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New trail for accessible riding A new accessible trail has officially launched at Myuna Farm, designed to help people with disabilities experience the joy of riding. The trail will allow more space capacity for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Doveton and in turn will help people living with disabilities ride with confidence and joy. The new pathway will have the space for a horse and two side-walkers as well as a variety of interactive elements including fun obstacles to navigate around. For more on this, go to page 14
A rider abroad a Clydesdale horse on the track. (Stewart Chambers: 5666984)
Renewed calls By Jensy Callimootoo The alleged murder of a Clyde North woman has reignited calls for stronger frontline responses to gendered violence across Victoria, with growing pressure on the State Government to expand a specialist support model that advocates say is already proving effective. Local MP Rachel Payne is urging the govern-
ment to roll out the Alexis Family Violence Response Model (Alexis- FVRM) to all 29 police family violence units in the state. The program places specialist family violence practitioners alongside police officers, providing victim-survivors with immediate support, safety planning and referrals during police call-outs. Despite Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong recording some of Victoria’s highest family
violence rates, the region currently has access to just one Alexis worker. Advocates argue this leaves many victim-survivors without timely specialist assistance when they need it most. Payne says expanding the model would be a practical step that could be taken now, while also ensuring services are shaped in partnership with First Nations communities and culturally
diverse groups. With more than 40 women killed in Australia this year, including four women and girls across a four day period, she believes family violence must remain an urgent priority regardless of political changes, warning that every delay risks more lives. For more on this story, go to page 2
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LEADING WITH CONVICTION SERVING WITH COMPASSION
Ann-Marie Hermans MP Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region gion Shadow Assistant Minister for Community Safety
1/31 Princes Hwy, Dandenong VIC 3175 ann-marie.hermans@parliament.vic.gov.au
Ann-MarieHermans.com.au AnnMarieHermansMP
03 9794 7667
Authorised by Ann-Marie Hermans MP, 1/31 Princes Highway, Dandenong VIC 3175
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