MelbourneObserver in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Local business

MelbourneObserver

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9439 9927

Address: 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham 3095 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.melbourneobserver.com.au

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20.01.2022 'Our First Obligation Is Hope'. That was the headline on the first issue of 'The Phoenix', a free weekly newspaper that we produced for the people of the bushfi...re recovery area after the 2009 Black Saturday fires. The first issue was just eight pages. It quickly grew to a community newspaper of more than 40 pages each week. The aim was simple: to give away a free $2000 package of local advertising to each of hundreds of local businesses, to get them back on their feet financially. Over 18 months, we gave away more than $1.3 million worth of totally free ads. It helped re-build the community from economic disaster. (If truth be told, we gave away about $100,000 more than we should have. That was to our own detriment, and it took us some years to recover. But, looking back, it was still the right thing to do) Fast forward 10-11 years. We predict the economic fall-out from the Coronavirus pandemic will be worse than the bushfires, Australia's biggest peace-time disaster. A lot of recovery will be needed. It's time again for a project like The Phoenix. This time around, we don't have the capacity to fund it ourselves. Local newspapers around the world have been taking a financial beating. But such a project would be a courageous and compassionate one for individual/s, companies and organisations to fund. There are possibilities for similar projects across Australia. The Local Paper covers a wide region in the north-east with a focus on the Murrindindi region. We are not going to shake the tin to raise funding for this project; that is for others more skilled with money than us. But we are at the ready to play our part as the community starts its massive rebuild. We begin that process with ... HOPE.

19.01.2022 North-East virus count jumps from 61 to 85 Victorian Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Brett Sutton (pictured), has today (Mon.) revealed a jump in local North-East ...cases of Coronavius figures from 61 on Saturday to 85. Prof. Sutton’s statement on Monday afternoon revealed the latest statistics from local government areas in the North-East: Banyule 35 Mansfield 2 Mitchell 5 Murrindindi 0 Nillumbik 11 Strathbogie 1 Whittlesea 13 Yarra Ranges 18 The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 821 an increase of 56 from yesterday (Sunday). Four people have already died, many more are in hospital or self-isolating at home. The total number of cases includes 447 men and 370 women, with people aged from three to 88. There are 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 42,000 Victorians have been tested to date. Currently 29 people are in hospital, including four patients in intensive care. Two hundred and forty-eight people have recovered. Of the total 821 cases, there have been 653 in metropolitan Melbourne and 146 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation. The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support. All close contacts must self-isolate for 14 days. Under new restrictions agreed by National Cabinet, gatherings of more than two people will be banned from midnight tonight, except for members of your immediate household and for work or education purposes. There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care, exercise, and work or education. All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction. All travelers returning from overseas to Victoria will be placed in enforced quarantine for the self-isolation period of 14 days. Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses. Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000. Professor Sutton said these are unprecedented times. The threat of coronavirus to public health is real and everyone must take social distancing seriously. Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so, Professor Sutton said. Social distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe. Our message is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a hotline for public information on COVID-19 which is 1800 675 398. Large numbers of calls will result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume. Further information is also available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus https://www.dindi.com.au//north-east-virus-count-jumps-fr/

18.01.2022 I want to run an idea past you.

17.01.2022 How to register for Jobkeeper The Federal Government is moving to provide subsidies to Australian businesses to keep the nation’s workers employed. David Little...proud, Agriculture Minister, said this job keeper payment will protect lives and livelihoods at a time of crisis. In particular, it will give great comfort to those in regional and rural Australia where businesses have been hit hard and their workers are worried about their future, Mr Littleproud said. Those that earn their crust in the agricultural sector will have security in knowing that the Government has their employers’ back. Local ag supply stores that have experienced a 30 per cent business downturn will be eligible for the wage subsidy. Wineries that have lost out because of the big tourism drop-off will be able to keep their workers on. We will emerge from this crisis unified and stronger as a result of the security this announcement will give employees and employers. The $130 billion package spread over the next 6 months is being committed to keep Australian businesses ticking over and keep money in their workers’ wallets. Those eligible businesses can back date their claims to March 1, 2020. The Federal Government will remain calm in this COVID-19 crisis and continue to build that bridge to recovery, Mr Littleproud said. To register:

15.01.2022 A statewide shutdown of non-essential services has just been announced, and takes place from 12 Noon today (Monday, March 23). This has immediate effect for the print and distribution of The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer newspapers.

15.01.2022 Lake Eildon closed Goulburn Murray Water has closed all access to its lakes, dams and reservoirs. This includes access to public facilities such as amenity blo...cks, picnic areas, playgrounds and boat ramps. Waterways will be closed to all activities such as boating, swimming and fishing. GMW has also: Closed the Caravan Park at Tallangatta and the Greens Lake campground to the public until further notice. Advised all privately managed caravan parks and clubs operating on GMW land, along with houseboat owners, they are subject to the same important restrictions. Closed access to public playgrounds https://www.dindi.com.au/wp/2020/04/03/lake-eildon-closed/

14.01.2022 John Foreman and our friends at his Aussie Pops Orchestra have put this together to help us all through a tough time.

14.01.2022 Less than 48 hours ago, we made the tough decision to suspend printing of The Local Paper and the Melbourne Observer newspapers. ("When in doubt do the courageo...us thing.") Tonight sees the Sunraysia Daily (Mildura), Swan Hill Gaurdian, Gannawarra Times (Loddon) make the same call. The same decision to suspend printing has also been made by other owners at The Great Southern Star (Leongatha) and Yarram Standard. Others will follow soon. Country Press Australia is lobbying the Morrison Government to release funds that a number of newspapers are to receive later this year under the Regional Publishers Innovation Fund, so that we can re-start the presses. We, and the journalists, at all these local newspapers would love to stay in print during this crisis, when our communities need us most to publish vital information. Hopefully, the Government will regard us as "essential services" and provide us with the wherewithal to do our job.

14.01.2022 Local governments and institutions health departments, hospitals, schools and businesses are making vital decisions that affect lives and livelihoods. Local... newspapers have always kept public officials to account. The Los Angeles Times says the Coronavirus pandemic is hastening of shutdown of local papers. Public interest journalism is needed more than ever, and reader appetite for local news abounds. Not a single dollar of assistance has found its way from local, State or Federal Governments to Australian local newspapers to assist. There has been a lot of talk from politicians and officials of urgent help - but it's just that, talk Some communities have raised donations to keep their local papers alive. Perhaps the officials are secretly quite happy to see the demise of local papers. It will certainly mean that they might be less accountable.

13.01.2022 Today's edition (86 pages, free, online) will be published this evening.

08.01.2022 This is in no way expressed as a threat, but simply as a statement of fact.

08.01.2022 CEO orders Alliance Boat Ramp at Eildon to shut Murrindindi Shire Council Craig Lloyd has ordered the immediate closure of the Alliance Boat Ramp at Eildon. On ...Sunday afternoon (Mar. 29), Mr Lloyd said: With immediate effect the Alliance Boat Ramp in Eildon is closed. I have taken the decision to direct for this to occur, whilst not mandated by the State Government, as we seem to be unable to get the message through to some who still think it is okay to travel and gather. We will be pushing this message to other areas to get the word out that there is little point travelling here as entry is closed. Stay Safe, Stay Home, Mr Lloyd said. https://www.dindi.com.au//ceo-orders-alliance-boat-ramp-a/

07.01.2022 LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVTS. HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY. Their help is needed IMMEDIATELY.... Now, more than ever, our community needs responsible local media. There is a need for Federal, State and Local Government to urgently assist local media operators to fulfill their role as messengers of essential information. The understandable COVID-19 restrictions on everyday business mean that the normal advertising revenue generated by press, TV and radio companies is not available. That means that media companies cannot operate as they normally do. We need help. And we need it now. Media companies are closing, and some of them may never re-open. In Victoria, solid media companies are shutting. Newspapers such as the Sunraysia Daily (Mildura), Sunraysia Life, Swan Hill Guardian, Gannawarra Times (Loddon), Great Southern Star (Leongatha) and Yarram Standard, have all suffered knockout punches. Just over the border, The Bunyip newspaper (established 1863, 157 years ago) at Gawler closed this week. The Barrier Daily Truth, at Broken Hill, closes tomorrow (Saturday). News Corp has halted 60 community titles, including the Leader group newspapers across Melbourne. As an eample, the Federal Government has provided a $715 million lifeline to airlines. It needs to provide similar assistance to media companies. At our company, The Local Paper is still being produced. We have our free weekly editions online, and we publish daily updates. However, without our print editions, there is no revenue and we are working free. How long can that continue to operate in various media companies across Australia? Local, State and Federal Governments are the first to send media releases to get free publicity to promote their doings. If they believe in this communication in good times, it is time to urgently assist media companies in the tough times. The community depends on it. - Ash Long, Local Media Pty Ltd

07.01.2022 Just prior to his untimely death in August 1987, my father Jim Long penned his memoirs of his overseas service in the Middle East in World War II. The 33,700-wo...rd story sees an Australian working-class shoe store worker from Bendigo, volunteer for overseas military service http://long.com.au/wordpress/?page_id=302

07.01.2022 48 Coronavirus cases in North-East region The number of Coronavirus cases in the North-East now stands at 48. The figures were released on Thursday (Mar. 26), a...s State Health Minister Jenny Mikakos (pictured) announced the death of three men, each aged over 70. Some 15 cases have been reported from Yarra Ranges Shire which is headquartered in Lilydale. The Banyule municipality, which is based in Greensborough, had 16 cases as at Thursday. Neighbouring Whittlesea City (based at South Morang) has eight cases, and Nillumbik Shire, headquarted at Greensboroughm, has four cases. Mitchell Shire is listed as having five cases. Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires are yet to have any reports. At Alexandra, the Grant Street Grocer announced its temporary closure, after one of its customers indicated that they were being tested for the virus. The time has come to close the doors for a little while. We have been advised that one of our loyal customers is being tested for COVID19, said a store spokesman. This person has been in our cafe in the last couple of days so we are doing the right thing and taking precautionary measures and closing the doors till we hear a test result. We stress that this is NOT a confirmed case, rest assured. We are merely being sensible and ensuring we minimise risk to all. We wish this person all the best. There are a lot of delivery options available in Alexandra for food, groceries etc. we highly recommend everyone stays at home and takes advantage of using these services. Thank you all for your support, especially this week. Hopefully we can open the doors again soon. We’ll be in touch, the Grant St Grocer statement said. https://www.dindi.com.au//48-coronavirus-cases-in-north-e/

05.01.2022 Virus testing list expands Dr Lachlan Fraser, Marysville general practitioner, writes: Those people who should be tested for coronavirus has expanded. ... Testing for suspected coronavirus is now for any age who have respiratory illness or fever (>38 degrees), OR who have had contact with a person with coronavirus and have general aches or gastrointestinal symptoms, OR have no symptoms and are within a localised outbreak. Most of our cases have come from overseas travellers, including cruise ships, with only a small number found in the community with no risk factors. Expanded swabbing is to identify and control spread from within the community. It is particularly important to have a diagnosis if there are people in the household who are still attending work, or if there are multiple people in the house. Self-isolation by staying at home, away from fellow householders, is required for 10-14 days, depending on symptom duration. Health workers need two negative swabs to return to work. We are aiming for zero or negligible community spread before the restrictions can start to be relaxed. Victorians are doing very well, with the State of Emergency to be reassessed on May 11. That’s only a few weeks away and if you keep busy each week passes quick enough. Everyone needs to do their bit, for we are like The Whos trying to save our world. Consult that great doctor, Dr. Seuss, who penned Horton Hears a Who. Dr. Lachlan Fraser, Marysville https://www.dindi.com.au//04/20/virus-testing-list-expands/

03.01.2022 Sunday update: Virus cases up by 84 in 24 hours Victorian Chief Health Officer, Prof. Brett Sutton, says that Coronavirus cases across the state have increased ...by 84 in the past 24 hours. The Department of Health issued this statement on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 29): The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 769 an increase of 84 from yesterday. Victoria has now recorded four deaths related to COVID-19, with one death recorded overnight, a man in his 80’s in a Melbourne hospital. The total number of cases includes 419 men and 346 women, with people aged from 3 to 88. There are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 39,000 Victorians have been tested to date. Currently 26 people are in hospital, including four patients in intensive care, 193 people have recovered. Of the total 769 cases, there have been 611 in metropolitan Melbourne and 139 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation. The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support. All close contacts must self-isolate for 14 days. All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction. From midnight last night (March 28), all travelers returning from overseas to Victoria will be placed in enforced quarantine for the self-isolation period of 14 days. While most Victorians are voluntarily complying with requests to quarantine and self-isolate, Police have strong powers to enforce the direction if it’s required. Police can now issue on the spot fines for anyone who is not following the directions of the Chief Health Officer including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses. Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said these are unprecedented times. The threat of coronavirus to public health is real and everyone must take social distancing seriously. Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so, Professor Sutton said. Social distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe. We urge everyone to stay 1.5 metres away from everyone else, wash your hands often with soap and water and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a hotline for public information on COVID-19 which is 1800 675 398. Large numbers of calls will result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume. Further information is also available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus https://www.dindi.com.au//sunday-update-virus-cases-up-by/

03.01.2022 Cartoonist Matt Bissett-Johnson's take on the Prime Minister's handling of the Virus economy.

02.01.2022 ATO helps with early access to Super The Australian Taxation Office has updated its website with essential information about tax and superannuation changes that... have now become law following the passage of the Government’s Economic Support Package through the Parliament. The site is www.ato.gov.au/coronavirus Commissioner of Taxation Chris Jordan acknowledged that many people are being heavily affected by the challenging economic conditions created by the outbreak of COVID-19 and he says that the ATO is standing by ready to help where it can. The ATO’s Coronavirus page provides detailed information about what people need to know or do in order to get access to the tax or superannuation measures as announced by the Government as part of its economic response to COVID-19. Measures include: giving individuals early access to their superannuation providing cash flow assistance for employers increasing the instant asset write-off, making more businesses eligible backing business investment by accelerating depreciation deductions. Mr Jordan said each of the measures have different timings, eligibility, and processes. Some will be applied automatically and others will require an application, so I recommend heading to ato.gov.au/coronavirus to understand what is possible. Mr Jordan also reminded the community of other options available to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 in addition to the new measures announced by the Government. In these difficult and uncertain times, the ATO is doing everything it can to reduce stress from tax and super related obligations, Mr Jordan said. Options available to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 include: Deferring by up to six months the payment date of amounts due through the business activity statement (including PAYG instalments), income tax assessments, fringe benefits tax assessments and excise Allowing businesses on a quarterly reporting cycle to opt into monthly GST reporting in order to get quicker access to GST refunds they may be entitled to Allowing businesses to vary Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalment amounts to zero for the March 2020 quarter. Businesses that vary their PAYG instalment to zero can also claim a refund for any instalments made for the September 2019 and December 2019 quarters Remitting any interest and penalties, incurred on or after January 23, 2020, that have been applied to tax liabilities Working with affected businesses to help them pay their existing and ongoing tax liabilities by allowing them to enter into low interest payment plans. Businesses wanting to utilise any of these options can contact us over the coming weeks. It is not necessary for businesses to contact us immediately. Employers will still need to meet their ongoing super guarantee obligations for their employees. Outside of business, the ATO will also work with individuals experiencing financial hardship, and their tax agents, and will apply appropriate tax relief measures for serious and exceptional circumstances, such as where people cannot pay for food or accommodation. If you’re impacted by COVID-19, and require immediate assistance contact us to request support on our Emergency Support Infoline 1800 806 218. If you do not require immediate assistance you can contact us when you’re ready, to discuss your situation, Mr Jordan said.

01.01.2022 Banyule continues as virus hot-spot The Banyule municipality which is headquartered at Greensborough remains as a trouble-spot for the Coronavirus. As at Su...nday, the City of Banyule has the second most COVID-19 cases of any local government area in Victoria. Banyule has 82 cases, surpassed only by Stonnington with 87 cases. A man, 80, died yesterday (Sat.) taking the Victorian death toll to 15. The total number of cases in Victoria is 1328 an increase of nine. The North-East tally, as at 11.59pm Saturday, was: Banyule 82 Whittlesea 22 Nillumbik 21 (adjusted down by one) Yarra Ranges 21 Mitchell 9 Mansfield 3 Strathbogie 2 Murrindindi 1 The day’s increase included three people diagnosed in mandatory quarantine in city hotels, who have recently arrived from overseas. The total number of cases is made up of 689 men and 639 women, with people aged from babies to their early nineties. There are 134 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. Two cases attributed to community transmission have now been attributed to a known source after further investigation. Currently 29 people are in hospital, including 10 patients in intensive care.1188 people have recovered. More than 82,000 tests have been completed. Of the total 1328 cases, there have been 1053 in metropolitan Melbourne and 239 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton (pictured), today said the increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 over the weekend was to be expected due to the increase in testing. Victoria is increasing its testing for COVID-19. More testing means we get a clearer picture of how the virus is spreading and are able to take better steps to contain transmission. We thank those Victorians who overwhelmingly are doing the right thing by staying at home, but we must keep at it to save lives. Everyone who is unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so. Physical distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe. Our message is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home. The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support. All close contacts must self-isolate for 14-days. There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education. Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses. Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000. https://www.dindi.com.au//banyule-continues-as-virus-hot-/