Ranges Trader
Tuesday, 5 September, 2023
Funding disappointment for community legal centre
Australians to vote in Voice referendum
PAGE 3
PAGE 7
A Star News Group Publication
Monbulk Pony Club shows community spirit
Endangered plant species faces threat: conservationists
PAGE 10
PAGE 12 Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
12496493-NG22-21
Character builders Costumes of all colours and characters flooded the school as book week took centre stage at a local school. Boronia Primary School were well involved in the week, with the entire school dressing up as their favourite characters, and were paid a visit from an accomplished Australian author to teach students more about writing books. Students from prep to Grade 6 shared their favourite books, enjoyed a colourful parade by their teachers, and had their eyes opened to the world of literature. Read more on page 20
Train your voice As we count down the days until The Voice referendum, it’s time for locals to ensure they are well educated and up-to-date with what their vote will stand for before checking ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the booths. Casey For Yes are a group of locals who will be coming to a town centre near you to share information about the referendum, and help you inform your decision as best you can.
Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor is in support of The Voice, saying this will be an important moment in Australian history. The Voice will decide whether a representative advisory committee will be established in Government, and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution, and will not have veto power. In his words, it is simply about genuine
consultation and an opportunity to really be heard. Mr Taylor said that clearly, our current approach is broken, and we simply cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Claire Ferres Miles, founder of Casey For Yes, said the best thing the community can do is to educate themselves on the decision. Votes
will be cast on Saturday 14 October on the proposed bill to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Local MPs and community are getting behind The Voice and the Hills community is encouraged to make their decision known. Read more on page 7
A FR 12530851-BL02-22
H
2/321 Main Road, Emerald
12631299-JC36-23
5968 4522
AC
Emerald Real Estate
H APPR O
E
S
12607897-JW22-23
Emerald 5954 0900 Beaconsfield 9707 0111 www.kayecharles.com.au
SERVICE & REPAIRS 4WD - CARS - PETROL - DIESEL 297 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald • 5968 6031 12607898-JC23-23