AUGUST 29, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Fairytale to remember Lovers of Snow White are encouraged to dress as a magic mirror, an evil queen, the poisoned apple or even a handsome huntsman for upcoming shows in Bacchus Marsh. Performing Arts Headquarters’ latest pantomime opened at the Impresario Theatre last weekend and runs until September 17. Director Mai Pyin said the cast of talented singers, actors, dancers and musicians have recreated the classic fairytale for the local audience. She said the show is full of audience participation, popular songs, an array of “dad jokes and old fashioned charm”. “It is perfect for the whole family,” Ms Pyin said. “Audiences will have a fabulous time singing along, dancing in the aisles and laughing until they are in stitches.” Children two years and under are free. Families are encouraged to come in fancy-dress at both the 1pm and 7.30pm Saturday, September 16 performances. Esther Lauaki
Sarah McDonald as Snow White (front) and Jessica Macdonald as the Prince. (Shawn Smits)
New hospital wins backing Melton council has secured $300 million from investors to build a 150 bed private hospital – but it’s dependant on the state government coming through with funds for a public hospital. At a community meeting last Tuesday, the council announced a partnership with investment firm Freeman Group to deliver a public-private hospital for Melton. The council has identified a 10-hectare site off Ferris Road which it believes would be suitable for the hospital. Freeman Group president Dr Joel Freeman said his vision was to build two hospitals on one site separated by a bridge.
“I’ve run a private hospital in Melbourne for the past 17 years and I’m very well aware of what’s required to do so,” he said. “The model that works best, across Melbourne and Australia, is called co-location. This is where the public and the private are built next to each other. “The idea is that the same specialists that work in the private sector also work in the public hospital, meaning people have access to both services.” Dr Freeman said the concept would also include ancillary services surrounding the hospital and a motel for patients and their families. Coburn ward councillor Ken Hardy, who has
been active in the campaign for a local hospital, said he was confident the government would support the bid. “It’s a two-pronged approach,” Cr Hardy said. “We secured $300 million investment and council is coming up with the land. “Melton’s growth will also drive the need for a hospital.” The council’s chief executive Kelvin Tori told the meeting that a 10 hectare site off Ferris Road has been identified. The land is within the council’s planned Toolern “health precinct” – but it’s only partly council-owned. “We are currently undertaking a review of that urban development framework to determine whether that is really the most
appropriate site for a hospital in the future,” Mr Tori said. But he said advocacy for major infrastructure such as a hospital was “a long-term game”. “A hospital for Melton has been an issue that has been talked about for a long time,” Mr Tori said. “It’s been hard to get any real carriage with the state government. Building hospitals is exceptionally expensive and operating them is even more so.” Melton council is now waiting on the state government to release a white paper on the future of hospitals in Victoria. The paper was expected to be released in July but has been delayed. It is now expected to be released before the end of the year.
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By Esther Lauaki