Campaigning for schools - Labor candidate launches education petition

Woodend Primary School principal, Andy Kozak, and Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters with her petition. Photo: Chris Fleming

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters visited Woodend Primary School last week to launch her 'Macedon Ranges supports Fairer Funding for our Schools' campaign.

Ms Chesters said the Federal Labor government has put on the table millions of dollars for Macedon Ranges schools that deserve and need this funding to help ensure our kids get the best education for the best start in life. 

"Right now, the Liberal State Government and Federal Opposition are refusing to back the plan," Ms Chesters said. 

"Under Labor's National Plan for School Improvement, Victorian schools would benefit from an extra $4 billion, or about $1.8 million per school on average, over the next six years. 

"With one in 12 students not reaching minimum education standards, this is money that Macedon Ranges schools like Woodend Primary School need, and need right now."

Ms Chesters said that under Labor's plan all schools would be funded through a fairer system which is based on the needs of individual students and provides extra, targeted support for schools and students who need it most.

"Liberal State Premier Denis Napthine's decision not to invest in education is devastating for central Victorian schools, parents and children.

"Instead of putting Victorian schools first, Denis Napthine has turned his back on our students and resorted to slashing vital education funding.

"That's why we're launching this campaign. 

We are calling on Premier Napthine to follow the example of his NSW colleague, Premier Barry O'Farrell, and sign up to our plan to deliver a better deal for Victorian schools.

"The Federal Government has put a fair deal on the table for Mr Napthine - offering to invest two dollars for every extra one dollar they put in. This would ensure all schools get the funding they need to deliver the best education.

"Now it is up to everyone in the Macedon Ranges to get behind this campaign and demonstrate to the State and Federal Liberals that we support the National Plan for School Improvement and that Bendigo wants the funding that is on the table for our achools."

An online petition supporting the plan can be signed by visiting Ms Chesters' Facebook page facebook.com/lisachestersbendigo and clicking the link.

Candidate rails for better transport

Greens candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, is calling for better transport services and better partnerships between state and federal governments.

Rachel Wattie

Greens candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, was talking public transport policy in Kyneton on Wednesday, calling for better services and better partnerships between state and federal governments.

Mr Slade said his party fully supports the recommendations of the V/Line Initial Strategic Directions Plan, which include duplicating the lines between Harcourt and Castlemaine, as well as between Taradale and Kyneton, and increasing V/Line carriages.

"It would mean peak services are stopping in Castlemaine half-hourly, and would allow for more consistent services with less delays and clock face scheduling," Mr Slade said.

"We would also like to see more frequent services to Bendigo and Melbourne, with express services that don't get caught up in Melbourne's metro service."

More money should also be invested into bus services, Mr Slade said.

"The ability for people to get out, socialise and improve their mental health means greater health outcomes for the community as well," he said.

There is not enough shared transport services linking the Macedon Ranges' five major centres - Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey, Mr Slade said.

"We need to see that change.

"Woodend does not have access to bus services, meaning that many elderly, low income and differently abled people in the area cannot get around as best they could.

"Kyneton needs a more frequent and longer running service than what we have already, some areas are getting as little as three services a day with no services at all four days a week. It's time our public transport system reflected the mobility needs of the township.

"Many transport initiatives are funded by Federal and State government and the Greens are keen to work across governments to make a better public transport system for the Macedon Ranges."

Residents agree that the V/Line rail service is "unreliable", "grim" and "frustrating".

Regular train commuter, Malmsbury resident Ruth Reid-Hobbs, said there is a malfunction or some sort of problem at least once a week, as well as a lack of seating when it's busy.

Melbourne barrister, Duncan Robertson, says the service could use a few more trains.

"They seem to be (running) at odd times," Mr Robertson said.

$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.

Lock up your cars - police plea

Sen-Constable Kate Marjoram and Sen-Constable Jay Harrison check out cars during a routine patrol in a Castlemaine car park. Police have been leaving warning stickers on cars where the doors have been left open or where valuables have been left inside.

Jeff Jones

The latest police statistics show an alarming increase in certain categories of property crime in Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires. 

In particular, there has been a rise in the number of motor vehicles being stolen and a hike in the amount of property being stolen from motor cars. 

The number of cars stolen across the area increased from 69 in 2011 to 80 during the 2012 calendar year representing a 16 per cent increase. 

The trend is even more concerning when it comes to property being stolen from cars with a 21 per cent increase observed, up from 116 to 140. 

Local Area Commander, Inspector Ryan Irwin, said there were a number of simple steps people could take to help police curb the trend. 

"Inadequate security is often a factor in these offences," Inspector Ryan said.

"When reviewing property crimes committed in recent months, it is apparent that complacency is a common factor with many of these offences involving vehicles that had been left unlocked or with valuables left unsecured and in easy reach of thieves. 

"A number of offences involved tools and other valuables being stolen from the rear of utes and trailers."

Inspector Irwin said thieves often pursued soft targets.

"Leaving your car unlocked is making life easy for a thief," he said.

"On a number of occasions vehicles had property stolen while parked in the driveway at home with doors left unlocked. "Unfortunately many people still think 'it wont happen to me' and fail to take adequate security measures. Similarly there is a level of complacency involved when people park at shopping centres and leave vehicles unlocked while attending retail outlets.

"It only takes a matter of seconds to become a victim in these circumstances and we are urging locals to be more vigilant and more security conscious."

Inspector Irwin said people often think that because they are leaving the car for a short period of time there is less need to lock it. "This is not the case," he said. "Unfortunately many people have returned to their unlocked vehicle after an absence of a few minutes only to find that their mobile phone, purse or other valuables have been stolen. People need to be security conscious at all times including when at home or visiting shopping centres." 

As well as always locking unattended vehicles, people should remember not to leave any valuables in sight. 

"Leaving your mobile phone or wallet on the seat or on the dashboard can be like a beacon to a passing thief.

"Always take valuables with you when you leave your car unattended or at least have them secured away out of sight." 

Police are also urging people to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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.