UGFM - Radio Murrindindi

16/12/2024

Monday 16th December 2024 1:30pm

TOTAL FIRE BAN Tuesday - CFA advises that a total fire ban has been declared for the Mallee and Wimmera weather districts on Tuesday 17 December 2024 from 00:01hrs to 23:59hrs.

16/12/2024

Monday 16th December 2024
Statement From The Treasurer and Premier of Victoria

Today I have advised the Premier I will resign as Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Economic Growth. I will also resign as the member for Werribee.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Allan Labor Government and the governments of former Premiers Bracks, Brumby and Andrews.

I have been honoured and humbled to serve the Victorian people for 18 years as a Member of Parliament, 14 years as a Minister and 10 years as Treasurer.

Renewal is important, and after 10 years as Treasurer it is time for me to hand over the reins.

Importantly, this will allow the Government to establish the strong team that will contest the 2026 election.

I would like to thank the incredible staff across the public service I have had the privilege of working with – your frank and fearless advice will be forever appreciated.

I would like to thank the great Australian trade union movement from which I came.

I would like to sincerely thank my staff, who have worked so tirelessly and fearlessly for the Government, the people of Werribee and of Victoria. You live your values every day.

Thank you to the people of Werribee for your support, it has been an honour serving you – and through you – the people of Victoria in Parliament.

To my family – Karen, Jack and Grace – you mean the world to me and I could not have done it without you.

It has been an honour to serve in the Allan Labor Government and I wish the Premier, my Cabinet and caucus colleagues all the very best for the future.

The people of Victoria deserve a Government that provides a clear and inclusive vision and Premier Allan and her team provides exactly that now and into the future.

Statement From The Premier

Tim Pallas – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth and Member for Werribee – has advised me that that he is resigning from Cabinet. He will also step down as the Member for Werribee.

Tim and I first met in 1999, when I was the fresh-faced, newly-elected member for Bendigo East, and he was working in one of the toughest gigs there is – Chief of Staff to the Premier.

Over the next 25 years, we would work together as MPs, Cabinet colleagues, collaborators and builders. Most importantly, as mates.

Bonded by our shared passion for building infrastructure, karaoke – and our steadfast belief that Labor Governments change lives.

For more than 40 years, Tim has put those values to action, as a union organiser, union leader, advisor, MP, Minister and Treasurer.

In 2014, he helped lead Labor to an election win – sharing an ambitious agenda for the future of our state. That included our promise to remove 50 dangerous and congested level crossings, a promise Tim and I worked on together to deliver in government.

As Minister for Industrial Relations, he drove nation-leading reform: criminalising wage theft, cracking down on unscrupulous labour hire and introducing portable long service leave.

As Minister for Economic Growth, he’s helped build an innovative, inclusive and future-facing economy. Thanks to Tim, Victoria is the only place in the world where both Moderna and BioNTech – global leaders in mRNA – operate.

And as Treasurer, Tim has overseen an economy that’s growing faster than any other in relative terms. Business investment has grown to the highest share of economic activity on record in our state – and jobs growth is at a record high.

But as Tim has always said, a truly strong economy is one that works for working people – not the other way around.

Over the past decade, Tim’s efforts have helped transform our state. Not only are those level crossings gone for good, next year the Metro Tunnel will open – so will the West Gate Tunnel. We’ve built schools and hospitals, we’ve reformed TAFE and early education.

Perhaps Tim’s most important achievement: his steady guidance through the pandemic. The word “unprecedented” is thrown around a lot. But Tim stared down a challenge unlike any we’ve ever seen before.

He made sure that our economy was protected, businesses survived and Victorians remained in work. That our state not only weathered the storm but came through the other side.

Today, hundreds of thousands more Victorians are in a job. To me, that is the mark of a strong Labor Government, and a strong Labor Treasurer.

Because Tim understands, far more than a dry economic metric – good steady jobs mean security and stability. The foundation to start a family and build a life.

Tim has served our state in many capacities. But I know his most precious role was representing the people of Werribee. Over the past 18 years, he has been a staunch voice for our western suburbs and the people who call them home.

In his first speech as a newly elected Member, Tim spoke about his parents, and the ethos with which they raised their children: “give more than you get”.

By every measure, Tim has done exactly that.

I wish him, Karen, Jack and Grace all the best for the next chapter in their lives – including plenty of Werribee Tiger wins, and even more karaoke.

16/12/2024

Monday 16th December 2024
Statement on Tim Pallas’ resignation by
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry extends our gratitude and appreciation to Tim Pallas MP for his contribution to Victoria’s business and economic landscape following the announcement of his retirement as Victorian Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth and Member for Werribee.

Mr Pallas has served as Treasurer for a decade and has held several other business and economic related portfolios throughout his 18 years in Parliament.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said:

“On behalf of the Victorian business community, I thank Tim Pallas for his service, commitment and leadership. Spanning almost two decades in office, including ten years as Treasurer, Tim has been an integral partner in fostering economic growth and ensuring Victoria remains a thriving place to live, work and do business.

“Tim’s sincere and proactive engagement with the business community has always been a hallmark of his approach. His open-door relationship with the Victorian Chamber has allowed for honest and constructive conversations aimed at achieving the best outcomes for our state.

“Every year, excluding the interruptions of COVID, Tim has joined the Victorian Chamber at our annual Budget Lunch to provide critical insights into the economic direction of the State.

“Tim’s support for the Victorian Chamber’s Business Mentoring Program throughout the pandemic was instrumental in helping countless small and medium-sized enterprises navigate challenges and grow their operations. His belief in empowering Victorian businesses has had a profound and lasting impact on the sector.

“We wish Tim all the very best for the next chapter.”

15/12/2024

Saturday 14th December 2024
The Outdoor Education Group turns Forty

On Saturday over 200 current and former staff came together at the place where it all started by the banks of the Goulburn River at Eildon.

One the founding members Tony Pammer spoke about how it all started with a passion to fill a gap in education, originally The Outdoor Activities Group became a not for profit The Outdoor Education Group a few years later.

OEG has its National Base in Eildon with bases in Victoria, NSW and WA. Many of the staff have moved around over the years working in outdoor education in schools across Australia having gained experience at OEG. Camp Marysville and Jungai and Eildon Base employ many people locally.

Staff have formed life long friendships and some married and have families and still live locally. Last Saturday night saw people catching up that hadn’t seen each other for years with a lot of hugs and cuddles and longtime friends catching up.

Tony Pammer and new CEO Peter Griffiths spoke on UGFM about the passion for the industry and how it all started. Peter has come back to head the organisation having been involved many years ago spoke of the positive direction OEG is heading.

Peta Lawler head of Outdoor Education from St Michael’s school based in St Kilda, like many other schools that send students during their time at secondary school spoke highly of the positive impact outdoor education has had on their students.

Former OEG employee and UGFM Presenter of 20 years ago, Tara Venn flew in from Darwin for the celebration where she works with with kids from communities across Arnhem Land and has also worked at the School of the Air.

Tara spent an hour on air live from our broadcast talking of her amazing experiences working in Northern Australia. Tara grew up at in Eltham with her family having a houseboat at Lake Eildon for many years. She is just one of the many stories of success in life from former staff members.

15/12/2024

Sunday 15th December 2024
Total Fire Ban declared across Central, Western, and Gippsland Regions

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for Monday, 16 December 2024, across the Southwest, Wimmera, Mallee, Central (includes Melbourne and Geelong), North Central, Northern Country and the West and South Gippsland regions due to elevated fire danger conditions.

This means no fires can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.

Forecasts predict hot, dry, and windy conditions across Victoria. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 42-47°C in the north of the state and 33-42°C in the south. Strong north to northwest winds, with damaging gusts of up to 80 km/h, are expected ahead of a south to south-westerly cool change, which will sweep across the state from the southwest at around 2 pm, extend further west by 5 pm, and reach central parts of the state by 8 pm.

Before the change, dry thunderstorms and lightning are possible, while the change itself may bring wet thunderstorms.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan urged Victorians to take these conditions seriously and prepare accordingly.

“Total Fire Bans are declared to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading in dangerous weather conditions,” he said.

“With strong winds and the potential for fire spotting up to 2–3 km ahead of the main fire front, any fire that starts could spread rapidly and threaten homes, communities, and lives.”
Jason reminded residents in all TFB regions to have their bushfire survival plans ready and act early if conditions worsen.

“If you live in a fire-prone area, now is the time to review your fire plan and make sure you are prepared to leave early if needed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to act,” he said.

“A Total Fire Ban means harvesting activities, like operating headers or tractors, must be carefully managed, as sparks or heat from equipment can easily ignite dry grass,” Jason added.

“Fireworks and open-air fires, including campfires, are completely off-limits too.”
Non-compliance with Total Fire Ban restrictions can result in heavy penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

“Staying informed and acting early can make all the difference in a fire emergency. Tune into emergency broadcasts, visit emergency.vic.gov.au, and keep updated on the latest conditions in your area,” Jason said.
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.

They include:
ABC local radio, commercial and designated community radio stations such as UGFM along with Sky News TV
The VicEmergency App
The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook

13/12/2024

Friday 13th December 2024
Works expected on Melba Highway, Nashs Road before end of year

The Allan Labor Government has given themselves shy of three weeks to action and complete Melba Highway dip repairs at the corner of Nashs Road, Glenburn.

Speaking in Parliament in November, State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP asked the Minister for Roads when repairs would finally be made so that the 40km/hour limit could be removed, and the road made safe for drivers.

“The Melba Highway has been a constant source of grief for many travelling in my electorate, particularly Nashs Road where the speed limit drops from 100km/h to 40km/h.”

“I know that this section is unsafe because occasionally cars have pulled over after suffering some type of vehicle damage. Road users are fed up with it.”

The Minister has recently confirmed that repairs are scheduled and are “anticipated to be completed in December 2024. Once the works have been completed the traffic management currently in place will be removed and the speed limit returned to normal.”

Ms McLeish continues, “There are two weeks left in 2024. We’ve seen impending road work signs come and go at this location, but no works are being completed. The Minister better get cracking.”

13/12/2024

Friday 13th December 2024
Preparation today can save lives tomorrow says Murrindindi Shire Council.

The weather never takes a holiday. Will you have your plan ready in the event of a flood, fire or storm? The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property is to have a plan in place.

Murrindindi Shire Council encourages all residents to be proactive in their emergency preparedness by developing a clear emergency plan, having a contact list and staying informed through reliable local channels.

Spending 10 minutes today to create a plan can help you act quickly and effectively during an emergency. Talk to the people in your household about potential emergency scenarios and outline clear instructions for everyone to follow.

Make sure to include:
• where you will go
• how you will contact each other
• essential items (e.g. medications, important documents, emergency kit)

In the event of an emergency, knowing the right authority to contact is crucial to accessing appropriate and timely help. Research your area and keep a list of agencies in an easy to access place. Some useful contacts include:

• Emergency services, such as Police, Fire and Ambulance: 000
• State Emergency Service (SES) for floods, storms and earthquakes: 132 500
• VicEmergency Hotline for bushfire information: 1800 226 226

Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared includes knowing where to go for accurate information. Local broadcasters play a key role in providing accurate and timely emergency advice and warnings. Make sure you have access to a battery or car powered radio to listen to UGFM and ABC Radio. You can follow both of these sources on Facebook. Find a list of local emergency contacts and broadcasters at murrindindi.vic.gov.au/EmergencyContacts

You can download the VicEmergency app on your mobile or tablet device for updates on conditions in your area. For more information and how to download the app, visit murrindindi.vic.gov.au/prepareforfireseason

Council also encourages residents to stay connected with their local Emergency Service Agencies like SES and CFA, which offer support and information tailored to the specific needs of local communities. You can find state agency and local branch pages on most social media platforms. Find your local SES branch by visiting www.ses.vic.gov.au /about-us/contact-us and your local CFA branch by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/your-cfa/where-we-are

For more information about safety and emergencies visit murrindindi.vic.gov.au/safetyandemergencies

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher stated, “Emergencies can escalate quickly and having a plan is essential. Being prepared helps protect you, your loved ones, and your property while also easing the burden on emergency responders who are volunteers - many of whom are our own neighbours and community members. Take the time to create a plan and discuss with your household how to access reliable alerts and information, and who to contact. Staying informed saves lives.”

UGFM President, Station Manager and Radio Host and Alexandra SES Unit Controller Peter Weeks commented “Understanding how to plan and stay safe during emergencies benefits everyone, including emergency service responders. In an emergency, our services often face overwhelming demand, requiring us to prioritise while ensuring our own safety in challenging conditions. We urge everyone to have a plan to protect themselves and their loved ones, as there may be times when we are delayed depending on the number of jobs and their priorities. Time is your greatest asset.

To prepare, have an emergency kit that includes essentials like food, water, medications, and first aid supplies. Know where any items are that you might need to take if you need to leave quickly. Maintain a water supply to ensure you and your pets stay hydrated. If you have a backup generator, store spare fuel in a safe location away from buildings and your house.

Identifying your communication channels and knowing how to receive emergency warnings and monitor weather conditions is critical. In a life-threatening event, call 000. For flood or storm assistance, call SES at 132 500. Consider getting a battery-powered or solar-powered radio and test it every couple of months. If you prefer not to buy a radio, you can stream most radio stations from your phone if a connection is available, or preset one of your car’s radio stations to your local designated broadcaster, such as UGFM and ABC Radio. If possible, have a charged CB radio or satellite phone on hand, as it can be very useful if mobile communications are lost. For more information on emergency preparedness, assistance in creating a plan, and more, visit ses.vic.gov.au

Check in with your neighbours and friends, share this information, and encourage them to do the same. Together, we can build safer communities."

12/12/2024

Thursday 12th December 2024 4pm UPDATE
The GV Highway has now reopened to traffic between Molesworth and Cathkin

Goulburn Valley Highway was Closed between Molesworth and Cathkin.

Two trucks were involved with a collision at Baynes Road and the Goulburn Valley Highway. The occupants are ok, however the highway was closed due to the collision between a gravel truck and truck carrying hay.

There was a diversion in place via Alexandra and the Whanregarwen Road around the scene.

The highway was closed for a few hours while the highway was cleared.

10/12/2024

Tennis Equipment gifted to Alex Tennis

This evening we handed over a range of tennis equipment to the Alexandra Tennis Club, including a ball throwing machine, heaps of tennis balls, and a range of pre-loved tennis rackets. An appropriate gesture on International Volunteer Day to help another volunteer group in our area.

Previously housed in the small pavilion at the tennis courts at the Buxton Recreation Reserve, the items were looked after by former Buxton resident (and avid tennis player), Graham Page. Graham and his wife, Beth, recently relocated to a retirement village out of the area.

Graham was fortunate to receive funding, as part of the reconstruction efforts after the 2009 Bushfire, to purchase the equipment and promote tennis in Buxton. With Graham's recent move out of the area, he asked the BPA to decide the future of the equipment and remaining funds.

Recently, we engaged with Alexandra Tennis Club's President, Troy Surkitt, on ways the equipment could benefit the local community and potentially encourage people to play tennis. With diminishing numbers of people playing tennis, it was decided to gift the equipment to the Alexandra club rather than have it sit idle.

Moving forward, both the club and BPA would like to see some form of tennis activities being organised in the Triangle. The club has offered with coaching should there be any interest within the Buxton community.

Photo: (L) BPA Committee Member, Andy Cowan, with (R) Alexandra Tennis Club President, Troy Surkitt, and the gifted equipment.

10/12/2024

10/12/2024

10/12/2024

Monday 9th December 2024
Indi gets ready to Play Our Way

A phone call from Federal Independent MP Helen Haines brought more than Christmas cheer to sporting organisations across Indi, with more than $4.4 million allocated across Indi through the ‘Play Our Way’ program.

Six organisations from Indi were awarded federal government grants ranging from $74,666 to $1.45 million to increase access and participation for women and girls in sport and physical activity.

Dr Haines said the funding would improve the standard and safety of key facilities in sporting clubs that received funding in the latest round.

Organisations that received funding in Indi are:

Alexandra and District Speedway Inc. - $74,666 for a female friendly amenities block

Beechworth Chain Gang Inc. - $354,100 for its Ride, Rest and Connect project

Mansfield Shire - $1,280,772 for female inclusive rooms

Tallangatta and District Netball Association Inc. - $553,595 for upgrade of the netball facility at Sandy Creek Reserve

Thornton District Sports Club Inc. - $705,482 to upgrade infrastructure, ground lighting, electronic scoreboard and goal nets

Wangaratta Rovers Football Netball Club Inc. - $1,450,000 for new women’s football and netball changerooms

“Clubs and organisations across Indi put extensive work into their master planning and grant application process to apply for programs like this” said Dr Haines.

“Local sport is a really important part of regional towns and fundraising alone isn’t enough to provide the infrastructure upgrades that clubs need to provide their community with safe and accessible facilities.”

“I was so delighted to phone the successful clubs to tell them the good news and hear the joy and excitement in their voices.”

“I am pleased to provide support across Indi to organisations with grant information, helping them navigate the application process and providing letters of support and other advocacy. I commend the organisations across Indi who are proactively seeking opportunities to apply for grants to improve their facilities.”

10/12/2024

Tuesday, 10 December 2024
SAFETY FIRST WHEN DECORATING THIS CHRISTMAS

It’s that time of year again when Victorians string up their Christmas lights and set up their Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday season, but with the fun and festivities comes the potential for serious fire hazards.

CFA and FRV are urging Victorians to check their Christmas lights before use to ensure they bring nothing but cheer this Christmas.

Using damaged lights alongside tinsel and paper on Christmas trees can present a fire risk.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan urged everyone using Christmas lights to thoroughly inspect them for damage before hanging them on their trees and homes.

“Christmas lights are a wonderful way to brighten up Christmas but use year after year can result in frayed wires, damaged bulbs, and other wear and tear that makes them unsafe for the tree or your home,” Jason said.
“Turn your lights off before you go to sleep or leave the house to ensure they don’t overheat and consider using battery operated or solar lights that don’t require electricity.”

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said it was also important to closely check and monitor any decorations containing a lithium-ion battery.
“Lithium-ion battery powered decorations and appliances have become increasingly popular, and we just want to ensure everyone is using them as safely as possible,” Joshua said.
“Only buy products from reputable suppliers, use the charging cords supplied with the device and only charge items outdoors or in rooms with a smoke alarm.”

Christmas fire safety tips:
• When buying Christmas lights, make sure they have the Regulatory Compliance Mark tick of approval.
• Consider using battery-operated LED or solar lights which don’t require electricity.
• Inspect your Christmas lights for any sign of damage or wear and tear. Make sure there’s no exposed wiring and that there are no missing globes.
• Don’t overload power boards; use no more than three sets of lights per power board, even if there are four or more outlets on it, and avoid using double adaptors.
• Place your tree as far as possible from any heat source, curtains or furnishings.
• Find more information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/batterysafety and www.frv.vic.gov.au/battery-safety.

10/12/2024

Monday 9th December 2024
Rural & Regional Student Access To Training Hit By Victorian Government Cuts according to Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA)

The Victorian Government’s cuts to skills funding have sent shockwaves through the state’s skills training sector. Students across Victoria, particularly in rural and regional communities, face significant hurdles in accessing skills training opportunities, according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.

“The decision to cut the 10% funding premium for online learning, and perhaps counterintuitively a funding boost for public TAFE providers, has raised serious concerns about student equity, access, and choice in skills training for rural and regional students,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive Officer.

One of the most controversial changes is the removal of the 10% online learning support payment provided to independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This funding was crucial for independent RTOs to develop high-quality digital learning resources and offer tailored support for online students.

“For students in rural and regional areas, online study is often the only viable option due to limited access to in-person training facilities. Without this funding, the cost of delivering online education increases, and students may face reduced access to learning support,” Mr Williams said.

While the Victorian Government announced a 30% increase in support for TAFE providers to deliver training in rural and regional areas, this move fails to address the broader needs of students. TAFE colleges do not offer every course that students in regional communities want or need. Independent RTOs deliver courses that support emerging and critical industries, and without equitable funding, students are left with fewer skills training options.

“For students who rely on independent RTOs for skills training, the impact will be severe. Unlike public TAFE colleges, independent RTOs often provide specialised and emerging industry courses not offered by TAFE. These courses are critical to the state’s economic growth and essential for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries across rural and regional Victoria,” Mr Williams said.

ITECA Victoria is calling on the Victorian Government to revisit the cuts and put in place new policies that put students at the heart of skills funding policy.

“Students in rural and regional Victoria deserve access to a full range of training opportunities, not just those offered by TAFE. A fairer funding model will ensure that all students, regardless of where they live or what they want to study, have access to high-quality training options that meet their needs,” Mr Williams said.

The skills training system works best when independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges are seen as complementary parts of a unified system, according to ITECA Victoria.

ITECA Victoria points to data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), which shows that independent RTOs consistently outperform TAFE in student satisfaction, course completion rates, and key performance indicators. By directing more funding to TAFE while simultaneously cutting support for online learning at RTOs, the Victorian Government is reducing the diversity and quality of training options available to students in rural and regional areas.

10/12/2024

Tuesday 10th December 2024
Blue-green algae warning for Lake Eildon Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is warning people to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Eildon after monitoring detected high levels of blue-green algae.

Warning signs will be positioned at formal recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place while high levels of blue-green algae are present.

Lake Eildon will remain open to the public for any activities that do not involve direct contact with the water while the warning is in place.

GMW Water Quality coordinator Bianca Atley asked people to take care around the water.

“Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies but contain toxins harmful to humans and animals,” she said.
“Contact with it can cause rashes; sore eyes, ears, and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting. It is therefore important people boating or enjoying activities near the water take extra precautions.”

GMW recommends:
• People and pets avoid contact with the water.
• Those who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin immediately in clean cold water.
• Seeking an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible.
• Not using affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels.

People can stay up-to-date with blue-green algae warnings by phoning 1800 013 357 and selecting the option for blue-green algae information, or by visiting the GMW website:
www.g-mwater.com.au/news/bga

Water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly treated.

Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice-making, and drinking.

For more information about blue-green algae and your health, phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or visit the Department of Health’s website: www.health.vic.gov.au