Established in 2003
proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
28 MARCH, 2023
12496404-AV22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
Driven by a love of art
Gladstone Park Secondary College Art Teacher, Luke Sinclair will be submitting his oil on canvas self-portrait for the 2023 Archibald Prize. (Damjan Janevski) 323987_04
Gladstone Park Secondary College art teacher Luke Sinclair plans to drive to New South Wales to hand deliver his submission for the 2023 Archibald Art Prize. The prestigious prize is awarded annually to the best portrait by an Australian artist with the winner taking home $100,000. Mr Sinclair said he has no expectation of winning, instead his motivations for entering the competition stem from the classroom. “I want the students to see that I’m doing something with my skills and not just teaching art, but practising it too,” he said. “I’m doing this because I want to give them a little bit of a kick and encourage the idea that this is possible and they can do these things too.” Mr Sinclair pays homage to his teaching identity throughout the self-portrait, with the initials of both his own former teachers and current year 12 art students running along the spine of the painting’s frame. “A lot of people study art with the intention of keeping it as their own sort of personal world – but I like sharing it, that’s the whole point of this painting. I think teaching art is the more genuine way to be an artist, because you’re actually giving, not taking.”
Rates rise in Whittlesea By Hannah Hammoud Whittlesea residents can expect an average rate rise of 3.5 per cent and more than $77 million worth of improvements in the municipality under the council’s proposed 2023-24 budget. The council announced an operating budget of $294.85 million to go toward priority services for the community, which includes a capital works program of $77.83 million to provide essential infrastructure and improve roads and facilities around
the Whittlesea area. Acting chief financial officer Aaron Gerrard delivered the proposed budget and said the rate increase is in line with the state government’s Fair Go Rates System and council is not seeking a variation to the rate cap, which would allow council to propose an increase above the cap. “Our key focus is on ensuring people of all ages across our community have access to programs, activities and services that will enhance their health and wellbeing.“ he said. The budget includes a proposal for council
to continue to subsidise waste charges by 22.4 per cent at a cost of $6.7 million, specifically the state government’s Landfill Levy in recognition of the economic pressures on households and businesses. Waste charges in 2023-2024 are proposed to increase by 20 per cent or $30.55 per household which will mean a total charge of $183.30 for the average residential household. The capital works budget includes commencing the design and site preparations of the Regional Aquatics and Sports Centre in
Mernda, completing the design, commencing construction of an Aboriginal Gathering Place and commencing construction of a community activity centre in Donnybrook among others. The proposed budget will be advertised on Wednesday, March 29, allowing public comments and submissions to be received up until 5pm, Tuesday, April 25. The final budget 2023-24 is scheduled to be considered for adoption by council on Tuesday, June 27, following consideration of any submissions by council.
With thousands of projects completed nationwide,
Concept to Clean-up, you can rely on us! “5 star plus delivery of service in a timely manner.”
Your trusted Home Improvement Specialists!
Satisfaction Guarantee
12589482-KG09-23
CDB-L 48045, CB-L 32244
Carports • Pergolas • Decks • Shade Structures
1800 601 674 • info@outsideconcepts.net.au • www.outsideconcepts.net.au
Obligation free quote