Directory review
COUNCIL is undertaking a review of its support for the Wimmera Information Network community directory.
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This community information helps people access vital information to assist them to engage services, join groups or clubs and gain knowledge to get the maximum out of life, be it work, social, business, education, recreation, health services, sporting groups, emergency or crisis. The database contains information about services and resources available in the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee regions as well as details of government, peak bodies and other organisations of interest to local resident.
A survey has been created for people to provide feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HRCC-CommunityDirectory
For more information, people can contact Kathy Newton on 5382 9712 or email kathy.newton@hrcc.vic.gov.au
Paper copies of the survey are available at the Horsham Library, Senior Citizens Centre, Visitor Information Centre and at council’s reception centre.
DON JOHNS and JUDITH BYSOUTH
Chair and Executive Officer, Wimmera Information Network
Farmers back firm stance
VICTORIAN farmers have applauded federal legislation that is set to put an end to the United Firefighters Union’s control of the Country Fire Authority.
The federal government presented its Fair Work Amendment (Respect for Emergency Services Volunteers) Bill 2016 to Parliament on Monday, which strikes out clauses in any union deal that could override volunteers’ rights or operations. As it stands this union deal allows the union to override the powers of the Country Fire Authority chief officer, which is why the authority’s former chief officer, former chief executive, former board and former minister have all walked away from the deal in disgust.
Our farmers, most of whom are volunteers, won’t accept the union overriding their rights and access to resources.
That’s why we’re grateful to the prime minister and his Employment Minister Michaelia Cash for ending many of the union’s powers over the authority.
It’s all about the chief officer being able to operate the authority effectively on behalf of its 60,000 volunteers, not just its 600 paid career firefighters. The bill prohibits any clause within a union enterprise bargaining agreement from restricting or limiting the authority’s ability to:
- Engage or deploy its volunteers.
- Provide support or equipment to those volunteers.
- Manage its relationship with, or work with, any recognised emergency management body in relation to those volunteers.
- Otherwise manage its operations in relation to those volunteers.
We’re also glad to see the legislation is retrospective and makes sure there is fairer representation during negotiations on union deals.
DAVID JOCHINKE
VFF President
Honour roll
WIMMERA women are urged to nominate for the 2017 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. I have met many remarkable women from across the Lowan electorate, who through their leadership and commitment, are making lasting contributions within their communities.
We have a great depth of talent in many fields and the honour roll is an excellent initiative to ensure local women receive the recognition they deserve.
Past inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women have included Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne and 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty.
It is important the honour roll includes women from right across Victoria including our regional and rural areas.
If people know of a local woman who has made or is making an outstanding contribution to the community and is a genuine role model, then nominating them is a wonderful way of saying thank you.
Since it started in 2001, the honour roll has acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding achievements of 582 Victorian women who have contributed to change across a broad spectrum of passions and interests. Nominations for this year close on Friday, October 7 and further information is available at www.vic.gov.au/honourrollofwomen or by phoning the Department of Premier and Cabinet on 1300 366 356.
Successful nominees will be announced in March next year as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.
EMMA KEALY
Nationals Member for Lowan
Enrol to vote
ELIGIBLE residents and ratepayers in the Wimmera and Grampians are being urged to enrol to vote for the upcoming Victorian council elections before it’s too late.
Enrolment closes at 4pm on Friday, August 26. Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 years old or changed their address can complete an enrolment form online at vec.vic.gov.au or pick one up at any Australia Post or Australian Electoral Commission office.
Paper enrolment forms must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by 4pm on Friday. Anyone on the state electoral roll for their current address and non-resident property owners are automatically enrolled for the election.
There are also additional enrolment categories for occupiers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates. People in these categories can apply directly to council to enrol by calling 5585 9900.
Further information on enrolment is available by calling 1300 805 478 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free election alerts service to be sent important reminders by SMS and email.