Vol. No. Vol. 2318No. 8 27
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Wednesday, 13, 2020 2016 Wednesday,January August 19,
BABY BONANZA: Five members of the extended Hanson clan, including two pairs of sisters, are all expecting a child within six months of each other. All are daughters of three Hanson brothers, Willie, Jeffrey and David. Pictured, from left, are Sophie Murray, Alexandra Hanson, Zoe Hanson, Steph Lovel and Tayla Hateley. Sophie, who is expecting her first child with husband Tom, said it was both ‘crazy and exciting’ the sisters and cousins were all due within six months of each other. “We’re actually a really close family and that’s why this is such a big deal to us,” she said. Story, page 7. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Border countdown
C
BY DYLAN DE JONG
ross-border communities are pleading with South Australian leaders to reconsider a decision to cut off most Victorians to the state.
An outpouring of people ranging from politicians and community leaders to workers and others who depend on cross-border travel are counting down the days to a Friday cut-off. Hundreds of people on both sides of the border who fear they will lose access to work, healthcare, education and essential supplies, are inundating state and federal leaders with concerns.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced last week essential workers would be the only Victorians who could enter the state from Friday. The only exceptions were for students in years 11 and 12 and farmers with properties on both sides of the border. The move means Victorians who usually travel to South Australia for food, fuel, medical services and school will need to access services in Victoria. South Australian Member for MacKillop Nick McBride, whose electorate covers the border from north of Bordertown to south of Penola, has had
more than 100 emails or phone calls from concerned Victorians since last week’s announcement. He said he could make no guarantee leaders would change their decision. “Uncertainty is high out there and it’s causing an enormous amount of anxiety. I can’t give any assurances around who will be accepted and who won’t. This is a moving feast,” he said. Mr McBride said his government’s decision to further clamp down on the border was due to rising uncertainty of unknown positive coronavirus cases in regional communities ‘due to a limited testing regime’.
“Victoria is only testing those showing symptoms, which is fine, but it doesn’t give you any idea about community carrying it,” he said. “When South Australia has confidence the number of COVID carriers is no more extensive than the tested and found victims of the disease, then these restrictions will be eased.”
Opportunity
Mr McBride said he hoped Victorian and South Australian police commissioners could work more closely to allow cross-border travel to resume. “SAPOL said they had no communication with VICPOL even though they had tried,” Mr McBride said.
“We’re trying to get the Victorian and South Australian police to work together on this. That’s probably the greatest opportunity to see some light at the end of the tunnel.” Overwhelming concern prompted Member for Mallee Anne Webster to call on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to help people left feeling stranded. She also urged the South Australian government to reconsider the decision. “We have pages and pages of people who have heart-breaking stories, with health issues that are life-threatening,” Dr Webster said. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • New COVID-19 case • Gulline running for council • Boost for sporting facilities Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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