FEBRUARY 23, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
If it’s vintage it’s wanted
(Damjan Janevski)
Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to dig out old truck tyres, fence posts, rocks and antique hand tools for a community park project in Kyneton’s botanic gardens. Hardwood timber logs and pre-1970 caravans, tractors and utes are also being sought. Mayor Graham Hackett (pictured) says collections will be carefully chosen over the next few months, with donations accepted until May 2. ‘‘Having input from the community through the contribution of recycled materials … gives everybody an opportunity to get involved,’’ he says. ‘‘It instills a sense of pride in the space and creates a sense of ownership.’’ The park is scheduled to be completed by February next year. To contribute, phone Jodie Turner on 5422 0247. To view park designs, visit goo.gl/UsGJBv
Sunbury community leaders hoping to develop an Australian-first smartphone app to connect ice users with mentors are calling on residents and businesses to help get the concept off the ground. A total of $60,000 is needed to take ‘‘Ice Breaker’’ from the prototype stage and put it in the hands of local people desperate to end the cycle of their drug use. Bruce Howard, proprietor of the Angry Butcher Bike Shop, said flow-on benefits of the Sunbury Community Health-supported project would quickly recoup costs. He said that if the app got 20 people off ice, it would have paid for itself. Not that the small group of business people,
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health workers and police involved in the project are seeking to limit its spread in any way. ‘‘People always say if we can save one person it will be worth it,’’ Mr Howard said. ‘‘Well, that’s not my philosophy – I want this thing to save everybody.’’ The free app will provide information for ice users who have been apprehended or are keen to put a stop to their drug use. As well as detailing help available locally, the app will link users with approved mentors. ‘‘You don’t have to be Einstein to see what’s going on in the community,’’ Mr Howard said. ‘‘We’ve got a huge problem with ice. What we want is for people to be able to tap into information that can help them change.
‘‘My grand plan would be that every single police station in Australia could have a mentoring role.’’ The app will be completely anonymous, meaning users won’t have to fear apprehension. Its content will focus on hope – a theme close to Mr Howard’s heart. ‘‘Seven years ago I lost my wife to cancer and I was contemplating no longer being on the planet,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve got three daughters I’ve raised … we always speak of hope. We want this app to show users that recovery from dependence is possible.’’ Sunbury Community Health community partnership and engagement officer Erin Callejan said the idea had great potential. To donate, phone 9744 4455.
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*1. Discounts are off normal ticketed prices. Excludes current catalogue lines. *2. Conditions of 50 Months Instalment Interest Free until April 2020: Available to approved GO MasterCard customers on transactions made between 12/02/16 and 07/03/16 where the amount financed is $490 or more. Offer available on purchases from Harvey Norman franchisees. Excludes gaming consoles, games, gift cards, Apple and Miele products. Excludes brands and other products that are offered for sale under agency agreements with Harvey Norman franchisees. Offer available on advertised or ticketed price. Total amount is payable by 50 approximate equal monthly instalments (exact amounts specified in your statement). If there is an outstanding balance after the interest free period ends in April 2020, interest will be charged at 29.49%. This notice is given under the GO MasterCard Conditions of Use, which specify all other conditions for this offer. A $25.00 Establishment Fee applies to new approved applicants. Account Service fee of $4.95 per month applies. Also available to existing GE Creditline, Gem Visa and Buyer’s Edge customers. Refer to product websites for conditions, fees and charges. Credit is provided by Latitude Finance Australia (ABN 42 008 583 588). Australian Credit Licence 392145.
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SHOP with CONFIDENCE TAYLORS LAKES
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By Matt Crossman
(Shawn Smits)
Ice app helps break a habit
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