Melton Moorabool Star Weekly - 21st April 2020 by Star Weekly

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Teddies a win-win Melton council is giving seniors the chance to keep busy while self-isolating. Seniors across the municipality have been urged to get involved in knitting trauma teddies for the Red Cross. The teddies are passed on to children in need across local services. So far 60 seniors have registered to knit two teddies each, including Maureen Mohr who said it’s been a nice way to pass the time. “I’ve been doing this off and on for a few years, but given the downtime at the moment, there’s no better opportunity to get back into it,” Ms Mohr said. The scheme also helps out local businesses. The council has purchased craft packs from Bargain Box Fabrics in Melton South, giving it some much-needed support during the coronavirus crisis. Melton mayor Lara Carli said it was a win-win situation. “This is a heartwarming initiative that gives our senior residents a rewarding project ... it’s also a great way for council to support local business [and] charities.” Tate Papworth

MAUREEN MOHR

Bid to halt toxic soil talks By Tate Papworth he Moorabool Shire Council is calling on the Victorian government and Transurban to suspend all talks surrounding the dumping of contaminated soil from the West Gate tunnel project. Mayor David Edwards said discussions surrounding the use of the Maddingley Brown Coal site at Bacchus Marsh to dump the soil should be stopped until the COVID-19-induced state of emergency is lited. “During these times, where the ability of the community to assemble is restricted, it is more important than ever that the needs of those

impacted are not washed away to satisfy the needs of big business,” Cr Edwards said. He has asked for a guarantee that once discussions resume, strict conditions are met prior to any decision being made on whether the soil would be stored at Bacchus Marsh. hey include a demand that all technical reports be made available to the council, for public scrutiny, comment and for the opportunity for independent peer review. He also called for proper stakeholder and community consultation; improved relationships with the local community and stakeholders; details of how the local community will potentially be impacted or will

beneit from the proposal; and that the existing MBC sites be brought into compliance with current planning requirements. Cr Edwards wants all local MPs and the council notiied prior to a decision being made. “he community cannot have any conidence in the decision-making process unless the conditions are met,” he said. He said the process so far had been unacceptable. “For a project of this size to have undertaken no economic impact assessment is extraordinary,” he said. “A proper analysis of the beneits and disbeneits of the project should be undertaken before any decision is

made and must include an assessment of the millions of dollars likely to be lost to the local economy due largely to reputational damage.” He said the council was still in the dark as to how heavily the community may be impacted if the soil is sent to Bacchus Marsh. “It has been several months since council irst learnt of this proposal and despite constantly requesting information and seeking input to the process, we still have no information on the technical assessments carried out, or about how the Bacchus Marsh community will potentially be impacted, or beneit from, becoming a dumping ground for tonnes of contaminated soil.”

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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NEWS

COVID-19 spread is slowing By Tate Papworth he spread of COVID-19 ground to a virtual standstill across Melton and Moorabool last week. here was only one new case identiied in Melton for the week ending hursday, taking the tally to 19. Moorabool remained at a solitary case. While authorities across the country are pleased with the slowed rate of cases, Victoria’s chief health oicer Brett Sutton urged the community to stay vigilant and not erode the gains made in slowing the spread of the virus.

‘‘

I don’t rule anything in or out. We are always reviewing - Brett Sutton

’’

“Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go,” Professor Sutton said. “While we are starting to see some improvement in the rate of transmission, that rate could climb quickly if we lose focus. “Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told

they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so.” While Professor Sutton urged vigilance, he said there was also room for optimism. Speaking on 3AW last hursday, Professor Sutton said stage four restrictions mooted by the state government may not be needed. “I remain optimistic that we don’t have to go there,” he said. He also hinted that schools could reopen in weeks if case numbers continue to drop. “I don’t rule anything in or out. We are always reviewing, we have a state of emergency until May 11, that’s a natural point to have a

really robust review, but who knows what the next couple of weeks will bring,” he said. “If we have driven numbers down to zero, you know, that’s got to be on the cards but it does involve everyone doing the right thing.” Across the state there had been 132 conirmed cases of the virus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. As of hursday, 39 people are in hospital, including 18 patients in intensive care. A total of 14 people have died from COVID-19 in Victoria at the time Star Weekly went to press.

Fake tradies on the prowl

The team at Ideal Drape Makers is turning excess fabric into face masks. (Supplied)

An Ideal solution for tough times A Kealba-based drapery business on the cusp of inancial ruin has turned things around and is giving back to the community. Ideal Drape Makers has operated in Melbourne’s western suburbs for many years and, according to business owner Nancy Vamvakas, looked likely to be another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. She says the company was kept aloat largely thanks to the federal government’s job-keeper package, allowing her to keep her employees on. Realising they needed to adapt, the team

came up with a plan to protect the business and give back to the community at the same time. “We have re-purposed our factory to enable us to manufacture reusable, washable, cloth face masks,” Ms Vamvakas said. “Utilising hundreds of rolls of remnant fabrics from across the world’s premier fabric houses … each one is unique and very stylish.” Ms Vamvakas said ater a couple of weeks of testing prototypes, production is currently at 1000 fabric face masks and the team is rapidly closing in on 2000 fabric face masks per week to help in the ight against COVID-19.

She said she hopes to get the masks out to those performing essential services within the community. “Whilst we make no medical claims about our beautiful masks, they will certainly help to stop the wearer from spreading anything and they’ll look very stylish too,” she said. “We also want to donate our reusable, unique and completely sustainable face masks to the local ‘meals on wheels’ and charity organisations.”

Police have issued a warning about “fake tradies” operating in the west. he Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong police Eyewatch Facebook pages all posted the warning earlier this month. “Fake tradies, also known as travelling conmen, are dishonest tradesmen who prey upon unsuspecting customers and disappear with their money ater doing substandard work or not doing the work at all,” the post said. “Fake tradies appear more frequently during warmer weather and natural disasters or emergencies – such as the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, when vulnerable people may need assistance.” he post said fake tradespeople might approach people working in their garden, or they might doorknock houses. “hey look for houses that have handrails and ramps, oten targeting older Victorians and vulnerable people,” the warning said “hey ask for cash before starting the work and will ofer to drive you to an ATM. “hey move quickly and usually only give a irst name and mobile number – so contacting them aterwards is diicult.” If you know fake tradies are operating in your area, gather as much information as you can, such as their name and car registration and report them to the travelling conmen hotline on 1300 133 408 and call police. For more information and advice on fake tradies, visit: www.consumer.vic. gov.au/faketradies Alesha Capone

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3 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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EDITORIAL

VU team trainer Brooke Olsen runs online itness sessions from her Werribee garage. (Supplied)

Home gym the right it

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Inventive staf and students of Victoria University have started using chairs and books as make-shit gym equipment. With the VU itness centres forced to close to the public due to COVID-19, staf and students have launched online workout sessions. Every weekday at noon, dozens of people – some accompanied by their children – join in the 40-minute virtual workouts, which are run through Zoom. he participants can all see each other on screen, and can even send questions to their instructor. Team trainer Brooke Olsen runs sessions from her Werribee garage, which she has set up as a gym. She focuses on a diferent theme every day.

“We wanted to ofer a service that would keep the VU community happy and positive while providing them with a healthy and fun way to connect to others,” Ms Olsen said. Within less than a week, 135 people registered for the virtual workout sessions, which will continue until VU’s sport centres can re-open. Ms Olsen is also recording the sessions and creating other videos on crucial activities such as desk stretch routines for people who cannot join in during the day. “We want to produce content that you can do anytime from any place and make sure people look ater themselves.” Look under the news section of the VU website to ind out how to access the sessions: www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/news

School may look a little different this term but school speed zones remain the same across Victoria, according to police. While most students began term two classes via distance learning last week, state schools are open to students who are unable to work from home.

Many thanks Moorabool police have issued a thanks to the community for helping identify a male and female regarding a theft and deceptions that occurred on March 13. A 19-year-old male from Melton and a 38-year-old female from Harkness have been arrested and bailed to appear in court at a later date. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Support the ight against Coronavirus. Join our online community at itsuptous.com.au and show your support for our front-line healthcare workers.

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Donate to the Western Health Emergency Response Fund

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Find out more itsuptous.com.au/donate or call Western Health Foundation on 8345 7660. Sew Scrubs for HealthCare Workers Scrubs shortages are one of the biggest concerns for our staff. Find out more www.ronascrubs.com Send a Message of Support Your messages of support will be vitally important to staff morale over the coming weeks. itsuptous.com.au/messages-of-support Provide In-Kind Support Visit itsuptous.com.au

• Jyot se Jyot and Koala 88 International who are delivering weekly meals and fresh juice to our staff at Footscray and Sunshine Hospitals. • Plough Hotel in Footscray who are donating a meal to our staff for every $30 spent on a takeaway meal. Visit www.ploughhotel.com.au to order a meal and support our healthcare workers. • Spotlight who have donated 1,000 metres of fabric for the production of gowns for our front-line staff. • Darrell Lea who donated 6,500 Easter Eggs to our staff.

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• Harvey Norman Sunshine and Bunnings Maribyrnong who donated a fridge and plants for our staff wellbeing room at Footscray Hospital.

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

For information on the Western Health Respiratory Clinic or patient visiting guidelines visit www.westernhealth.org.au.

• Opening of new wards with additional acute and intensive care capacity; • Opening of Respiratory Clinics at Sunshine Hospital and CoHealth Laverton. For opening times visit www.westernhealth.org.au. To check your eligibility for testing call 1800 675 398. • Recruitment of additional nurses and doctors to boost our existing workforce. • We are committed to ensuring our community receives the best possible care during this crisis.

For the latest health advice on how to reduce your risk and what to do if you start to experience symptoms visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398.

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Motorists ined in Easter blitz By Tate Papworth While the streets may have been quieter than usual over the Easter break, it didn’t translate to a quieter time for local police. Across Melton, police issued ines for 63 speeding ofences, seven unregistered vehicles, six seatbelt ofences and impounded four vehicles. Seven ines were also issued for disobeying signs/signals; ive for unlicenced drivers; four for disqualiied drivers; three for drug drivers and one for drink driving.

Among the ofenders was a 32-year-old Avondale Heights motorcyclist, caught allegedly speeding at 123km/h in an 80km/h zone along the Calder Freeway, and again at 137km/h in a 50km/h zone in Diggers Rest. Meanwhile, Moorabool police were also kept busy, issuing 53 infringement notices for speeding. Fourteen ines were also issued for unregistered vehicles and one vehicle was impounded. hree ines were issued for unlicenced drivers while one was issued for drug driving.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was fortunate there had been no deaths resulting from irresponsible choices across the ive days. “We take comfort in the fact no one has died as a result of stupidity on our roads this weekend,” Assistant Commissioner Murphy said. “But it’s this sort of reckless and selish behaviour that can lead to a lifetime of grief for others. “It can take a split second for excessive speed or impairment to eradicate a life.

“We can only hope – while these drivers live with the consequences of having their vehicles temporarily impounded, their licences removed or their day in court – that they realise this is the far better outcome.” he blitz was part of Operation Nexus, which ran from Easter hursday through to Easter Monday. Across the state, there was a total of 8283 traic and criminal ofences detected throughout the operation, including 259 drug drivers, 124 drink drivers and 3610 speeding ofences.

Resumes for the times A Hillside man is on a mission to help make the community more employable. Jayden Kafanelis has spent years studying the employment system and says resumes are outdated and don’t show a potential employee’s full worth. “hings are evolving online so rapidly, especially right now with the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “What I noticed was that the resume is not the best vessel for advertising people. “It’s hard to truly convey skills such as video or even integrating social media – all these things are part of a person’s personal brand and add value to your net worth.” With that in mind, Mr Kafanelis set about creating a new platform and Zygadoc was born. A Zygadoc is an interactive snapshot of an employee, which can be exported as a PDF or launched into a personal website. “People can jump on and custom design

their doc to advertise themselves and then even host it as a website, or download as pdf and send to employers.” Mr Kafanelis said the company has already attracted employment consultants who have signed up to trial the sotware with the view of using it to help coach people looking for work. he website launched yesterday and Mr Kafanelis said it’s needed now more than ever. “he two million people out of work need to properly advertise themselves for remote work and need to build their personal brand for when Australia gets back on its feet,” he said. “he technology we provide is free and can help jobseekers achieve high level professionalism, and advertise their skills and capabilities properly when applying for jobs or gigs.” Details: www.zygaverse.com Tate Papworth

Jayden Kafanelis, CEO of Zygadox. (Damjan Janevski) 207577_01

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LEST WE FORGET 25 April Stand at the end of your driveway to share a minute’s silence with your neighbours at 6am. Keep your distance & honour our ANZACS. If you want to show your support on social media, take a picture & post it using #STANDTO. Steve McGhie MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MELTON

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5 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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Testing clinic irst in the west By Goya Dmytryshchak An Altona North medical practice has become the irst GP respiratory clinic testing for coronavirus in Melbourne’s west, as part of the federal government’s roll-out of 100 such pop-up clinics Australia-wide. It comes as Health Minister Jenny Mikakos last week announced Victoria would have the widest testing criteria of COVID-19 in Australia. She said anyone experiencing fever and respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath could ring ahead to be tested. As of Wednesday, Victoria had 1299 cases. here have been 14 deaths statewide, while 39 people remain in hospital, including 18 in intensive care. here were 32 cases in Brimbank. Victoria’s state of emergency has been extended to May 11. At Altona North, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal and partners run the Blackshaws Road pop-up clinic which was assembled from portables and tents over 10 days. Dr Haikerwal said the respiratory clinic enabled treatment of multiple patients with breathing conditions, including COVID-19, who were unable to be seen in a normal GP practice. Tests can be conducted without a change of personal protective gowns and masks, or shutting down and deep cleaning rooms between patients. he clinic had been the irst in Victoria to start swabbing people for coronavirus in the carpark until it ran out of gear. “here were no masks and then there were no gowns and then there were no swabs, so we had to do something diferent,” Dr Haikerwal said.

Dr Mukesh Haikerwal outside the Altona North respiratory clinic testing for coronavirus.

“What we are doing now is … 50 or 60 tests with only one or two sets of gowns, one set of masks, and all you’re changing is your gloves.” Dr Haikerwal said more coronavirus cases were expected to be detected as testing restrictions were relaxed.

(DDamjan Janevski) 207244_01

“here’s more people now who are eligible for the test so there’s more coming forward to be tested,” he said. “When this whole thing started, the joke was Indonesia is the safest place in the world to be because they weren’t reporting any cases, but they weren’t testing anybody.

“hat’s why we need to do the testing. “Australia must not fall asleep at the wheel or rest on its dubious laurels but look to the disaster in Europe and the USA and invest in the health of the nation and our people. “Dropping the ball on health will be catastrophic.”

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Business as un-usual

Melton is still very much open for business. The COVID-19 crisis has hit businesses hard, prompting Melton council to adopt a number of relief measures including the recently launched ‘Open for Business’ campaign. Open for Business aims to provide businesses with opportunities to promote the trades and services they can still offer. Melton council manager engagement Badr Khabbaz and Omar Khabbaz, of Notorious Burgers, with mayor Cr Lara Carli. and advocacy Sean McManus said a number of measures are in place to support the survival of local businesses. “We’ve entered a council partnership By Tate Papworth it on the television,” Ms McArthur said. “It is with the Star Weekly newspaper, whereby integral that households obey the stay-at-home A western Victoria MP has lashed state directive from the federal government, but the local traders can place an advertisement government-imposed restrictions during the state government’s restrictions display serious double standards. COVID-19 pandemic. in the paper at no cost to them,” he said. “To allow running around the suburban Member for the Western Victoria Region Bev McArthur said a number of restrictions in place block, when you might pass several individuals “The Melton City Much More Facebook – including those around irearms and ishing – on the route, but ban ishing, when you might not see a single other individual besides passing were too city-centric. “he ban on the sale of irearms and them in your car, makes no sense.” page has become a conduit of information Ms McArthur said there didn’t need to be ammunition was clearly a method of appeasing

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the fears of inner-city Melburnians, who thought a pandemic might mean there would be armed criminals roaming the streets because they saw

speciic exemptions for regional Victorians, but rather a rule of common sense. “Lower population density in the country

means that recreational activities in the bush have a much lower risk of spreading the virus and while obviously abiding by social distancing rules. “he ines [for breaching restrictions] should be based around the social distancing measures in place, not the activities. “If there are 30 people ishing on St Kilda pier, clearly that’s unacceptable. If there’s one bloke ishing alone on a lake in rural Victoria that the police happen to notice, there is no reason to hand out a ine.” She warned that people would quickly tire of being told how to live.

“If public messaging is confusing, the rules are inconsistent and some sections of the community feel as if they are being unfairly targeted, like law-abiding shooters, then some will become increasingly unhappy and less compliant.” “Our state government needs to beware of overreach when it comes to curtailing all individual freedoms and liberties. Locking people up in lats and houses will also have consequences. We need to continue to listen to experts, use common sense, and governments need to stop using the crisis to take more control over individuals’ lives.”

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Neighbourhood house cash boost By Tate Papworth Neighbourhood houses across the west could get a boost from an unlikely source. Melbourne Airport last week launched the second round of its community grants program, which will distribute $100,000 to local Neighbourhood Houses. Ten individual grants, valued at $10,000 each, will be distributed to eligible houses spanning from Craigieburn to Coburg, Broadmeadows to Braybrook and from Sunshine to Sunbury. he grants support established and successful Neighbourhood House initiatives that improve

‘‘

educational and employment pathways for those in need. his includes project salaries and co-funded programs to ensure centres have adequate resourcing and can be responsive to their communities. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said he was pleased to launch the grants for a second time, especially during a time of uncertainty for communities. “Building on from a successful 2019 community grants program, we are proud to open applications for a second year and provide a helping hand for existing community programs supporting locals through this

challenging time,” Mr Strambi said. “We know people are doing it tough, and as an airport, it is important we continue to support our local community. “We are conident these grants will help Neighbourhood Houses to support their local communities and the airport is committed to investing in educational and employment outcomes through the Community Grants program.” Neighbourhood Houses Victoria chief executive Nicole Battle said neighbourhood houses are an important resource in providing communities with support during the

COVID-19 delays draft budget

Now more than ever we need to attract freighters into Melbourne - Lyell Strambi

’’

The Qatar freight light at Melbourne Airport. (Supplied)

Airport expands cargo capacity services Melbourne Airport has secured since coronavirus restrictions all but grounded passenger lights. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said there was an increase in demand for freight amid these challenging times. “More people are purchasing goods online while in self-isolation and the need to move critical goods such as medical supplies and produce is absolutely vital,” said Mr Strambi. “Now more than ever we need to attract freighters into Melbourne so we can support imports and exports for the state. We have

obviously lost a lot of space in the belly-hold of commercial passenger lights, and we’re focused on bridging that gap to ensure the movement of goods continues at the right pace.” Mr Strambi said eforts were yielding quick results. “In the past couple of weeks we’ve added 31 more freight lights a week and welcomed 15 new cargo carriers, which is just extraordinary growth in such a small amount of time,” he said.

Melton council has delayed its 2020-21 drat budget in light of the COVID-19 crisis. he decision was made so the council can consider any changes that will need to be made in funding allocations across the organisation. As part of the drat budget review, the council will look at relief packages for residents and businesses who have been impacted inancially, adding to a number of measures already implemented to ease costs for residents, businesses and organisations. Mayor Lara Carli said delaying the budget was a necessary move. “I understand that this is an uncertain time for many people and I’d like to assure residents that council is considering what we can do to make things a little easier for you,” Cr Carli said. “Already, we’ve implemented a number of measures to help inancially, including fee waivers and promotion for local businesses, removing or refunding fees for sporting clubs and associations, and returning wandering dogs to their registered owners at no cost.” For businesses doing it tough, the council is running the Open for Business campaign to promote businesses that are still trading during the coronavirus crisis, as well as ofering free advice, mentoring and workshops. It is also waiving a number of permit fees and deferring rates for traders experiencing hardship. Tate Papworth

Tate Papworth 202003127564_1-NG12-20

With most international and domestic lights grounded because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne Airport has been focused on attracting additional freighter services to support the movement of goods in and out of Victoria. As part of the push, Qatar Airways Cargo has introduced dedicated freighter lights for the irst time in Australia and will land a B-777F in Melbourne twice a week. he irst light touched down at the airport earlier this month. he air freight service is one of many cargo

COVID-19 crisis. “Neighbourhood Houses are adapting in the current climate, providing communities with online resources in the way of training and job seeking support for those experiencing inancial hardship or marginalisation,” Ms Battle said. “hey continue to be vital to the social infrastructure of local communities, providing a safety net of wraparound services and referrals to foster vibrant, healthy and supportive community cohesion.” Applications are open until May 13. Details: www.melbourneairport.com.au/ communitygrants.

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kidswest 7 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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21 April 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE: Melton City Council

STAY INFORMED Melton City Council: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 facebook.com/cityofmelton Customer Service: 9747 7200 Department of Health and Human Services: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus COVID-19 Hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 hours)

Read, sing and play at our online library

Mayor’s message Cr Lara Carli I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been shopping at independent local stores for essentials, ordering take away from eateries in your neighbourhood, or calling on local trades. We have some truly outstanding businesses in the City of Melton and your support is ensuring they can continue to stay open now and into the future. One simple way to find out who’s still open is via our new ‘Open For Business’ page in this paper or at facebook. com/meltoncitymuchmore As a Council, we want to keep local business thriving and I hope you’ll all continue to buy local and support local jobs, especially in these unsettling times.

Our library doors may have closed a few weeks ago but behind the scenes, our staff have been working hard to develop virtual versions of Storytime, Toddler Time and Baby Bounce! Little bookworms, dancing babies, and all young families are invited to read, sing, dance and play with us online, starting this week. Check the City of Melton Libraries Facebook page for session times. Storytime (3-5 years) Introduce your children to the world of books, encourage a love of reading and stimulate their imagination. Storytime helps prepare your child for learning,

and developing listening, reading and fine motor skills. Toddler Time (12-36 months) Share stories, songs, rhymes and movement with your active toddler. Toddlers are in a peak phase of learning language that is best supported by storytelling, singing and reading together. Baby Bounce (0-12 months) An interactive program that introduces your baby to the sounds, rhythm and movement of language. Reading, rhymes, singing and talking with your baby is great for growing brains.

facebook.com/ cityofmeltonlibraries

Playgrounds, gyms a no-go A reminder that under the State Government’s Stage 3 restrictions, no one is allowed to play on public playgrounds or use outdoor gym equipment or skate parks. Parks and reserves are still open and you can walk through these areas and play in the open space for short periods, providing you adhere to social distancing requirements.

Council Services

FREE for business

Our civic centres, libraries and community centres are temporarily closed to the public. We encourage customers to use our online services at melton.vic.gov.au or phone us on 9747 7200.

We’re offering complimentary Venture Melton Business Network membership until 30 June, 2021. You’ll get free access to: - a new online business resource hub - mentoring, training and webinars - regular updates on City of Melton business initiatives - exclusive member discount with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce

For a full list of what’s still operating and what’s closed to the public, visit melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

Connect, learn and build valuable networks with us today. Visit vmbusinessnetwork.com

Your Councillors Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Ken Hardy

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Michelle Mendes

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Yvonne Sebire

Cr Bob Turner

9 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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Trafic measures under review By Tate Papworth Melton council is still investigating whether traic calming measures will be required along a busy Burnside street. Cr Steven Abboushi tabled a motion at the council’s February meeting, requesting that council oicers investigate options and associated costs to install traic calming devices along Earlington Boulevard. Oicers were to report indings at the council’s March meeting but are still waiting

on traic count data to complete an analysis on options and associated costings. A further report is expected to be presented at the next meeting. Earlington Boulevard stretches about 200 metres and comprises two, ive-metre wide lanes in each direction and a centre median that separates the traic lanes. It has no recorded vehicle crash statistics from the past ive years. According to the council, traic calming aims to slow motorists who are inadvertently

travelling above the speed limit in residential areas by building road humps or other obstructions. While the methods have beneits, the council’s own website says they also have numerous limitations. he council says that calming measures don’t remove all through traic, won’t eliminate hoon-like behaviour and won’t prevent traic accidents. It also says calming measures won’t prevent drivers from speeding and are not likely to solve parking problems.

In fact, it says there are a number of limitations imposed on the community by introducing such measures, including the potential loss of street parking, an increase in noise and fumes next to the traic calming structures, and an increased glare at night from car lights and additional street lighting. Increased maintenance costs to council, an increase in traic volume in neighbouring streets and slower access for emergency vehicles are also listed as limitations stemming from calming measures.

Life under the ig tree More than 50 years ago in a village in Greece that was marred by war and poverty, Giannoula and Fotios Panagiotopoulos dreamed of a diferent way of life for their children. Australia, it was rumoured, was a land of opportunity where hard work brought reward. Leaving behind family and friends and armed with only a handful of key English words, they set of to make a new home on the other side of the world. Now more than ive decades on, their daughter and Sunshine local Olympia Panagiotopoulos is sharing their stories in a powerful book, Beneath the Fig Leaves. Filled with stories handed down from Olympia’s mother, the memoir pays tribute to the courage shown by the hundreds of thousands of Australians who crossed oceans to pursue a better life here. Under the shade of a ig tree in a lush garden in Sunshine, Olympia collected the stories that

her mother regaled her with. Tales from their homeland, the long journey south, and how Giannoula, Fotios and their young children made Australian life their own are all featured in the book, which includes a full-colour picture section and family recipes. Giannoula celebrated her 100th birthday in 2019 and Olympia said she’d been a true trailblazer. “My parents were responsible for helping many other migrants settle in Melbourne … helping them to create and establish a new life,” Olympia said. “In 2009 [her 90th birthday], mum was featured in [Greek community newspaper] Neos Kosmos. As a result of that article, we were contacted by some of the passengers of the ship, Tasmania, who had travelled with my family in 1955.” Tate Papworth

Giannoula and her daughter Olympia Panagiotopoulos. (Supplied)

An important message from the Victorian Government

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE. That means there are only four reasons to be out.

Shopping for food and supplies that you need.

Exercise.

Medical care and caregiving.

Work and education – if necessary.

Stay informed at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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Virus is a ‘time bomb’ ticking By Benjamin Millar A coronavirus “time bomb” is ticking in communities across Melbourne’s west, according to a community leader who is calling for more resources to tackle the looming threat. Dr Berhan Ahmed, chief executive of African Australian Multicultural Employment and Youth Services, said many families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those sufering poor mental health are among those missing out on vital information and most at risk.

Dr Ahmed said the sudden loss of work, confusing messaging around social isolation and diiculty obtaining key food staples has triggered a sharp rise in people seeking help. “here has been a lack of clear information about distancing and self isolation and the coronavirus,” he said. “People are not sure what to do and where to go you see people walking together and talking and that is my worry – that this is a time bomb.” Dr Ahmed said the situation has been especially diicult for mothers who don’t have a strong command of English.

“hey are inding it hard to communicate because of the social isolation rules. Most of these people are inding it hard also with food, with people having limited income.” Families are also worried about what will happen if schools do not return for term two and education moves online. “Some of the families with children don’t have internet and that has been part of the crisis, that kids will have to access to schooling at home,” Dr Ahmed said. “hey don’t know how they will be able to give their kids access in terms of continuity

New emergency facility sold A newly-constructed emergency communications facility in Williams Landing has been sold for $25.93 million. Cedar Woods Properties Limited announced the sale of the four-storey building, which is located at 107 Overton Road. he 3126 square metre property has been purchased by Hellenic Property Investments Pty Ltd. he building has also been leased to the state government, under a 15-year agreement. Cedar Woods managing director Nathan Blackburne said the state-of-the-art facility would perform a vital role in emergency call-taking and dispatch services, and handling major emergencies. “he centre will handle daily ire, policy and ambulance triple-0 calls,” Mr Blackburne said. “he property has sophisticated IT systems, back-up power, and high-quality inishes and materials throughout. “here are also acoustic treatments to the building which help to limit internal noise transfer and much more.” Arbout 300 people will be employed at the emergency communications facility. “his was an excellent collaboration between Cedar Woods, our builder partner Hacer, the Victorian government and the emergency communications team,” Mr Blackburne said. Wyndham mayor, Cr Josh Gilligan, said: “We welcome this new facility to Wyndham which shows the city’s ability to attract large organisations seeking access to a professional services workforce.” Mr Blackburne said that Cedar Woods still held a “signiicant pipeline of undeveloped sites at Williams Landing which will continue to be developed over the next 10 years”. “he project has approximately 17 hectares of development land still available for a mix of oice, retail and residential projects,” he said. “In addition to attracting major commercial tenants, Williams Landing has witnessed continued demand for strata oices from smaller businesses including accountants, dentists, lawyers and technology companies.

Moorabool’s sporting plans

A newly-constructed emergency communications facility in Williams Landing has been sold. (Supplied)

“his new city has really evolved in recent years and is the type of place that people want to live, shop, eat and work in – there’s nothing like it in Melbourne’s booming west. “It also ofers the local population proximate

of studies.” Some translated materials have been made available, but many of these are not reaching the intended communities. Dr Ahmed said support hubs have been established in places like the Somali Star Cafe in Footscray, helping link people with vital information and ensuring those let hungry do not go entirely without. “he goal was to reach out with some restaurants to deliver food and help ensure that these people are protected,” he said. “he question is how you manage all these complexities.”

white-collar employment opportunities, rather than having to travel into the city, Docklands, Port Melbourne, or further.”

Moorabool council has big plans for sport in the region, and it wants community input. he council is developing plans for ive sporting sites in Moorabool – four in Bacchus Marsh and one in Ballan – and wants to hear from the community about what it wants before the planning process begins. he sites include two at Maddingley Park, the Taverner Street precinct, Peppertree Park and Mill Park in Ballan. Master plan options include constructing splashparks, playground infrastructure, entrance treatments, access requirements, carparking, multi-purpose use, landscaping, active and passive recreation areas and services. he Taverner Street site is expected to include an indoor sports stadium (four courts) as stage 1, and an aquatic centre as stage 2. he council’s infrastructure manager Phil Jefrey said even though face-to-face consultation couldn’t occur at the moment, consultation with the community and individual user groups such as committees and sporting groups, could start online. “We are using Social Pinpoint as a way for the community to have a say online,” Mr Jefrey said. “It’s a fantastic tool where residents can pinpoint on a map which projects they want to comment on and give us their suggestions. We look forward to the input from the community to help inform the development of the master plans”. Details: www.msc.mysocialpinpoint. c o m /o p e n- s p a c e - s p o r t s -f a c i l i t yconsultation Ewen McRae

Alesha Capone

SEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT.... Send through your videos and pics on news or community events......

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11 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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Meals service could be sold By Goya Dmytryshchak Altona’s meals-on-wheels kitchen serving more than 20 Victorian councils could be bought out by the state government due to a multi-million dollar debt. Community Chef was started in 2010 and has 16 council shareholders, including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Melton and Wyndham. Other shareholders are Banyule, Bayside, Greater Dandenong, Darebin, Geelong, Manningham, Moonee Valley, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Surf Coast and Yarra councils. he state government is remaining tight-lipped about its reported plans to buy the council-owned business for a “peppercorn” price to bail it out of a debt of more than $7 million. Participating councils took out a loan and secured state and federal funding to establish

‘‘

There’s more demand as more and more people fall into disadvantage

’’

- Joe Ciccarone

the $24 million kitchen. Community Chef soon moved beyond cooking meals for metropolitan councils to supplying aged care homes and hospitals. It also supplies NDIS clients and last year won the contract to cater for the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s public hospital. A state government spokesperson on Wednesday would only give a one-line statement about reported plans to buy out Community Chef. “he Department of Health and Human Services is examining a range of ways to boost

capacity in our hospitals – including ensuring appropriate meal services are available,” the spokesperson said. Community Chef chief executive Joe Ciccarone declined to comment on the proposed sale. “We currently have 16 council shareholders but we provide meals to 21 councils,” he said. “Over the journey, we’ve gone out to open markets and tenders. “Clearly, our tenders comply with all legal requirements so we don’t get any advantage from our ownership structure. “We’ve diversiied into hospitals and aged care as well, but we ind that there’s more and more demand as more and more people fall into disadvantage. “Councils have moved out of the NDIS space in recent times so we’ve been there as a bit of a security net for them, ensuring that whilst it’s

diicult for us to deliver directly to the door for individual NDIS clients, we’ve made it work to ensure no one misses out.” Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier has called for a parliamentary inquiry into the proposed sale. “he Andrews Government has many questions to answer including plans to buy Community Chef for the reported peppercorn amount of just $1,” she said. Maribyrnong council’s community services director Clem Gillings said its contract with Community Chef – which has been in place since 2010 – expired this year. “Our delivered meals service remains operational, and the changes to Community Chef should not impact the provision of meals for our clients under the current contract arrangement,” he said. Hobsons Bay council has been contacted for comment.

Energy retailer ined over ‘false’ sales

The Black Dog Ride involved families from across the west and Geelong. (Pictures: Supplied)

Charity ride for mental health More than 160 motorcyclists turned out in support of a charity ride with an important cause last month. he Annual Black Dog 1 Dayer Ride, which raises funds for depression and suicide prevention, is traditionally held in every Australian state and territory on the third Sunday of March. Motorcyclists gathered at Caltex in Werribee 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

for the local event, hitting the freeway to Geelong during for the 300 kilometre-long ride which also travelled through he Otways. Motorbike riders from across Melbourne’s west and Geelong participated in the ride, organised by Gary Stooke. Black Dog Ride began in 2009 as a ride to raise awareness of depression, evolving into a national charity involving thousands of

Australians who have since raised millions for mental health programs. One in ive Australians experience a mental health condition each year, while three million Australians are living with depression or anxiety. Contact Lifeline Crisis Support on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 for support. Alesha Capone

An energy company has been ined $280,000 for allegedly using door-to-door sales agents to switch Victorians to new energy contracts without their consent. he Essential Services Commission (ESC) last month issued Alinta Energy with 14 penalty notices for switching customers, in areas including Melton, Wodonga and Truganina, to new contracts without irst obtaining each customer’s explicit informed consent. A statement from the ESC said that: “Between March 2018 and March 2019, three diferent groups of sales agents acting on behalf of Alinta Energy engaged in fraudulent behaviour, impersonating customers in phone calls to sign them onto energy contracts.” Commission chairperson Kate Symons said that gaining customers by fraudulent means was completely unacceptable and should be stamped out. “To rebuild trust in the Victorian energy market consumers must have conidence they will only be switched from one energy retailer to another ater they are properly informed and have given their consent to the switch,” she said. Alinta was penalised for similar breaches in August 2018. Ms Symons says these latest matters showed that Alinta Energy had failed to stop fraudulent behaviour by door-to-door sales agents acting on its behalf. “In most of the cases, the company only became aware of the falsiied sales when customers called to complain,” she said. “Alinta has demonstrated its fraud prevention controls were deeply lawed and open to exploitation by deceitful sales agents.” he ESC statement said that Alinta Energy has indicated it will no longer market its energy ofers door-to-door in Victoria. he ESC can issue energy industry penalty notices where it has reason to believe a business has committed an energy industry contravention. he payment of a penalty speciied in the energy industry penalty notices is not an admission of a contravention of their retail licences. Alesha Capone

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Fund fast-tracks coronavirus support Western Health has launched an emergency relief fund to fast track support for staf and patients across the health service in the ight against COVID-19. he dedicated fund will direct donations towards the purchase of new equipment to cover increased demand during the crisis. It will also fund new healthcare initiatives such as telehealth and other digital platforms, and a wellbeing program for staf working on the front line. Western Health Foundation director Julia White said unprecedented times called for unprecedented measures. “Although the health service has budgets in place, our resources will be tested and stretched to the limit,” she said. “he Emergency Response Fund will empower us to purchase those items we may

‘‘

Our resources will be tested and stretched to the limit - Julia White

’’

not even know we need yet, and to do so quickly when we need to.” Western Health has put a number of measures in place to make sure it gets through the expected tough months ahead. A dedicated respiratory assessment clinic has been established at Sunshine Hospital, new wards have been prepared with additional acute and intensive care capacity to manage the expected increase in demand, and recruitment is underway for additional staf. Ms White paid homage to the workers on the front line and asked the community to join her.

“Our nurses, doctors, and support staf are working tirelessly around the clock to ensure that our community receives the best possible care. “Now, more than ever, they will need our support. “We are asking members of our community to show their support by submitting a message of encouragement and appreciation. hese messages will be vitally important to staf morale over the coming weeks.” To make a donation or send a message of support visit www.itsuptous.com.au If you suspect you may have coronavirus call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398. Further information is available at www. dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Tate Papworth

NEWS

Study into inancial hardship he University of Melbourne is searching for people to take part in a study on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households. he study, which is being conducted by Dr Antonia Settle, a McKenzie Postdoctural Fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Economic and Social Research, will examine the income, saving and spending decisions of participants during the pandemic to better understand the inancial vulnerabilities, inancial stress and coping mechanisms of households. Dr Settle said the pandemic had laid bare the vulnerabilities that have been building up on the balance sheets of Australian households. “At issue is high levels of debt, stagnating wages and job insecurity. But on top of this, costs have been steadily rising over the last two decades in categories like health, education, and housing, as well as power and insurance,” she said. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, a huge number of Australian households are taking a hit on their incomes and, as a result, are running into signiicant troubles.” Participants are asked to take part in a fortnightly phone interview about their household income and expenditure for eight to 10 months. Interviews are conidential and participants can withdraw from the study at any time. Participants will be reimbursed for their time with a $30 gitcard at the end of each interview. Details: Dr Settle on 0449 960 026 or via antonia.settle@unimelb.eduw.au Laura Michell

Man convicted after ignoring EPA warning

Sisters Megan and Sarah Bamforth. (Damjan Janevski) Inset: Bruce Walker and Gene McIntosh (her pre-marriage name). (Supplied)

Family’s Anzac tribute By Alesha Capone Many Wyndham families will pay their respects on Anzac Day by standing in their driveways to observe a minute’s silence on Saturday morning. Although the COVID-19 pandemic means most residents cannot attend a traditional dawn service, a community-led campaign for Australians to mark Anzac Day on their driveways or balconies has taken of. Sisters Megan and Sarah Bamforth will both be standing in their family’s Hoppers Crossing driveway on Saturday morning. he girls will be joined by their mother Sherryn and cousin Kylie Walker, who is the executive oicer and squadron leader of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).

Megan, 15, is an AAFC Cadet Sergeant, while her sister is a former Cadet Flight Sergeant (young people age out of the cadets ater they turn 18). heir family has a strong history of military service. “My great-grandfather’s name was Bruce Walker, he was a Corporal in the army and served in Papa New Guinea during WWII,” Megan said. “My great-nanny Gene was in the Air Force as general service, at the Laverton Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base. “My other great-grandfather, from my grandfather’s side, was a merchant in the navy during WWI.” Megan said she and her family usually attended the Anzac Day March in Melbourne,

and the dawn services in Werribee or Sunshine. “Anzac Day, to me, is about remembering the soldiers that sacriiced their lives for our country and also for those who came back from protecting our country,” she said. “Each year the Air Force Cadets go to the top of the Shrine of Remembrance and we form the guard of honour with the Australian lags at the end of the march, being a part of Anzac Day is a very personal thing to my whole family and we will do it for many years to come.” Megan said that on Saturday morning, she and her family were planning to listen to ABC radio’s broadcast of the Melbourne dawn service, as they stood in their driveway. “I’m going to write letters to everyone in my street, to ask them to stand at the end of their driveways and join in,” she said.

Failing to comply with a Clean Up Notice from Environment Protection Authority Victoria has cost a Burnside man a conviction in the Sunshine Magistrates Court. Anthony James Grima pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening the requirements of a clean up notice relating to extensive stockpiling of construction and demolition waste at a premises in Auburn Avenue, Sunshine North. Mr Grima was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, and ordered to pay $1000 to the court fund. EPA Western metropolitan regional manager, Stephen Lansdell said the investigation wouldn’t have come to anything if it wasn’t for a report from a member of the community. “hanks to our vigilant Sunshine community, EPA oicers observed construction and demolition waste piled up to approximately eight metres high, covering most of the Sunshine North site,” Mr Lansdell said. “We issued the company with a clean up notice, requiring the stockpile to be removed to a properly licensed facility. Disappointingly, our follow-up inspections showed the deadline was not met. “his case has two clear messages: EPA is prepared to enforce its remedial notices with legal action, and the court is prepared to convict irst-time environmental ofenders.” 13 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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Call for breast cancer survivors By Alesha Capone A world-renowned Victoria University professor is inviting breast cancer survivors from across the west to participate in a research study. Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, who grew up in St Albans and now lives in Wyndham, is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research Partnerships at the university. Professor Apostolopoulos was the irst person in the world to develop the concept of immunotherapy for cancer in the 1990s, which today is used by hundreds of labs around the world. She has been recognised with more than 100 awards, including the Premier’s Award for Medical Research and Young Australian of the Year (Victoria). Professor Apostolopoulos is now conducting a study into the advantages of 24 weeks self-directed physical activity combined with

Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos. (Supplied)

motivational interviewing on mental health, quality of life and improvements to immune cells, in breast cancer survivors. Professor Apostolopoulos said motivational interviewing is a conversational technique used by professionals, to help patients make changes to their eating, alcohol consumption and activity levels.

“he study aims to deliver important information on whether physical activity is adhered, using a pedometer and motivational interviewing,” she said. “Being active has been shown to correlate to enhanced quality of life, improved psychological health and boost the immune system which would improve prognosis of breast cancer survivors.” Professor Apostolopoulos said the study started recruiting participants in January, and was looking for a total of 64 women to take part. “With the fear of COVID-19, I believe that the study will get delayed,” Ms Apostolopoulos said. “But, this study is a self-directed physical activity intervention and even if Australia takes on further restrictions, being home in shutdown will cause anxiety in people. “It is important to be physically active even at home and being part of this study is a way to keep motivated to get up and do some

home-based exercises. “We need to keep moving.” Professor Apostolopoulos said that Victoria University has many campuses in the west of Melbourne. “Anyone in the west region can partake in the study provided they it the inclusion and exclusion criteria,” she said. he study’s target group is English-literate breast cancer survivors within three years of diagnosis and at least six months ater breast cancer treatments, who may be undergoing hormonal treatments and/or Herceptin treatment. “Additionally, they are diagnosed stage 0 to III, both premenopausal and postmenopausal over the age of 18,” Professor Apostolopoulos said. Contact Supa.Pudkasam@live.vu.edu.au or Vasso.apostolopoulos@vu.edu.au, or call 0432 400 308 or 9919 2025, if you wish to participate in the study.

Online move offers 24/7 support

Planes are parked at Avalon Airport. (Pictures: Supplied)

Planes parking at Avalon Airport Avalon Airport has become the new home for 36 passenger planes during the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re parking them on numerous taxiways and aprons that have become available,” the airport’s chief executive Justin Giddings said. “We’re expecting them to be on the ground for one to six months but it’s impossible for us to know. “I can imagine that some aircrat would be there for quite some time.” Avalon Airport had a capacity for about 60 or 70 aircrat depending on their size, Mr Giddings said. he planes parked at the airport include 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A330s, A320s and B737s. he aircrat are primarily-owned by Qantas, with Jetstar and Virgin also using Avalon Airport as a parking lot for some of their leet. 14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

While Avalon has room for more planes to be parked, an airport spokesperson said they were not expecting any more at the moment. he airlines paying to keep the planes at Avalon had helped cushion the inancial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Giddings said. “[he impact is] very signiicant but we’re very fortunate in that we’ve got some tenancies that are not aviation-related.” he Avalon Airport oicial blog has posted photos of the parked planes, and has advised people not to visit the airport in the hopes of seeing them, as pandemic regulations mean everyone must stay home except for essential travel. he head of maintenance at Qantas, John Walker, said that although the planes are

grounded for the moment, they were not simply let sitting on the tarmac. Mr Walker said all the aircrat needed to have their wheels rotated every seven to 14 days while parked, either by being towed around or by workers using a jack to hoist them in the air to spin the wheels. Hydraulic luid is put on to the landing gear to protect it from rust and the engines require specialised care as well. To keep the inside of the engine moisture-free, giant versions of silica moisture absorption sachets are inserted. One A380 requires over a hundred kilos of these moisture absorbers to maintain humidity levels in the cabin and engines.

Not once during self isolation has Kate* felt like a drink. Kate, who previously attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the Newport area, said COVID-19 had forced the support fellowship to quickly change the way it connected people. She believes the online meetings, set up through Zoom, are helping to alleviate the issues of social distancing alcoholics could face. “he great thing with the Zoom meetings is they’re pretty much on 24/7 and so if someone’s struggling late at night there’s always a meeting that they can dial into,” she said. “It’s the social isolation that causes an issue for a lot of alcoholics because it just means that we have a disconnection from other people and, for us, the meetings really are about connecting. “It’s about stopping that mental isolation that’s going on so that you’re not just living in a tape recording of your thoughts and playing those over and over again in your head. “For us, the meetings are about connecting and trying to get outside of our own heads, not getting stuck in negative thinking.” Kate said she attended her irst meeting ater getting to a point where she couldn’t look at herself in the mirror any more. “I couldn’t trust my actions when I would drink and I loved all the people around me and I couldn’t see a way out,” she said. “I had promised my father that I wouldn’t kill myself so I thought, well, I’ll go to AA and I’ll see what it’s about ... “Nineteen years I’m still in AA and the other option has never ever entered my head since the irst meeting I went to because I got hope at that meeting.” Kate celebrated her 19th “birthday” of sobriety by attending an online meeting at her irst ‘home group’ in London and her current one in Newport. “For me, it has completely changed my life, going to meetings,” she said. “Life is awesome these days for me. “We’re all having to go through this [coronavirus] together, but not once have I thought about having a drink during this time.” Details: 1300 222 222 or aatimes.org.au *not her real name Goya Dmytryshchak

Luke Voogt

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Youth encouraged to speak up By Tate Papworth Mission Australia wants Melton’s youth to make their voice heard. he Christian charity has extended the opening period of its annual youth survey to encourage as many young people aged between 15-19 to have their say. Now in its 19th year, the survey is the largest online survey of its kind in Australia and provides a snapshot into the experiences and views of young people. his year, in the midst of the COVID-19

‘‘

crucial we take the time to listen to ... young people - Michele Leonard

’’

public health challenge, Mission Australia state leader Michele Leonard said the survey was more important than ever. “In this rapidly changing world, young voices matter. Now more than ever, we need to hear from Melton’s young people about the issues that are afecting them,” she said.

“During this period where many young people are adapting to change, it’s important that they have meaningful opportunities … to share their thoughts, concerns and aspirations. “In times of increasing uncertainty it is crucial we take the time to listen to what young people have to say on issues that afect them, their networks and our nation.” In 2019, more than 25,000 young people completed the survey across the country. Mental health, the environment and equity and discrimination were raised as the most important issues facing Australia at the time.

Survey results also found that only about one in 15 young Victorians feel they have a voice all of the time in public afairs. “In a climate where young people are actively seeking out opportunities to make their views known, the Youth Survey 2020 ofers a safe and reliable platform to speak up. heir valuable insights provide up-to-date evidence to inform advocacy and policy change on the issues,” Ms Leonard said. To take part in the survey, visit: www. missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. he survey closes on August 14, 2020.

Council turns to technology for meetings

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College head of learning for science, Marnie Bates. (Damjan Janevski) 207576_03

College lab leads the learning charge Caroline Chisholm Catholic College’s chemistry lab resembled a television studio more than a classroom last week. With a large number of students learning from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school’s head of learning for science Marnie Bates said there were signiicant concerns for year 12 students. “We were really nervous when this all started unfolding because we didn’t quite know how we’d get the practical component of year 12 chemistry done for the students,” Ms Bates said.

“It occurred to me that Edrolo, Australia’s leading provider of online textbooks for VCE students, might be able to help us out with videoing the prac, so the students could watch it back and gather the data they need.” Ms Bates said Edrolo jumped at the chance to lend a hand and what started as a simple idea quickly became a production. “At irst we were just going to use our phones, but they had a videographer and everything you could imagine. “he set-up was amazing, it really felt like a

video studio.” While pleased with the result, Ms Bates said the most rewarding thing was being able to provide some stability to students in uncertain times. “his enables not only our students but all the hundreds of schools who use Edrolo, to access this video. “It’s a real feather in the school’s cap and backs up our strong STEM program.”

Melton council is set to begin livestreaming its meetings for the irst time. he move was made to allow residents to watch proceedings live from their homes. he decision was made last week ater the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the council to consider the option as a safe alternative to residents attending public meetings. he council will now engage service provider Interstream to supply equipment and livestreaming services at the Melton Civic Centre. Melton Mayor Lara Carli welcomed the new way of sharing the council’s monthly ordinary meetings with the public. “I’m really looking forward to this new opportunity to reach more people in our community and share our decision-making process more broadly,” Cr Carli said. “With current social distancing restrictions in place, this is an ideal time to introduce a safe and responsible way for people to access our council meetings.” Livestreaming is expected to be in place at the council’s next ordinary meeting on Monday, May 11. he move comes as the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) last month called on the Victorian government to urgently make changes to legislation. MAV president Coral Ross said in-person meetings are neither practical nor safe in the current climate. “Inlexible council meeting requirements under state legislation is a signiicant concern for local governments across the country as many council chambers do not allow for appropriate social distancing. his is an unprecedented situation which requires collaboration and innovative thinking,” Cr Ross said. “With streaming and virtual meetings now widely available, we call on the Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek and the State Government to make this common sense decision and enable one of these options to be implemented as as alternative to meeting face to face.” Earlier this month, Wyndham councillors criticised regulations which forced them to attend monthly meetings in the Werribee Civic Centre’s carpark Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said: “Councillors don’t want to be forced to work out of a carpark to vote on matters of importance to over 280,000 residents.” To watch the Melton council’s meeting live or post-event, visit www.melton.vic. gov.au/livestream Tate Papworth

Tate Papworth 15 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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Life in lockdown Residents across the north and west have been getting creative and spreading the message of hope during the COVID-19 lockdown. On our Facebook pages, Star Weekly last week asked readers to submit photos of what they have been doing during the pandemic, and we were overwhelmed by the responses. Kathy has set up an LED multi-coloured snowball tree and some signs in her front windows. “I run a succulent business and a recycle project from home, and have plenty of admin to do, but of course my Gumtree ads are paused and there are no customers coming to my door,” Kathy said. “But I wanted to ind some way I could catch the attention and cheer my neighbours and passersby. “I racked my brains and realised that as I had two large, full-length windows in the front of my house, I could do something there. “As daylight fades, I turn the tree on and it twinkles away until I go to bed. “I often wake before daylight, so I switch it on again … for the many workers who leave home early and drive past.” Kathy has encouraged other residents to decorate their windows and doors with messages of hope.

Liz, who calls herself an “amateur photographer” snapped this gorgeous photo of rainbow nature-strip art. See @LizEllisPhotography54 on Facebook or lizellisphotos for more photos.

Left: Renee snapped this picture of Cooper, aged seven, and Lucas, aged four, who have made their own McDonald’s drive-through. Right: Jo sent us these snaps of her daughters, 12 year-old Ella and nine year-old Lily, who gave their father Mick a haircut. The girls gave Mick a handlebar moustache, trimmed his hair and even shaved his legs. Three year-old Harper drew some rainbows on the path near her family’s home for people to enjoy when they walk past. Left: Radhika submitted these photos of some lawn art, created by her husband Sohil and daughter Gauhar. Right: The Stewart Family created this window art. “Many people have been stopping by to see the window, especially at night. We have loved seeing people taking photos and sharing the colourful picture around social media,” the family said.

Several residents have drawn chalk illustrations around the local park and estate. The trail has been dubbed the “walk of positivity”. Nas, who sent in the images, said: “We have had many cases where people say it brought them smiles. “The community have gone out and purchased chalks and wrote on the footpath. Each time the rain washes it away, we go and write again. This is our contribution. “As a community, we ran competitions to keep our sanity intact – we had bin isolation day competitions, colouring competition and few more organised for the next few weeks.” Chalk art, above, sent in by Georgia. 16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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RECIPES

Lockdown recipes Looking for a way to pass the time at home? Why not try working on your culinary skills? A Facebook community, #lockdownlarderAustralia, is rapidly building with people showing of their latest creations. We picked a few for you to try. Renée Biewer’s homemade ricotta gnocchi with asparagus pesto Ricotta gnocchi: 400g ricotta cheese ¼ cup parmesan cheese 1 cup plain lour 1 large egg 1 egg yolk ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper

For the dipping sauce: 1 small pot natural low-fat yoghurt 10 fresh mint leaves ¼ cucumber ½ clove garlic Juice of ½ lime For the meatballs: 250g lean minced lamb Juice of 1 lime 1 small clove garlic 1cm fresh root ginger Small handful fresh coriander leaves 1½ tsp curry powder

Asparagus pesto: 500g asparagus spears ¼ cup slithered almonds ½ cup parmesan cheese 3 cloves garlic 1 pinch crushed red pepper ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 4 rashers bacon ¼ cup shaved parmesan 1 lemon Ricotta gnocchi: 1. Place the ricotta on a triple layer of paper towels. Cover it with another triple layer and press down, releasing liquid from the cheese. Scoop the cheese into a bowl and weigh out exactly 8 ounces for the gnocchi. If there is any leftover, use it for another dish! (or spread it on bread. Mmmm) 2. In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, 3/4 cup lour, grated parmesan, beaten eggs, salt and pepper until just combined – using a rubber spatula. Add the remaining lour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together, form a ball. Press it into a disk on a loured surface and cut it into four equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a log about 16 to 18 inches long. Cut 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife. 3. To cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s simmering, add the gnocchi and cook about 2 to 3 minutes, until it loats for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large slotted spoon or sieve to drain. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Asparagus pesto: 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut the asparagus spears into thirds. Take a handful of asparagus and set it off to the side – we will toss the spears and pieces in the pasta. Add the remaining pieces to the boiling water and cook

Rob Rees shows how to make spicy meatballs with dipping sauce

until slightly tender but still bright green, about 5 to 6 minutes. Strain the asparagus. 2. Add the asparagus, toasted almonds, garlic, grated parmesan and crushed red pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture begins to come together, then stream the olive oil in while the processor is running. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. (Note: this will make enough pesto that you will have some leftover – keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge and use it on everything! Toast, eggs, salads, sandwiches, chicken, shrimp, etc!) 3. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until completely crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. Add the asparagus pieces that you set aside and toss. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly tender. To serve: Serve the pasta, add it to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss the hot gnocchi with the pesto and a touch of pasta water – I add about 1/4 cup irst until I get the consistency I like. Add to a bowl with the asparagus pieces and spritz with lemon. Sprinkle the bacon on top. Top with shaved parmesan and a lemon wedge.

To make the dipping sauce: 1. Place the yoghurt in a bowl. 2. Wash the mint leaves, chop them inely and add to the bowl. 3. Wash, dry and chop the cucumber and add to the bowl. 4. Peel and inely chop or crush the garlic and add to the bowl. 5. Add the juice of ½ lime and stir. 6. Refrigerate. To make the meat balls: 1. Place the minced meat in a mixing bowl with 2 teaspoons of the lime juice and stir well. 2. Peel and inely chop or crush the garlic. 3. Peel and grate the ginger. 4. Wash, dry and chop the fresh coriander leaves.

5. In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic and grated ginger with the curry powder and the remaining lime juice. 6. Add the spice paste to the meat and add the chopped fresh coriander leaves. 7. Using wet hands, divide the meat and roll into 16 small balls. 8. Thread the balls onto 4 skewers and refrigerate until ready to cook. 9. When ready to cook, pre-heat the grill. 10. Grill the spicy lamb balls under a medium heat, turning often, until cooked right through. 11. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Renée Biewer’s Za’atar Lamb Burgers with fried zucchini, baby spinach, tomato, onions and yoghurt Za’atar burgers: Mix all ingredients together, make into patties, refrigerate for an hour before frying. 500g lamb mine 1 red onion ½ cup continental parsley, fresh 4 cloves garlic 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 egg ½ cup breadcrumbs, fresh if you have them ½ cup plain lour Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Burger illing: 100ml natural yoghurt 2 zucchini 4 bake-at-home long rolls 1 bag baby spinach 2 tomatoes Make the burgers, cook the rolls (or lightly toast any rolls you have on hand), grill the zucchini, assemble and eat. I would spread yoghurt in the bottom and top, mum would do one side, the other with hummus and start with spinach, tomatoes, patties, zucchini. (I add raw onion because I like it).

Jon Paddock’s sweet potato rosti with runny poached egg on top Elena Duggan’s easy pickle Ingredients 500g apple cider vinegar 500g water 125g sweetener of your choice, I use erythritol rather than caster sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns (Use spices as you desire)

1. Bring all ingredients to the boil and pour over your choice of vegetables/ fruit and seal. This amount of pickling liquid was plenty enough for all three of these jars. 2. The eggplant and tomato were grilled over ire for approx 10 minutes irst, just to change it up and for extra lavour. The cucumber was fresh. 3. I threw some garlic and onion in for lavour and prettiness!

We’ve particularly been missing going out for brunch, so today we made our own. 1. Peel and grate 300g of sweet potato. Combine potato, two eggs and salt and pepper. 2. Heat 1cm of oil in a frying pan and when hot add your potato mix in whatever shape you’d like your rosti (we used a round pastry cutter). Cook for about four minutes each side or until golden and crispy. 3. Dry rosti on some kitchen towel and put your poached egg on top. 17 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

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12364637-HM37-17

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▲ Treelopping and felling ▲ Stump removal ▲ Pruning ▲ On site mulching ▲ Mulch for sale ▲ Full insurance cover

melton.superhomeservices.com.au

for gas fitting, tap washer repairs, change over HWS, roofing and guttering electrical work, mini excavator hire

JL & M Painting

Tree Lopping/Surgery

MSZ TREELOPPING

$50

PLUMBER LICENCED

Painters/Decorators

To Let

*GET

12425155-RC34-19

*call for details

CALL OUT FEE $0

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

OFF TODAY!

24/7 Locksmiths Mention All Suburbs 0418 534 201 or 0414 930 586 this ad for Shop located at 36 Grant St, 10% off Bacchus Marsh 12380364-RC10-18

ANTENNAS

MICK 9747 1322 - 0418 994 320

9070-5216

Locksmiths

Rubbish Removal

Employment section of Network Classifieds. 2m, 3m, 4m and 6m Bins 6m, 12m and 18m Walk in Bins

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring

12400498-CG38-18

12446258-LB14-20

Phone 1300 550 901

Real Estate

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

12411669-SN09-19

48 hr change over Lic 26886 REC 23103 CARBON MONOXIDE TESTING for your own safety

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Melton & Moorabool Drains cleared & unblocked Leaks & drips fixed fast Hot-water specialists Licensed & Insured Seniors Discounts

For your Heating & Hot Water SERVICES

off this week $0 Call out Fee

30% OFF THIS WEEK 0409 888 228

12425726-SN36-19

MELTON’S #1 FIVE STAR

Heating and Hot Water

DAY SER ME $100 VIC

12447140-SG17-20

12362816-ACM35-17

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12432698-FA47-19

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JAD HEATING AND COOLING

24/7 Emergency Call Out All general plumbing and maintenance ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Metal rooﬁng, guttering renewals

12436763-JV03-20

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DIGITAL ANTENNAS POINTS & BOOSTERS INSTALLED TODAY

Tarallo Plumbing and Maintenance

12444058-SN11-20

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AAA AERIAL

Lic. 102400

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Television/Video/Audio

1300 998 707 or 0480 102 885

www.lclplumbing.com.au

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS

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Pipe Relining / Drain Renewals CCTV & Water Jet General Plumbing

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING ฀ ฀

3 ฀ ฀ Mix and Heavy accepted.

40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

Heating

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

ANTENNAS NOW! Drain Specialists

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Call Daniel 0417 059 190

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12418035-SN21-19

0412 184 772

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section of Network Classifieds.

12395942-RC33-18 506465AA-dc3Dec

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Pets & Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Call 0437 770 077

1300 553 173

D.B. HANDYMAN

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฀ Walk in Bins

Handy Persons

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3 3

C1033285-KK23-12

9746 7785

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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

12327446-LN42-16

REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

12398667-SN37-18

F & J ROLLER DOORS

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

$0 CALLOUT / QUOTES SENIORS DISCOUNT SAME DAY SERVICE CHEAP & HONEST PRICING

Massage Therapists

12400545-LB38-19

Ph: 0413 693 216 | 0422 437 935

ALL SEASON BIN HIRE

BLOCKED DRAINS

12447225-NG17-20

Will beat any reasonable quote.

Competetive prices - time starts at your door.

Rubbish Removal

12414798-SN14-19

FUSSY FURNITURE REMOVALS Reliable & Experienced Removalist | 2 men - from $85 per hour.

Plumbing

12423634-SN31-19

Furniture Removals

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX 19 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

12447178-FA17-20