Gaston said the library express service was another way the council was striving to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that while the Hume digital collections provided a huge range of book titles and were a fantastic learning resource for the community, some titles were not available in digital format and not all library members have access to digital devices or the internet at home.

“People access library resources at all ages

for learning, entertainment and inspiration purposes so we wanted to ensure our library members could continue to access our physical collection while our branches are closed,” Mr Gaston said.

“Reading and viewing material is important for those in social isolation. Studies demonstrate that reading has a profoundly positive impact on mental health, particularly through the reduction of stress.”

To request books, visit: www.humelibraries. vic.gov.au, email libraries@hume.vic.gov.au or call 9356 6900 during business hours.

Laura Michell

Librarian Esther Tomsic collects books for delivery as part of Hume’s library express service. (Supplied)

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Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your health and wellbeing on track.

Leaving home to get medical and other care is allowed. You may also be able to speak with your GP by phone or video.

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Roxburgh Park Primary School acting principal Loren Peavey has been appointed as principal of Greenvale North West Primary School, which is due to open next year. Yuroke MP Ros Spence said Ms Peavey would meet with the community in the coming months to ensure the school met the needs of pupils and parents. Ms Peavey was previously principal at Romsey Primary School.

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Virtual council meetings Hume council meetings are now being live-streamed. The council will live-stream its meetings via it’s website, while audio recordings of the meeting will also be made available to the public 48 hours after the meeting. To watch the council meetings, visit: hume.vic. gov.au

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The redevelopment of the Mill Park Leisure Centre has been delayed. (Supplied)

Centre opening delayed he reopening of Mill Park Leisure Centre has been pushed back several months by Whittlesea council as a result of COVID-19. he council had planned to open the redeveloped facility in the middle of this year.

However, acting chief executive Joe Carbone said the work would now not be inished until summer. he council said delays in materials being delivered, social distancing impacts and additional roof works identiied during demolition of the centre had added time to the schedule.

Mr Carbone said the council discovered that the existing pool hall skylight and ceiling insulation/roof sheeting had deteriorated beyond repair, adding at least eight weeks to the

schedule. He said the redevelopment was 80 per cent complete.

“Construction setbacks for redevelopment projects of this size are quite common,” he said.

“While there are signiicant cost savings that come with redeveloping existing facilities, they still need to meet current-day standards.

“Unfortunately, the pointy-end of completing this highly-anticipated community facility has come at a challenging time for us all.

“COVID-19 impacts have delayed the delivery of materials and we have lost eiciencies through social distancing.” he leisure centre’s $25 million redevelopment began in July 2018.

Immunisation sessions Hume council is running free immunisation sessions for year 7 and 10 students. Due to current school closures, the council will be running the sessions at Sunbury, Craigieburn and Broadmeadows until Friday, May 29.

Students will require consent from a parent or guardian before any vaccine is given. To book an appointment and for more details: 9356 6745.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Laura Michell

Whittlesea Unites is an initiative that shows how Council, community, businesses, clubs and groups are rallying together to overcome the challenges of COVID-19.

The Whittlesea Unites Facebook page includes online events, giveaways, webinars and examples of how our community is responding and adapting to COVID-19 in the most creative and heartwarming ways.

/WhittleseaUnites

Have you entered yet?

Online events Events on

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Stay at Home – Seniors Exercise Program Weekdays, 10am – 11am

Nature Play in My Backyard The City of Whittlesea continues to deliver essential services to our community, and many have been adapted to adhere to social distancing requirements. As the COVID-19 situation is evolving quickly, please visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or phone 9217 2170 for the most up-to-date Council information.

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The City of Whittlesea has joined forces with local business to giveaway $20,000 worth of local takeaway food vouchers.

Follow /WhittleseaUnites to join in the yumminess!

Now until 24 May, 9.30am – 12.30pm

Yarra Plenty Regional Library Virtual Storytime Weekdays, 10am, 10.30am and 11am

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Preschoolers learn from home

By Laura Michell Hume’s youngest pupils are being given the opportunity to learn from home, following the launch of the council’s Preschool at Home program. he new initiative allows kinder children to receive their early education from the comfort of their own home during the coronavirus crisis. he program supports parents through a weekly tailored curriculum. Children are allocated a Preschool at Home team, who will provide one-on-one support and work

‘‘

ensure children have access to a rich variety of experience - Carly Moore

’’

with families to understand how children are progressing and respond to emerging needs.

According to Hume council, more than 1200 families are completing the Preschool at Home program, with many choosing a mix of in-centre and online learning. here are 2100 children enrolled in a council-run preschool.

Mayor Carly Moore said the program,

which launched two weeks ago, would provide families with a variety of experiences for their children.

“While nothing can replace in-centre preschool, Preschool at Home will ensure children have access to a rich variety of experience to facilitate their learning and provide a platform to still have contact with their teachers,” she said.

“We understand families may also be home schooling other children and we have designed the curriculum to continue the play-based philosophy of [early childhood development]. “his is a big change for our families and

staf and the program has been well received.

“Interactive experiences that work on the child’s ine-motor skills, communication and co-operation have been designed to be completed remotely at a time which works in with the family’s needs.” he council has also set up a private Preschool at Home Facebook group to encourage interaction between families and provide access to activities and information.

In-centre preschool is still available for children to attend.

Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/Services_ For_You/Children/Preschool_at_Home

School site selected Children in Donnybrook are a step closer to being able to attend a school close to home, ater a site was secured for the new Hayes Hill Primary School. he land at 1025B Donnybrook Road has been set aside for the school as part of a Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution works-in-kind agreement between the state government and developer Mirvac. he developer will provide land for the school instead of making a Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution.

As part of the agreement, the developer will build local roads to the site and install essential utilities such as water, gas, electricity, sewerage and communications.

Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the agreement meant a new school could be built in Donnybrook as the school-aged population in the area grew.

A similar deal was recently struck in Wollert between the state government and developer ID_Land.

“We’re getting on with the job of investing in new schools in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor and I am excited that we have secured land for a new school in Donnybrook,” Ms Green said. “his will ensure families can attend a great local school as the population in Donnybrook grows.”

Laura Michell

Miravc senior development manager Charbel Youssef and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green.

(Supplied)

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NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Red gums saved in road redesign

By Laura Michell Motorists are being encouraged to have their say on design options for the upgrade of Yan Yean Road.

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) has developed new designs for the second stage of the upgrade of Yan Yean Road from Kurrak Road in Yarrambat to Bridge Inn Road, Doreen. he project aims to improve traic low and travel times, provide better connections to local shops, schools and public transport, lower the risk and severity of crashes, and

make Yan Yean Road safer for pedestrians and cyclists. he community is being asked to provide feedback on three options for the upgrade of the intersection of Yan Yean and Bridge Inn roads and two options for the upgrade of the intersection with Jorgensen Avenue. he new design options were developed by MRPV in response to community feedback on initial designs for the upgrade in April 2018.

According to MRPV, the new designs for the intersection of Yan Yean and Bridge Inn roads will allow two river red gums on the

‘‘

as a direct result of feedback, we’ve developed new design options - MRPV

’’

corner of Yan Yean Road and Doctors Gully Road to remain.

As reported by Star Weekly, the trees are believed to be 400 and 500 years old, placing them among the oldest gum trees in Victoria.

A community campaign to save the trees was launched in 2018.

“We’ve listened and as a direct result of

feedback, we’ve developed new design options for the Bridge Inn Road intersection that retain these two trees,” MRPV said. he new design for the intersection of Jorgensen Avenue includes the installation of traic lights instead of a roundabout. “he intersection of Jorgensen Avenue and Yan Yean Road is not as safe as it could be,” MRPV said. “Poor sight lines and motorists judging gaps in traic to join cars travelling at 70km/h from a stationary position contribute to collisions and near misses.”

Submissions close on May 24.

Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/yyr

Drive-through lu shots Northern Health is again ofering free lu vaccinations to the community, but this year’s immunisation program has a drive-in twist.

Northern Health will run its lu vaccination program from the carpark of its NCHER building instead of the main Northern Hospital building.

Anyone wanting a lu vaccination will be asked to arrive at the building’s carpark, which can be accessed from Cooper Street, ive minutes before their appointment.

People will then be asked to leave their cars and will be directed to a designated waiting area.

Flu shots will be administered inside or outside the NCHER building, depending on the weather.

Northern Health is asking people to remain in the waiting area for 15 minutes ater receiving their vaccination.

Published Tuesdhtlay) y (Fortnig

Northern Health said there was suicient parking at the site and there would be no charge for the 15-minute parking ater the lu shot.

To make an appointment, visit: luvac. nh.org.au/ Laura Michell

A family visits Northern Health’s lu vaccination clinic. (Supplied)

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NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

North’s population on the rise

By Laura Michell he population of Mickleham-Yuroke is growing faster than any other region in Australia, new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals.

According to the ABS Regional Population Growth data, the population of Mickleham-Yuroke grew by 53 per cent in the year to June 2019. he region, which takes in new housing estates in Mickleham and Kalkallo, was home to 11,227 people at June 30, 2019, up

from 7361 as of June 20, 2018. he country’s second fastest-growing region was Moncrief in Canberra’s outer north, which recorded a 38 per cent increase in its population.

According to the ABS, Hume’s overall population rose by 4 per cent to 233,471 people, making it the ith fastest-growing municipality in Victoria.

Wyndham was the state’s fastest-growing municipality, recording a 5.9 per cent rise in its population.

Hume planning and development director Michael Sharp said a lot of planning was

required to ensure services kept pace with population growth.

“When new areas are planned, council identiies local essential infrastructure and services that the future community are anticipated to need. his includes transport [arterial roads, train stations etc], education, health, community and recreation infrastructure, and parks,” he said.

“Council infrastructure is planned and funded through its four-year capital works budget process. his takes into consideration forecast population growth, which is

Together in lockdown A new homastown Neighbourhood House project is aiming to capture life in lockdown in the suburb.

As part of Neighbourhood House Week, which ran from May 8-15, the homastown Neighbourhood House put the call out for photographs of the community which would be shared on its website.

Neighbourhood House manager Victoria Wells said the #InhisTogether slideshow was based on an idea from Morwell Neighbourhood House.

“As a neighbourhood house, we are usually dealing with people face-to-face. We wanted to reach out to people and say we are all in this together, let’s all connect in some way,” Ms Wells said.

“It means we can mark Neighbourhood House Week in a productive way for the times.”

Ms Wells, who started as the homastown Neighbourhood House manager just eight

weeks ago, said the project had also helped her get to know the community.

“I was in the job four weeks before we began working from home. It makes working in a neighbourhood house somewhat problematic as it is all about working with people.

“It has been really good for me to see the regular volunteers through the project.”

Details: tnh.org.au Laura Michell

Thomastown Neighbourhood House volunteer Andy Whincup. (Supplied)

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12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

monitored based on speed that new housing is sold, demand for services and estimated demographic of the population.”

Mr Sharp said that while infrastructure planning is a shared responsibility of the state government, council and developers, council sometimes built temporary community facilities to ensure residents have access to services before permanent facilities are built.

“Council has opened the Kalkallo and Annadale interim community centres providing services such as maternal and child health and preschool,” he said.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEATURE

When home is no longer home Star Weekly reporter Esther Lauaki had to return to New Zealand for a family emergency. She is now in strict quarantine. his is her story.

Home doesn’t feel like home anywhere any more.

I’ve travelled to New Zealand so many times in the past eight years that I could walk the length of Auckland Airport with my eyes closed.

But COVID-19 has turned our world upside down and governments implore everyone to “embrace a new normal”.

Stay home, save lives.

It’s a simple message – but what happens when your dad is in the inal stages of leukaemia and you live overseas?

My family in New Zealand was told by doctors on New Year’s day that dad had months to live.

‘‘

Warm smiles are hidden behind surgical masks

’’

Any plans to make the Trans-Tasman trip home as oten as possible were shut down in March when COVID-19 sent the nation into lockdown and, for the most part, closed Australia’s borders to the world.

Travel is reserved for healthcare aid workers, diplomats, “urgent personal business” and compassionate reasons.

Living, working and building a future in Australia, like my parents did when they migrated from Samoa to New Zealand, is no easy feat.

Doing that while my dad ights a rare and brutal blood cancer is a burden too heavy for me.

Leaving Australia last week in the thick of a pandemic required a few calls to the Health and Human Services Department, the New Zealand consulate and the airline, as well as a letter from the hospital stating my dad’s critical condition.

Melbourne airport is an empty, dark and cold place now.

About 10 border force oicers crowd the check-in desk ensuring everyone has illed out a form agreeing to self-isolate in a government managed hotel for 14 days in New Zealand.

Customs oicers are relaxed, discussing their favourite pork recipes while processing just 40 passengers for the day.

Duty Free and the retail stores are all closed and only the sound of suitcase wheels on linoleum and murmurs in the distance echo

Main: Auckland at dusk. (Chris-McLennan/newzealand.com) Left: Esther Lauaki and her dad Iakopo. Above: The room at a government-managed hotel where Esther Lauaki is quarantined for 14 days. Below: Melbourne Airport is a different place these days. (Pictures: Esther Lauaki)

through the staf bypass corridor you have to walk through to get to your gate. he light was a speedy three and a half hours with no air traic and good lying conditions into Auckland where I was born and raised.

An idyllic Kiwi childhood of breakfasts at the beach, jandals, walking to the corner dairy with a dozen cousins, Jelly-Tips and kina (sea urchin) ishing.

But in this post COVID world, warm smiles

are hidden behind surgical masks, there are no handshakes or hugs – just a health check and a sterile, “Welcome home Ma’am”.

Green crosses taped on the loor are two metres apart and the assumption is that everyone is infected.

We are ushered onto a tour bus bound for a hotel that nobody will tell us the name of. he New Zealand Army, Police, Navy, border patrol and health department are on site at the

hotel to help enforce strict isolation, social distance and hygiene measures.

Home for the next two weeks is a compact hotel room with an en suite and a queen-sized bed. hree meals a day are delivered to your door with one hour of supervised exercise allowed each day.

Time is what I have on my hands right now before I can see my dad and, more than anything, that’s all I want.

13 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

FEATURE STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Phill and Catherine Abram from Wyndham Salvos.

(Damjan Janevski) 208525_01

It takes an army Each May, volunteers from the Salvation Army hit the streets of Melbourne with donation tins to raise money for the annual Red Shield Appeal. But the coronavirus crisis has forced this year’s doorknock online, writes Laura Michell. he annual appeal is the Salvation Army’s main fundraiser, with donations going towards the organisation’s social and community services.

Craigieburn Salvation Army captain Pete Brookshaw says the Salvos made the decision to hold a digital fundraiser this year because the COVID-19 pandemic meant volunteers wouldn’t be unable to door knock or collect donations at shopping centres and key intersections.

He is urging anyone who is able to make a donation to do so online. “he Salvation Army always lends a hand to the most vulnerable in our community, so even though these are diicult times, our aim is to ofer hope and support to people in need,” he says.

“Right now, we are working with our local community, as we have always done, to ensure that we leave no one in need.” he Salvation Army runs a number of initiatives to support the Craigieburn community, including a breakfast program at four schools, community lunches, a food van, and welfare services. Mr Brookshaw estimates that the Craigieburn Salvos served 20,000 cheese toasties to school children last year.

He says the demand for help has increased each week as more people begin to experience inancial pressure as a result of the pandemic.

“Our welfare service is busier than ever.

“We have new people accessing our service who have not done so before. We welcome anyone who is in need to give us a call as this is a diicult time for people.” he Wyndham Salvation Army is experiencing a similar surge in demand for help.

Captains Phill and Catherine Abram and their team of volunteers have been providing emergency relief, food, and assistance in paying bills to anyone who reaches out for help. he Wyndham Salvos are also providing takeaway lunches every Tuesday, Wednesday 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

Craigieburn Salvation Army captain Peter Brookshaw is urging residents to donate online. (Damjan Janevski) 208382_02

and hursday instead of their traditional community meals.

“It’s all hands on deck for us. We’re an essential service,” Mrs Abram says. “We have been doing online [food] vouchers for people who access our support and don’t have transport.

“We are seeing people who have never had to access services before, they have never been on welfare before – it is an unknown for them.”

Mrs Abrams says the Red Shield Appeal is more important this year than ever before.

“More than ever, we need people’s continued generosity,” she says.

“We are struggling as a lot of our income

source is from our op shop, which is not open.

“Even if everybody gave $2, what a diference that would make. We are really calling for every community group to get on board, as well as individuals.”

According to Salvation Army Lieutenant Star Conlife, the Red Shield Appeal allows the Salvos to target their support programs to meet the needs of their local community.

Ms Conlife says the Hobsons Bay Salvos used money raised last year to construct a small food trailer to help out with their food relief program.

While construction of the trailer was put on

hold as a result of COVID-19, the Salvos are hopeful it will be up and running soon.

Ms Conlife says social distancing has forced the Hobsons Bay Salvation Amry to rethink how it ofers support to the community.

She says all support services have changed to no contact, while a weekly soup van service has morphed into a meal delivery service that provides food to about 50 people each week.

“By being lexible, we have been able to help more people.”

To donate to the Red Shield Appeal, visit, https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org. au/ and search for your local Salvos.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEATURE

Fans, players, and club members alike will return to a completely different sporting landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Stewart Chambers) 179445

Sport won’t be the same

By Russell Bennett Sporting clubs right across the nation need to be prepared for what’s coming.

As the world continues to come to grips with the magnitude of the Covid-19 pandemic, its sporting codes – both at professional, and community level – are planning for their return at some stage in 2020.

In making that call, they’re rightfully following the advice of the various government and health bodies.

But there’s a stark reality facing some clubs that a return this year, to a drastically-reduced season – could cause much more inancial harm than good.

Inluential West Gippsland footy igure, Cora Lynn’s Terry Dillon – through his company TD Solutions Sports Administration – has developed the ‘Community Football Covid-19 Financial Assessment Tool’ in conjunction with the AFL. he AFL has then forwarded it to all community clubs across Australia, and it’s been shared with all state sport and recreation departments across the nation.

Efectively, it’s designed to help clubs clearly understand the efects that the coronavirus could have on their inancial bottom line.

While there’s currently a working group in place conducting a Victoria-wide review into the salary cap and points systems in light of the pandemic, Dillon’s personal view is that caps should drop from 65 to 75 per cent across the state.

Dillon said a statewide, proportionate salary cap shit is “critical”, and explained why.

“Playing half a season doesn’t mean clubs get half the revenue,” he said.

“We’d all love for the season to proceed – given the obvious community beneits, and the return to normality it would provide.

Terry Dillon presents to football clubs.

“here’s no one who wants footy and netball to return this year more than me, but there’s a greater risk for many clubs’ viability if the season proceeds.

“If we don’t take the hard line here at the current time there will be more clubs in inancial trouble than not at the end of either this year or next. Sadly, some won’t recover.”

TD Solutions has predicted that up to 80 per cent of clubs won’t be ready for what’s to come, and a good percentage of those will end up in debt.

Dillon also predicted a participation drop-of of sorts, with the retirement of some senior players likely hastened by the new environment.

“AFL Victoria has a diicult job in balancing regional clubs’ need for players to travel to play, and their own viability,” he explained.

“And there’s a need to protect regional clubs. “here’s an argument for zero player payments for 2020 if the season does begin. here are just too many unknowns. Drastic

times require drastic measures.”

While Dillon acknowledged that would cause a huge adjustment for players and coaches at a community level, he said there’d be a short-term impact on the game for a long-term beneit.

At one stage this year, TD Solutions sampled 30 community football netball clubs in a span of 45 days. Incredibly, 25 of those were in debt.

“Two thirds of clubs were already under inancial pressure pre-coronavirus,” Dillon said. “So what about now, or post-corona?”

Dillon urged all clubs to utilise the Community Football Covid-19 Financial Assessment Tool to identify the shit in inancial models moving forward, and to plan accordingly.

“Complete the free model and ind out where your shortfall is,” he said. “Act now, and get moving.

“Eighty per cent of clubs have not done a budget, post-Covid-19. hat is a red lag for all community clubs.

“We need to focus on the long-term survival of clubs, but the next 12 months is a critical period.”

Based of the free club inancial estimator on the TDS website, it’s estimated that some clubs will experience a more than 70 per cent revenue drop in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, given negative impacts to sponsorship, fundraising, membership, registrations, consumer disposable income, and a range of other factors – including potentially starting a season in the winter months.

“If the clubs do nothing, their revenue shortfall will be in that range, however we’ve provided six here-and-now revenue solutions that will reduce the clubs’ exposure,” Dillon said.

“It’s one thing to identify the problem, but we’re also helping with the solution.”

Former AFL Gippsland commissioner John White explained just what the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted for community clubs.

“What it has done, particularly in country football, is expose our vulnerability to external factors – things we haven’t got control of, but things we aren’t making any contingency plans for,” he said.

“We’ve not been aware of these outside inluences, which can really damage us.

“Here we are, in what should have been the opening rounds of the season, with no prospect of playing football or netball in the near future and we’ve got clubs that are seriously in doubt about their inancial futures.

“Without a contingency plan, and no real position of inancial strength to fall back on, there are going to be some massive problems.”

White said, in his opinion, many clubs would prefer not to resume at all this season if the earliest commencement date for the season is May 31.

“I’ve heard the terminology used several times now that to play would be inancial suicide for a lot of clubs,” he added.

Dillon is running a series of webinars to educate clubs on how to minimise their exposure during the pandemic.

TD Solutions brings his lifetime’s work – including working for 17 years at AFL clubs such as Collingwood (as chief inancial oicer under Eddie McGuire), Hawthorn (as chief operating oicer under Ian Dicker and Jef Kennett, and acting chief executive), and St Kilda (as chief operating oicer) - to the fore to help those running local sporting clubs.

For more on the Community Football COVID-19 Financial Assessment Tool and Guide, visit www.tdcommunitysolutions. com.au 15 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

FEATURE STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

1

2

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Pictures of an earlier pandemic

By Alesha Capone

4

As the world continues to battle Covid-19, the pandemic has been compared to the Spanish lu outbreak of more than 100 years ago. hat pandemic, which emerged at the end of the First World War in 1918, killed more than 50 million people worldwide. he virus spread around the world as WWI soldiers returned home.

In Australia, despite quarantine measures, around 40 per cent of the population fell ill and around 15,000 people died. he irst case of the Spanish lu in Melbourne appeared in January 1919.

In the western suburbs, the local newspapers of the time were illed with articles about community eforts to ight the illness and – sadly - many obituaries, as people died.

On February 8, 1919, he Independent newspaper reported the Footscray Technical School in Nicholson Street would be used as a hospital.

More than 150 beds were purchased and Red Cross workers supplied bedding and other requisites. he city’s health oicer, Dr J. Ramsay Webb, paid a “warm tribute” to Footscray residents for helping to set up the hospital.

Another news story said entire families in the Footscray area had come down with the Spanish lu, and “without assistance from their friends and neighbours there is but little hope for them”.

6

5 16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

he “ladies of Yarraville” were praised for helping stricken households.

In nearby Williamstown, according to an article by he Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, “hotels were closed, trains were deserted and public entertainment cancelled”.

On February 16, 1919, the Werribee Shire Banner reported that three cases of the Spanish lu had been recorded by the local health oicer. he Werribee Mechanics Institute was used as an isolation hospital and 400 residents were vaccinated within a week. he article said several events had been cancelled, such as the Werribee Farmers Picnic. he Banner said that church services were to be held outside, and if mass was held indoors due to inclement weather, parishioners were advised to wear facemasks. he Melton Express ran a story about the Shire of Bacchus Marsh’s medical health oicer, John Pollock, who warned that any household which did not report a case of inluenza to the council would face a ine of 20 pounds (£20).

A well-known resident of the west who died of the Spanish lu was Lieutenant Louis Edwin Trawin, who lived in Footscray.

At the age of 19, he enlisted for WWI and was allocated to the 7th Battalion. He served in Gallipoli and France, and was shot three times.

Sadly, Lou died in the Spanish Flu epidemic in April 1919.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEATURE

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1/ Shop on the corner of Ferguson Street and Railway Place, Williamstown circa 1920. (State Library of Victoria) 2/ Sunshine Post Ofice, circa 1913-1930. (State Library of Victoria) 3/ Hospital beds in Great Hall during inluenza pandemic, Exhibition Building, Melbourne, February 1919. (Museums Victoria) 4/ Nurses and patients in the Carlton Gardens, 1919. (Museums Victoria) 5/ Nelson Parade looking south, Williamstown, circa 1900-1920. (Andrew Rider/State Library of Victoria) 6/ Altona Beach circa 1920-1954. (Rose Stereograph Co/State Library of Victoria) 7/ Bacchus Marsh Main Street circia 1918. (Rose Stereograph Company/State Library of Victoria) 8/ “The swimming pool”, Werribee, circa 1920-1954. (Rose Stereograph Co/State Library of Victoria) 9/ Austin Hospital at Christmas, Heidelberg, 1919. (Museum Victoria) 10/ The Newport Workshops Band, circa 1921. (Richards & Co/State Library of Victoria) 11/ M.McMurry’s Confectioners and General Store, circa 1918-1928 in Footscray. (State Library of Victoria) 12/ Sunshine Harvesters employee Agnes Lawson at work in 1920. (State Library of Victoria) 13/ Barkley Street, Footscray, cira 1920 - 1954. (Rose Stereograph Co/State Library of Victoria) 14/ Mayor and Mayoress Liston greeting guests at a garden party in the Williamstown Botanic Gardens in 1920. The Spanish lu pandemic ended in Australia by December 1919.

17 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

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฀ 3 ฀

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3

3 ฀ ฀ Mix and Heavy accepted.

Call 0437 770 077 12418035-SN21-19

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Television/Video/Audio

AAA AERIAL

฀

Electricians

*Not available with any other voucher or coupon

Lic No. REC 30504

ANTENNAS

DIGITAL ANTENNAS POINTS & BOOSTERS INSTALLED TODAY

CALL OUT FEE $0

Professional

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Find your Local Specialist in our

Professional Services section of Network Classifieds.

30% OFF THIS WEEK 0409 888 228 12445286-NG13-20

Lic No. 116785

Lic No: 37409

yes we can SERVICING LALOR - SOUTH MORANG AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

We NEVER

Close Lic. 23691 Lic No. 30504

฀

24 Hours Service 7 days a week ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ maurice@vantageplumbing.net.au www.vantageplumbing.net

Need cash?

Motoring

Garage Sales

PLACE YOUR

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Car/Truck Rentals

12400498-CG38-18

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

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CALL MAURICE FOR A FREE QUOTE 0432 501 802

Lalor - South Morang Electricians Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

General Classifieds

VANTAGE PLUMBING P/L

Sell it local

Buy & Sell in our

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www.crowncabs.com.au Bookings: 1300 12 13 14

12409348-HM04-19

1216151-ACM06-16

Fill your position online

Drain Specialists Pipe Relining / Drain Renewals CCTV & Water Jet General Plumbing

For a Free Quote call Pavlina on 0431 116 544 www.koprivacleaning.com.au

12445887-SG15-20

Use code: EMPDISC

Rubbish Removal

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Lic. 102400

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Get 10% Discount

section of Network Classifieds.

www.tbr.net.au

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SHOWROOM 738 HIGH ST, EPPING

Real Estate

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฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

CALL: 9401 2232

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

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Total Bathroom Renovations

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OFFER EXPIRES FACTORY SHOWROOM 31/05/20 7 BARRETTA RD, RAVENHALL

www.sunlinerollershutters.com.au

Bathroom & Kitchens

✆ Mark

NEW STAFF?

30%

DISCOUNT

CALL: 9364 2232

Positions Vacant

NEED

1300 553 173

SERVICING ALTONA NORTH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

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PROTECT YOUR FAMILY REDUCES HEAT/COLD/NOISE ELECTRIC/REMOTE DUAL MANUAL PENSIONER/SENIORS DISCOUNT 24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE* CONDITIONS APPLY

yes we can

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FACTORY DIRECT

SENIORS CARD

C1033285-KK23-12

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Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

Employment

12446745-NG16-20

Call Us Today... For our FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Roller Shutters

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yes we can

12414798-SN14-19

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12435711-SG04-20

Deadline for all classifications is 3:00pm Friday.

12388024-SN21-18

12387530-EPJ23-18

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

r ne io nt! s n u Pe isco D

0420 102 762

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12400545-LB38-19

We accept payment by:

Pets & Services

12423634-SN31-19

Deadline

12411802-RC09-19

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Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

19 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 May, 2020

12449002-LN21-20