'Infrastructure for the future'

Labor's fibre-to-the-premises National Broadband Network scheme, promised to deliver to Kyneton and central Victoria within three years, will be the answer for rural homes, says Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters said.

Rachel Wattie

The Federal Coalition's fibre-to-the-node broadband plan, relying on a decaying copper network, has been branded inadequate.

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, says Tony Abbott's scheme, which promises to deliver earlier and cheaper broadband to Australia, is "like building the Calder highway with dirt roads for off ramps", and Kyneton NBN Action leader, Andrew Hedge, says the copper network is "not up to the task".

The fibre-to-the-node plan has failed to address central Victorian residents' problems with internet access, Ms Chesters said.

But Labor's fibre-to-the-premises scheme, which is currently being rolled out, promising to deliver to Kyneton and central Victoria within three years, will be the answer for rural homes, Ms Chesters said.

"It means that more people can move into Kyneton and central Victoria, and bring their small business with them."

Kyneton residents would be able to 'telecommute' (work from home), or from a local 'hotspot', rather than having to commute all the way to Melbourne.

The Coalition's promised download speed of between 25 and 100 megabits per second by the end of 2016, and 50 to 100 megabits per second by 2019 is not fast enough, Ms Chesters said.

Labor's NBN, promising 100 meg this year and 1000 meg next year, is essential for healthcare, business and education opportunities.

"The future of our economy depends on homes and businesses being able to connect to the world in a faster way," she said.

"It's infrastructure for the future."

Kyneton NBN Action leader, Andrew Hedge, said the most important thing people in Kyneton want is to feel that they are on an equivalent service to people in the major cities.

Kyneton's current internet connection, ADSL2+, doesn't get half the top speed the technology should be able to get, he said.

"The copper is clearly not up to the task."

Meanwhile, Kosmac & Clemens Optometrists' senior optometrist Ed Kosmac, residing just eight kilometres out of Kyneton, doesn't have a copper line at all for internet, and has to rely on mobile broadband to access the internet - paying $59 for only 10 gigabytes per month.

"That's pretty much the maximum we can get," Mr Kosmac said.

The 10 gigabytes usually only lasts about two weeks, he said.

"So we are constantly going two weeks without internet."

"It certainly isn't adequate living on a mobile broadband service."

What is the National Broadband Network?

- Labor is currently rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) to Australia, promising construction will have started for 48855,500 homes and businesses by June 30, 2016.

- Labor has recently expanded its plan to include NBN availability to 4,900 homes and businesses in Castlemaine; 2,400 in Kyneton; 2300 in Romsey and Lancefield; and 1,000 in Maldon by June 30, 2016.

- The NBN provides speeds up to 100 megabytes this year, and up to 1000 megabytes next year.

- NBN replaces the copper network, which wasn't originally built with the internet in mind.

- With NBN, 93 per cent of Australian homes and businesses will have access to broadband with speeds reaching one gigabyte per second via fibre-to-the-premises scheme. The remaining seven per cent will have access to broadband speeds up to 12 megabits per second via fixed wireless and satellite technologies.

- Fibre-to-the-premises delivers broadband to Australians via an optic fibre, which is a thin glass or plastic strand that carries light along its length, and is capable of providing faster speeds than copper or wireless technologies.

- There is an increasing trend across countries such as Japan, South Korea, Denmark and Sweden to roll out fibre-to-the-premises as the preferred technology.

- According to a survey done by Australian-based marketing solutions provider, ExactTarget, 13 million Australians spend over 18 hours a day online, suggesting the government's investment into broadband services is appropriate.

$1.1M to fix black spots

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, and Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, at the corner of Egans Lane at the intersection of Dons Road and Three Chain Road, Newham, which has been awarded Black Spot funding.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, have welcomed the Federal Government's Budget allocation of $1,100,000 to fix three dangerous black spots in the Macedon Ranges.

The funding is the one significant cash injection from the Budget awarded to local projects.

The approved projects are:

· Three Chain Road, near Dons Road, at Newham: $814,000 to widen and seal the shoulder, install a skid-resistant seal, seal bellmouths and bus-bays, install a guardrail, line marking and signage and remove obscuring trees and vegetation;

· Romsey Road, near Mt Macedon to Hanging Rock Road, at Newham: $186,000 to widen and seal the shoulder, seal intersection approaches, remove an embankment and tree, install line marking and signage and complete drainage works.

· Burke & Wills Track, between Showlers Road and Wescott Lane, at Lancefield: $98,000 to install guardrail on all bends, improve signage, install curve advisory markers, and widen the seal on the western approach bend.

The projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2013-14).

Mr Mitchell said since being elected in 2007, the Federal Labor Government has allocated over $8.2 million to fix 26 black spots across the McEwen electorate.

"This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with 23 of these projects already completed," said Mr Mitchell.

"And the good thing about our Black Spot program is that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.

"Nomination forms are available from my office. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au."

Mr Albanese said a recent evaluation of the program found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30 per cent, which translates to the saving of one life per year for every 84 projects. It also returns around $7.70 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.

"That's why nationally we've doubled the program's funding to half a billion dollars - more than honouring all our election commitments."

Labor's candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said the funding for works at Newham were a much-needed safety boost for roads in the local community.

Macedon Ranges Blue

Macedon Ranges Blue is the local autism awareness campaign, part of the national, Autism Speaks Light it up Blue initiative. See article, Light on autism awareness (Guardian, 28/03/13), for more information.
Local Events during Autism Awareness Month:

April 2 
World Autism day 
Landmarks will be lit up blue 
Romsey - tree, fountain and shops
Woodend- clock tower Gisborne- fountain
Lancefield - businesses and shops

April 1 - 7
Blue autism awareness displays
Visual displays and information in business windows in Romsey 

April 4
Fundraising dinner for Playconnect autism spectrum disorder playgroup 
Sicilian Vespers Restaurant, Main Road, Romsey
Tino Fichera, 5429 3909

April 6
* Barbecue at Romsey Skate Park 
Short walk and balloon release
Kids activities
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
12 - 2.30pm
* Lions Club visit with Righteous pup (autism spectrum disorder trained companion dog)
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
* Romsey Football Club 
Blue practice match players run through blue banner and wear blue arm bands

Each Friday
* Playconnect, ASD playgroup for children from diagnoses to school (2-6 years) 
Romsey Community Hub 
* All Abilities kids health and fitness programs
Kids come and try day
Romsey Community Stadium
Mel Traynor, 0430 370 361

April 10
Macedon Ranges support group 
Morning tea 
Ethic Cafe, Woodend
Fiona Le Nepveu, 5421 1693

April 20
Pie eating competition
Fundraiser for the Macedon Ranges Autism Specturn Disorder Support Group 
Giveaways and prizes
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
10.30am 
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 24
Macedon Ranges support group lunch 
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
12.30pm
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 22
Question and answer session
Professor Tonge
Autism and adolescence
For parents, school staff, youth workers
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Supper provided
Cobaw 5421 1680

April 29
May 6
May 13
Autism spectrum disorder in preschool years
Three professional development sessions for kinder and childcare staff
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Fiona Le Nepveu 5421 1693

Month of April 
* Primary and secondary schools awareness activities
Cobaw staff will provide talks to schools in Macedon Ranges
* Macedon Ranges schools get on board to fundraise and raise awareness and acceptance of difference
Blue activities
For Amaze (Autism Victoria)
* Amaze will offer the Supporting Differences program to schools in the Macedon Ranges
To raise awareness of differences in the classroom and understanding students with an autism spectrum disorder

End of April 
Raffle drawn 
Fundraiser for Macedon Ranges Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group


For more information on these events, please contact Macedon Ranges Blue organiser, Shantelle Grant on 0411 444 447. 

Danger averted at Cobaw

A truck on fire at Cobaw on Monday.

 A firefighter with breathing apparatis climbs the truck.

Angela Crawford

The quick action of a passer-by prevented a truck fire at Cobaw on Monday from developing into a potentially dangerous incident. Fire brigades from Newham, Lancefield and Kerrie were called to the scene on Three Chain Road at about 4.15pm. 

It is believed that a tyre on the tip trailer of the earth-moving truck had either begun to shed or had blown out and the rear wheels had caught fire.

The driver quickly stopped, disconnected the truck from the trailer and moved to safety, before calling for help. By the time brigades arrived, a road maintenance water truck had arrived, backed up to the trailer and was spraying water onto the flames. The fire was not extinguished but was largely contained. Some of the tyres had burnt and blown out and had melted a hole in the bottom of the aluminium trailer, causing a load of gravel to spill out. A brigade member who is also a mechanic assisted the truck driver with repair required to reattach the half-burnt trailer and drag it out of the way. Shire road maintenance staff graded the gravel off the road.

Newham brigade captain, David Bachelor, commended the action of the passing truck driver in spraying the truck.

"It made the job a whole lot easier and saved the aluminium from burning and melting, which could have been dangerous," he said.

Million dollar relay! Teams walk, run and dance to fight cancer

 2013 Macedon Ranges Young Citizen of the Year Award, Indigo Nicholson, together with family members, supported her mother Laverne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, in the first lap for Survivors and Carers at the 2013 Lancefield Macedon Ranges Relay for Life last weekend.

 The weekend ended emotionally with the traditional release of white balloons into the blue sky.

Lyn & Wendy's Walkers raised the highest amount with more than $8500.

It's official! The Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life has raised more than $1 million for the Cancer Council Victoria.
In near perfect weather, 23 teams relayed overnight and were rewarded by the news on Sunday morning that by raising $58,000 they had pushed the event's 11-year tally to $1.04 million.
"Thanks are due to so many people who have supported the Relay since its inception," says organising committee chairmanager, Ken Wiltshire.
"The inspiration of that first group of volunteers who formed a committee to run a Relay For Life because they wanted to do something meaningful that would make a long-term contribution to the fight against cancer, a disease that had taken friends and family from them, is something that has sustained us all along the way."
Raising on average nearly $100,000 a year, teams from across the Macedon Ranges and beyond have rallied with courage and determination to support cancer research, education, advocacy and support services.
This year's event included the involvement of Sacred Heart College year nine student Indigo Nicholson, who won the 2013 Macedon Ranges Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Indigo read the Relay For Life Oath at the opening ceremony, and a winning video she made last year for the Live 4 Life Program conducted in Macedon Ranges secondary schools was screened throughout Saturday night.
Indigo was accompanied by her extended family including her tremendously spirited mother Laverne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, and participated in the first relay lap for Survivors and Carers.
Relay For Life unites hundreds of people touched by cancer, and offers empathy and hope. Among the survivors at Lancefield Park were several people who had overcome one or more forms of cancer and others still having treatment. They were given afternoon tea with music entertainment, pampering and an opportunity to add their handprint to a commemorative banner.
One of the most inspiring efforts was made by Anthony Traynor, who ran more than 100 kilometres in recognition of his wife Melanie's successful battle with breast cancer. Melanie and the couple's son Layne lit symbolic candles as part of the evening ceremony. The family entered a team under the name of their Romsey business, You Can Fitness.
The Lyn & Wendy's Walkers team raised the highest amount with more than $8500. Romsey IGA accepted the Georgette Watkins/Spirit of the Relay Award.
Fun and outright hilarious highlights included Slip, Slop, Slap, Shade and Slide races, tug-of-war in the moonlight and an energetically contested dancing competition.
Romsey and Lancefield Community Banks donated $2000, while the Foley family of Romsey presented the Carol Ladgrove Award and $500 to The Amigos who were judged best dancers.
Eleven teams responded to an incentive prize for registering for the 2014 Relay For Life. Lyn & Wendy's Walkers scored a daily double by being picked from a ballot to win $500 to kick start their next year of fundraising.
Mr Wiltshire says that while survival rates have improved for many cancers and there have been many medical advances, there is still much to do in terms of research and the provision of support services for those with cancer.
"The Cancer Council is at the forefront of that work. By its advocacy campaigns it is arguing for the enhancement of screening programs and other innovations that will improve the fight against cancer. Knowing all this gives the teams and the event organisers the resolve to be a part of the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life."
Donations for 2013 can still be made to teams or the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life event itself at www.relayforlife.org.au. For more information visit the website or ring 1300 656 585.

Choose your partners ... it's time to relay

Melanie and Matthew Foley, with their children, Alexander, Millie and Cooper, are donating an award to the Lancefield Macedon Ranges Relay for Life to be given in memory of Melanie's mother, Carol Ladgrove.

It's a dance competition, so get your scootin' boots on!

If you are near Lancefield Park around 6pm this Saturday you may get the urge to twirl your partner or bust a few energetic moves. Lots of others will be doing just that on the footy oval that gives way to the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life for one weekend every March.
The Carol Ladgrove Award will be contested in the form of a dance competition that will challenge teams to put their best ballroom, rock 'n' roll, disco and Gangnam style dancers on the track for a lap like no other.
Chief dance judge, Melanie Foley, cared for her mother Carol at her family's Romsey home before she died in May last year. She had fought a long battle against Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Carol danced in the rain with family members at last year's Relay For Life and a month later achieved her goal of celebrating her 60th birthday.
Melanie's husband Matt instigated the idea of donating an award to be given out at the Relay in memory of his mother-in-law. The dance competition was chosen by the family because of the joy that music and dance gave Carol, even when she was very ill.
The winning team will receive $500 towards its fundraising total. It should be enough incentive to inspire some spectacular costumes, if not plenty of fancy footwork to make the judging tense.
Teams will also be invited to test their strength in tug of war contests and to keep their shirts and hats on during slip, slop, slap and slide races. Prize money donated by the Romsey and Lancefield Community Banks will also go into the winners' fundraising banks.
Over the past 12 months, teams have again tried various ways of raising money for the Cancer Council Victoria. Barefoot bowls, golf, sausage sizzles, old time dancing, trivia nights, raffles and dinners have been enjoyed in the name of Relay For Life.
About 25 teams will participate in the overnight Relay at Lancefield Park this weekend. Registrations will be taken up until Saturday afternoon. Cancer survivors and carers are invited to join in the first lap to 'Celebrate, Remember, Fightback' at 3pm. It is not necessary to be in a team but individuals must check in at the registration office before walking on the track.
For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au, ring 1300 656 585 or contact Kelly Milne on 0419 319 429.