Amy Johnson | Politician
Amy Johnson
Phone: +61 402 596 053
Reviews
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25.01.2022 I’ve been getting asked a lot of questions about when voting for the council election is. So please find an update below When is the council election?... -October 23rd How can I vote? -The election is via post- your voting pack will be sent to your address. When will I receive my voting pack? -From next Tuesday 6th-Thursday 8th October you’ll receive your voting pack/ ballot in the mail. -Members of the same household may not receive their ballots on the same day as they’re sent at random by The Victorian Electoral Commission When do I need to send my completed voting slip back by? -Make sure you follow the instructions on the ballot pack and return your completed vote before 6 pm on Friday 23 October for your vote to count. Where will my voting pack be sent? -Check if your details are up to do on the electoral roll. If you’ve moved in the last couple of years, it’s worth checking, as your ballot may be sent to your old addresss. https://enrolment.vec.vic.gov.au/ The roll closed for this election at 4 pm on Friday 28 August 2020- so you can’t update it for this election. What will my voting pack contain? The ballot pack will contain: -a ballot paper attached to statements and -photographs lodged by the candidates in your council or ward -a ballot paper envelope with a flap -voting instructions -a reply-paid envelope. Do I have to vote? -If you’re over 18 and are on the electoral roll, yes you need to vote. -People over 70 must also vote, it is no longer optional for people aged 70 or over to vote, following changes to the law for the 2020 local council elections. If you do not vote, you may get a fine. Is there a fine for those who don’t vote? Yes, unfortunately.
25.01.2022 Let's play a little game... There's a spelling error in this flyer... can you find it? This will be going out in mailboxes in the coming week and thanks to one of my eagle-eyed friends, we picked up on an error before it went to print for 13,000 copies.... If you find the answer- please don’t put it in the comments just let me know you’ve found it.
25.01.2022 Today is my 33 birthday and last night I was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Ballarat! Woohoo! It’s an incredible privilege to take on this role, a role I’m proud to hold. ... Last night I was also officially sworn in as a Councillor again for the 2020-2024 term, along with the eight other successful candidates. We have a wonderful and dynamic team and I look forward to working with them. #Ballarat
25.01.2022 We need a second hockey pitch for Ballarat ... and a third and a fourth. While team sport is cancelled at the moment, we know that we must still continue planning for the future.... Hockey Ballarat are at capacity at Prince of Wales Park and need room to grow. As part of the recovery process from the pandemic, council need to fund infrastructure projects that pump money back into our local economy and create jobs. If re-elected as a Councillor in October, I'll be advocating for the construction of additional hockey pitches in Ballarat to be included in our 2020-2024 Council Plan. Hockey Ballarat News Ballarat Hockey Centre Students of Ballarat Hockey Club Ballarat Hockey Field Ballarat Hockey Centre
24.01.2022 Happy International Men’s Day! In Australia men may have higher salaries on average and greater representation on boards/ as CEOs etc... BUT men also have higher rates of:... Completed suicide Heart disease, Addiction to alcohol and other drugs A shorter life expectancy by 4.1 years compared to women. Men account for: 95% of workplaces deaths 75% of road deaths 66% of violent deaths 70% of deaths among 18-24 year olds Men are important too... The Modern Bloke
23.01.2022 If you like 'truth bombs' watch this video... At the Ballarat Council meeting last Wednesday the first matter on the agenda was a debate about nuclear weapons. How can someone think forming a position on nuclear weapons is a priority when we're in the middle of a pandemic that's CRIPPLING our economy and DEVASTATING the mental health and wellbeing of our residents?!... Listen to the video below- to hear my thoughts...
22.01.2022 Exciting news for Miners Rest! I'm finally able to share that council are in the process of acquiring land in Miners Rest for a sporting hub. I supported a motion last Wednesday night at council to acquire 43 acres of land in Howe St.... This land will be used for sporting and recreation facilities, as well as flood mitigation. This is an absolutely wonderful thing for the Miners Rest community. Sporting hubs and parks provide another great opportunity for the community of Miners Rest to connect and interact with one another. https://www.thecourier.com.au//its-a-major-deal-ballarat/
22.01.2022 From 11:59 tonight Victoria will return to covid safe summer settings. Masks rules have changed again: They’re now only required in high risk settings such as shopping centres, supermarkets and public transport.... Up to 30 people allowed at private gatherings/ your house. Up to 100 people allowed at outdoor gatherings. 75% of public & private sector allowed back to work
21.01.2022 Changes to face mask rules Yesterday’s announcements meant no changes for regional Victoria. Many were hoping that getting to zero would mean changes for gyms, indoor pools, indoor entertainment venues, hospitality and other restricted businesses. ... Unfortunately this did not occur yesterday. However, it was announced that Victorians must now ONLY wear a fitted face mask of two-ply+ material or a surgical mask. Wearing other face coverings such as: a shield scarf gator or bandana will NOT be allowed after a grace period of ONE week. UPDATE: Grace period is now only ONE week- as updated by DHHS. Exemptions exist for those with breathing conditions and for mental health reasons. A $200 fine will be issued to anyone failing to wear a correctly fitted face covering.
21.01.2022 From 11:59PM tonight: No masks required outdoors (in general) Wear masks where you can’t socially distance (even if outdoors) ... 15 people can visit your home 30 people can visit your home from 13th December including Christmas Day 50 for outdoor gatherings 150 for Weddings 25% of staff can return to each workplace onsite (from 30th Nov) 150 indoors for cinemas, galleries, museums, places of worship Adult contact and non contact sport can recommence 20 person group limit indoors for hospitality, sport etc with at least 5 meters between each group. Hospitality- for smaller venues one person per two m2 up to 50 people. For larger venues, density limits remain the same with patron cap increase to 150 people.
21.01.2022 ‘Cr Amy Johnson, who was elected to be deputy mayor by her fellow councillors on Wednesday, said it was "wonderful to see gender diversity increasing across councils in Victoria" She said she’d also like to see more varied representation on council in the future: "Moving forward I'd also like to see greater diversity on councils not only in relation to gender, but also in relation to ethnicity, age and professional background."... "It's been shown that increasing diversity on councils and boards leads to better decision making overall." She also said that, aged 33, she remained the youngest person on council, "We have lots of knowledgeable and inspiring young people in our city, so I encourage them to consider standing for council in the future". ‘
20.01.2022 Victorian Covid Restrictions Update: From 11:59PM tonight: The ‘four reasons’ to leave home will be scrapped, as well as the 5km rule. ... Masks must be worn indoors Masks required outdoors where you’re unable to physically distance Only 5 visitors to the home permitted, reduced from the previous limit of 15. Public gatherings limited to 20 people 50% of public and private sector can return to work School is back tomorrow Retail to reopen with density limits Beauty & Hairdressing may reopen. Face masks to be worn- but may be removed for treatments. Hospitality to reopen with density limits Weddings and funerals can go ahead- the size of which, will depend on the density capacity of the venue Full list of restrictions in comments
20.01.2022 Democracy at its finest. Great work to the hero who did this- try putting your own hand up to run for council. I tell you what, it takes a hell of a lot more resilience and guts to put yourself forward for a public role than it does to do stuff like this. ... I endure this crap constantly, because I'm prepared to stand up for what I believe in.
20.01.2022 Have you seen Spoonville
19.01.2022 Regional Victoria will move to Step 3 from 11:59PM Wednesday night Key points: No restrictions on leaving home... Masks restrictions remain in place Spend time with others outside where possible Public gatherings: up to 10 people outdoors Visitors allowed at home from 1 other household (up to 5 people) Schools return to onsite learning from Term 4 with safety measures Hospitality open for predominantly outdoor seated service only All retail may open Childcare - open Gyms - closed Full list: Schools - staged return to onsite learning for all students in Term 4 with safety measures in place adult education - restricted. Learn from home if you can, onsite for hands-on, skills-based learning Hospitality - predominantly outdoor, group limit of 10 and density limits. Max 20 seated inside venue (across two defined seating areas) plus up to 50 seated outdoors. Retail - all open, Hairdressing- remains open Beauty services- open (where a face covering can be worn for the duration of service) Tattoo parlours and other personal services- open (where a face covering can be worn for the duration of service) Real estate - private inspections by appointment only, auctions outdoors subject to gathering limits Shopping - no person limits Outdoor contact and non-contact sport for people aged 18 and younger- may recommence Outdoor non-contact sport only for adults- with gathering and density limits may recommence Outdoor skateparks- open Outdoor fitness- for groups of 10 people maximum Weddings - allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant) Funerals - allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit) Religion - outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader, places of worship open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader Travel within Victoria - allowed across all areas in the Third Step (except travel to areas with higher restrictions) Entertainment - outdoor venues and events open, subject to pre-approved plans Accommodation - open, with caps per the social bubble ** Will continue to update
17.01.2022 You'll be receiving your voting packs in the mail within the mail from next Monday 5th October. I'd love your support to continue as your North Ward Councillor for Ballarat.
17.01.2022 Ballarat officially has ZERO Active Covid-19 cases. How do you feel about this news? Do you think more of our businesses should now be allowed to reopen?
17.01.2022 Check out this incredibly talented Ballarat photographer JROD
16.01.2022 Merry Christmas to you all A special thank you to the police officers, paramedics, prison officers, fire fighters, nurses and doctors who worked today. As well as to all of you who took time away from your family and friends to work in the essential jobs that keep our city, state and country safe and moving, even on Christmas Day.... Thanks also to all the staff who worked right up until Christmas, (especially those in retail)!! We’re so lucky to enjoy the life we do in Australia and we must always strive to better support the marginalised and vulnerable in our communities.
15.01.2022 If Ballarat was a city of 100 people there would be: 19 children aged 0-14 64 people aged 15-64 17 people aged 65+... 11 people living alone 1 person who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 84 people born in Australia 9 people born overseas 7 birth places unknown 90 Australian citizens 5 people who speak a language other than English at home 17 people attending school or preschool 47 who have completed year 12 5 people studying at a tertiary institution 1 person studying at a technical or tafe institution 81 people working and of these: 29 caring for children 22 doing some voluntary work 13 providing assistance to a person with a disability 71 completing unpaid domestic work Ballarat population: 110,000
14.01.2022 Happy Diwali May the Festival of Lights be a festival of joy, peace and prosperity. Apologies for lateness- it’s been a very busy week.
13.01.2022 Can you host a sign? We have signs going up today and over the weekend, please let me know if you’d like one. I’m standing for the North Ward which includes:... Wendouree, Lucas, Alfredton, Ballarat North, Invermay, Miners Rest, Cardigan Village, Invermay Park, Nerrina, Brown Hill (part of), Learmonth, Burrumbeet, Coghill’s Creek etc See more
13.01.2022 From the time I got elected in 2012 I was constantly asked why? Why did I stand for council and why did I think I had what it takes at just 24 years old? I shared the truth behind why I stood for council at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute candidates forum last Friday.
12.01.2022 Ballarat cafes, restaurants & pubs will be able to reopen for dining as of Wednesday 11:59PM Updated restrictions: Mainly outdoor... 2hr time limit 20 people allowed seated indoors across two areas, 1 person per 4sqm Max of two indoor spaces in each venue Cap of 50 seated people outside Indoor spaces will be limited to 10 patrons, subject to a density rule of 4 square metres per person. A maximum of two separate indoor spaces will be allowed to open per venue, meaning larger venues could seat a total of 20 patrons indoors 10 in each room. Tables will need to be 1.5m apart. As is absolutely appropriate we're scrapping the red tape and waiving outdoor dining permit fees to allow businesses to offer immediate outdoor dining options as a first step to economic recovery for the hospitality industry. We're currently talking with and listening to our business community to ensure businesses throughout Ballarat are ready to start or expand their outdoor dining offer. Those businesses who have already paid their fees for a permit will be given a refund. The City of Ballarat will monitor if their outdoor dining approvals need to be extended or altered. In order to ensure hospitality businesses can have their new or varied outdoor footpath dining organised as easily and quickly as possibly, the City of Ballarat will provide the required public liability cover for this activity on a temporary basis. Hospitality businesses interested in discussing options should contact the City of Ballarat’s Business Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or phoning 5320 5500.
12.01.2022 What do you think of this cute little guy? This little fella was made by Liam and Bailey in Alfredton
11.01.2022 Do you think Councillors should be flying overseas at rate payers expense? If you want my opinion, travelling overseas as a Councillor is just completely unnecessary. I’ve been a councillor for eight years, I’ve never, ever needed to go to another country, in order to complete my job!... In 2018 the Mayor and CEO put to us that approval for overseas travel shouldn’t come before the council chamber anymore. I wonder why What does that mean exactly? It meant that the nine councillors were handing over our ability to vote on these trips to the CEO. The CEO could approve the travel and funding, without councillor or public knowledge. This was a blatant attempt to avoid public scrutiny and was also to make sure these junkets could be quickly approved. Not surprisingly, I voted against it. https://www.thecourier.com.au//mayor-defends-move-to-tak/ But a majority of councillors supported the motion. Multiple trips were approved by the CEO in this way. Thankfully, due to a recent change, these trips are once again decided upon by councillors. But should your elected reps be flying overseas in the first place?!
11.01.2022 Good news for beauty and personal services this morning. The Premier has announced that these services will be able to reopen in step 3. It is hopeful these services may be able to reopen in a few days time...... If the case threshold for step 3 is achieved next week (which it’s on track to do ). Only services where a mask can be worn by both the staff member and the client will be permitted to operate. Step 3 case threshold: 5 or fewer new cases in regional Victoria on average for 14 days 0 new cases of unknown origin in regional Victoria for 14 days
10.01.2022 Nominations have now closed for the Ballarat Council election and here are your candidates for the North Ward. The ballot draw was also conducted today. The ballot draw determines which order candidates appear on the ballot. ... North ward includes: Wendouree, Lucas, Alfredton, Miners Rest, Mitchell Park, Ballarat North, Part of Brown Hill, Burrumbeet, Learmonth, Cardigan Village, Coghills Creek, Bo Peep, Invermay, Invermay Park, Nerrina etc
10.01.2022 Cardigan Village I’m writing to once again outline my support for Cardigan Village and your approximately 660 residents. Council recently released the Cardigan Village Township Plan, which is a document that will guide the future of your area, developed in recent years in consultation with you, the residents. ... Cardigan Village is a unique area with a rural feel and a strong and connected community. Approximately 90% of residents in who live in CV own your home or with a mortgage. Council must continue to support residents in the area, especially in the installation of footpaths and a plan to, undertake the stage replacements of open drains. As a Councillor, I’ve raised the need for installation of footpaths and fixing of the drainage situation at each budget sessions annually, however, given the significant cost, it never seems to get across the line with a majority of councillors in order to be added to the council plan. In order to combat this, we should suggest a smaller allocation of funds for these projects, such that they can be undertaken in a staged way, rather than all at once. As this is likely more palatable to the councillor group. It’s a pity that developers were allowed to undertake such substandard infrastructure works, from when developments began, with open drains and missing foothpaths. A sharp contrast to the types of developments we see undertaken in other suburbs such as Lucas and Alfredton. Although Cardigan Village is of course very different to these suburbs. Your area is set to expand to in the coming years, with another 130 lots to be released to the east and a population of approximately 1,000 by the time this extension to your township is complete. The average lot size in Cardigan Village is 2010sqm; however, there’s currently a proposed subdivision including lots of a around 300sqm, which is out of character with the rest of the properties in the village. We must work to ensure that the feel of the area remains a ‘rural’ one, by discouraging subdivisions of this nature. Moving forward, we must protect the area, to ensure that all future development is appropriate and in line with existing dwellings. We must also allocate funds to support the development and maintenance of recreational and community facilities, to provide even more opportunities for your community to connect, interact and to stay fit and healthy together. Cardigan Village, Victoria Cardigan Village Community Noticeboard, Committee for Cardigan Village - CFCV Cardigan Village Community Centre Cardigan Village Coffee Van
08.01.2022 Confirmed: Victorian lockdown to end tonight. Details of the exact restrictions that will remain in place, will be announced at 10:15AM.
06.01.2022 Would you like to have a hard-rubbish collection service? Hard rubbish is a great way to encourage recycling, because, as the old saying goes, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. If re-elected, I'll work to establish a twice-yearly hard waste service.... This involves leaving items at the front of your property for collection, similar to the service many metropolitan Melbourne councils offer. I was chatting with a lady while waiting for a blood test recently and she told me she'd put her vacuum out next to her waste bin and hoped the garbage truck would pick it up. I said that it was unlikely, as it was just the waste in the bin that was emptied. She said that was unfortunate, as she didn't have a car, so didn't have a way to take her broken vacuum to the tip, or any other way to dispose of it. There are quite a few people in our city who aren't lucky enough to own a trailer, or a vehicle big enough to take waste to the landfill. A service where waste is collected from the home would be much more inclusive and helpful to these people.
06.01.2022 Victoria COVID-19 Restriction Changes From tonight at 11:59pm: Masks will be required in the following places: ... on public transport in rideshare vehicles and taxis in some retail settings including indoor shopping centres supermarkets department stores and indoor markets. Up to 30 visitors to your home (infants U12 months excluded) Up to 100 people may gather outdoors in public places (front / backyard is considered your home- not outdoors) Density limits in pubs, restaurants and cafes will shift to 1 person per 2sq metres for both indoors and outdoors. The use of electronic record keeping a QR code will be mandatory. And for small operations, there'll be no density limits if the patron number is under 25. For retail and beauty services, businesses will be able to move to 1 person per 2sq metres if they also introduce electronic record keeping. For businesses where that's not possible, the existing density limits will continue to apply. The cap for funerals and weddings is removed, subject to a new density limit of 1 person per 2sq metres. Cap of 30 people if wedding or funeral is at a private residence. For those who want to dance at their wedding, dancefloors will only be able to host up to 50 people, with a density of 1 person per 4sqm. The same rules will apply to nightclubs- no hugs, no handshakes, no kissing. The same new density limits will apply for community facilities, including libraries, RSLs, and community halls. In gyms, the density limit will move to 1 per 4sq metres with exercise classes limited to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors. COVID Marshals required when gyms are staffed. At times when gyms are unstaffed, a density quotient of 1 per 8 sqm applies. 50 per cent return for office workers by 11 January For the Victorian public service, up to 25 per cent will be able to return to the office from 11 January, moving up to 50 per cent on 8 February. Ceremonies and religious gatherings: Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm applies. Venues using the density quotient of 1 per 2sqm must use electronic record keeping. Indoor physical recreation and community sport: No patron caps with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm for each space. Outdoor physical recreation and community sport: Up to a maximum of 100 patrons for outdoor fitness classes with a density quotient of 1 per 2sqm. Accommodation: Bookings restricted to the private gathering limit. The person or household booking the accommodation can have up to 30 visitors. Seated entertainment venues (indoors and outdoors): Open, up to 75 per cent of fixed seated capacity with maximum patron cap of 1000 people, density quotient of 1 per 2sqm in foyers, bars, bathrooms etc when using electronic record keeping.
04.01.2022 For those interested- information re NSW/ Vic border crossings Update: details are correct as at 8.30 am January 4th- as per Tim McCurdy MP This morning, (4th January) MP’s were briefed by the cross border commissioner Luke Wilson . ... The key take outs from this meeting are 1. There are directions for agricultural worker permits. Tim will post details as they become available. 2. Current border bubble remains the same size,still under review but no timeframe for if or when it may change. We are hopeful that it won’t change but we do not know. 3. If you are a Victorian from a border community, and you cross into NSW using your license,you can only travel within the NSW border zone, if you leave the border zone you will need to apply for a permit to return. 4. If you are a NSW border resident , you are not limited to the Victorian bubble, in other words, if you live in Mulwala or Barooga etc, you can travel to Geelong by just showing your license. 5. The Murray river is still accessible to Victorians from the Victorian side and NSW from the NSW side. The amendment today says that cross border people from cross border communities can now travel in the same boat. In other words a person from Mulwala can go fishing with his/her mate from Yarrawonga. However A Victorian cannot travel in the same boat as person from Sydney or from outside of the bubble. 6. There are exceptions for cross border travel for people outside of the bubble, which I will try to provide as it comes to hand. 7. Transit permits are now available if you want to travel from say Qld or ACT to Victoria, they are available thru the Victorian website. This would mean you do not need to isolate once you have arrived in Victoria.
03.01.2022 Carl and I are welcoming a new addition to our family next year
02.01.2022 It’s been a tough year for so many people. Christmas is a great chance to show your support and appreciation for others in our community. Saigon Nails staff were treated poorly by a number of people this year, as they travel here from Melbourne for work. ... I visited recently to get my nails done and was so saddened to hear how awful people had been to them. People entered their store to abuse them, people called up to criticise them and many people wrote nasty comments on social media targeting this business and their staff. Difficult times brings out the best and worst in people. Instead of choosing to be an a-hole- choose instead to ‘be kind’ to other people. A somewhat early Merry Christmas to Saigon Nails and your staff.
02.01.2022 I'm proud to announce that I'll be re-standing for Ballarat Council in the election next month. I have a number of key projects I'd like Council to deliver, including the addition of a twice yearly hard rubbish collection service. Right now we are at a critical time in our city. ... Council will have an important role to play in supporting local businesses and our community as a whole. As a council, we must focus our attention on supporting local businesses and our community to get back on their feet. We must also do what we can to support our residents with mental health challenges now more prevalent than ever. Having served 8 years on Council I know where our city is heading but also where the challenges are. These challenges are significant, especially at the moment, but I also know we as a community can come out of COVID even better and stronger. I want to drive that recovery and ensure that businesses and jobs are a focus of our post-COVID recovery. I'd love your support at the council election in October- I’m standing in North award. It will be conducted via post- so watch your mailbox.
01.01.2022 Have you seen these start popping up around Ballarat? Thank you so much to those who are displaying one of these signs at your house. And thank you to Carl Dressel for being my wonderful support once again, not only just installing these signs, but in everything you do for me.
01.01.2022 Please remember batteries are not to be placed in any household bin. They are hazardous items that can cause MAJOR concerns for the environment and processing facilities!... Please take your used batteries to: The Ballarat Transfer Station Ballarat Central Library, Wendouree Library or Sebastopol Library to dispose of them safely for FREE. From here, they are taken to a facility which is equipped to deal with used batteries safely. For more information, please visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/property/waste/electronic-waste
01.01.2022 Six active covid cases in Victoria From 5PM TONIGHT the following restrictions will be in place in Victoria: REDUCED LIMIT of household visitors from 30 to 15.... Masks mandatory in all indoor spaces except your own home- or when eating/ drinking. If you are planning to leave your home. Take a mask and it needs to be worn any time you are inside apart from when you’re eating or drinking. There have been no other changes announced.
01.01.2022 FACE MASK CHANGES AS OF 11:59PM 6TH DECEMBER Face masks are no longer required to be worn indoors except : -on public transport... -in a taxi/ Uber or other ride share -in a shopping centre -in department, electronic, furniture or hardware stores or in supermarkets Face coverings are recommended (but not mandatory) in other settings, where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Shopping centres/ department stores are distinct from small retail settings. Masks are no longer required to be worn in cafes/ restaurants, given contact tracing https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-su
01.01.2022 In addition to Lifeline (13 11 14), those of you needing support can also contact: Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 SANE 1800 187 263... Parentline 13 22 89 Mensline 1300 78 99 78 Emergency 000 Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 See more
