Report on "Wind Up" session

WRAP-UP PANEL SESSION

DISCUSSION NOTES - JUNE 14TH, 2015

Welshmans Reef Winery

Apologies: Angela Down, Peter Skilbeck, Margaret Harris

Chair: Clr. Michael Redden                 Attendance 25

Dr Dave Stratton thanked all presenters from the 10 Rocket Science Sessions held to discuss the top 10 Priorities from the Newstead Community Plan. Some presenters had travelled in their own time to share their expertise and stimulate ideas and discussion in Newstead .

This final Rocket Science Session had reports from 8 speakers.

1. Horse - Railway Arts Hub
2. Michael Redden - Pedestrian Footbridge and  10. Road Safety Issues
3. Steve Propocsh - Skatepark/Playspace
4. Jen Dyer - Newstead Walks & Wheels
5. Flynn Hart - Street Trees
6. Bronwyn Smith - Volunteers
7. Business - Ron Snep
8. Dave Stratton # 9. Ageing in My Place & #8. Planning Issues

Horse  # 1 Railway Arts Hub

Remarkable progress achieved due to combined efforts of Save the Station and Artists Hub. A committee now established. A lease signed between Victrack and Mt Alexander Shire Council with Newstead 2021 responsible for a sub-lease. The vision for an Arts Hub based on consultations with local artists is to share expertise with others, especially  children. A  huge concept contained within a small, now restored and renovated building at a cost of $500,000 by  a very supportive Victrack. The area under lease extends from the railway crossing south to next to the house. Newstead is fortunate in having a diverse population of talented creatives.

Now there is a need for those with expertise in business, admin, grant writing,  to become involved in specific tasks such as a Business Plan  to ensure the successful launch and ongoing operation of this grand vision

Contact Andrew Skeoch (cooee@listeningearth.com or Horse hihorse978@gmail.com

to become more involved.

Andrew Skeoch (President, Newstead 2021) provided an update, he now has 18 keys in his possession. The lease has been signed. Insurance paid. Ideas and expertise are needed to make the Arts Hub work. An opening event planned for late August will be an exhibition showcasing talents of all local creatives, not just artists.

Victrack will likely put out to commercial tender the lease for the large goods shed opposite the station. Currently privately leased, risk that it could be lost to the local community if efforts are not made to secure a lease until such time that the Arts Hub is in a position to further develop that structure which needs repair and maintenance, not currently suitable for public use.

Clr Michael Redden  # 2 Pedestrian Footbridge & #10 Road Safety

Ben Grounds, Council Infrastructure Manager, reported on the huge costs involved in a flood proof pedestrian footbridge across Loddon River at Canrobert St. end of levee bank. The August Rocket Science discussion, in response to concerns about the flood risk of developments in the flood plain, then switched to a pedestrian barrier rail on the southern side of the existing road bridge. Both Bridgewater and Carisbrook have similar barriers on their highway bridges.

The April 2015  Rocket Science session on Road Safety had 2 VicRoads reps in attendance who were persuaded to consider the benefits of a safety barrier to protect children on bikes from veering onto road into oncoming traffic as a priority over their fear of a truck crushing a pedestrian inside the barrier.

Council’s recent meeting (June 9th) tabled a letter from VicRoads refusing approval for a pedestrian railing on Loddon River Bridge on the basis that a footpath had to be wide enough for 2 wheelchairs to pass! Council would be responsible for costs of resurfacing of roadway across the  bridge. A motion to abandon all interest in a pedestrian barrier was deferred until Council meets with senior VicRoads staff present to follow through on proposals already discussed at April’s Rocket Science session with senior VicRoads staff in Newstead.

The 50km zone could be extended from the Loddon Bridge east to RTC end of CBD but the wired up school gate fronting Pyrenees Highway and reluctance of School Council to seal it off,  might mean the 40km school zone takes priority. Need for further discussion re a school crossing, and the extension of 50km zone to eastern side of Newstead township approach.

Safety is a real issue for children, elderly, visually impaired who currently risk a dangerous dash across often busy main street in centre of town. A low cost option is a Pedestrian Refuge (similar  to Hargreaves/Mostyn Street intersection in Castlemaine) with concrete barriers in centre of Pyrenees Highway (outside Dig and General Store &  Panmure Street intersection). A refuge that is well lit, would not take up excessive parking space and serve as a visual warning for through traffic to slow down.

Steve Proposch #3 Skatepark - Playspace

Aaron Wallis, the presenter from February  Rocket Science Session has been engaged to prepare a new plan that is really achievable and is at an exciting stage. Steve had a concept design on his laptop that will be made available for public comment. As a result of the Rocket Science Session the SkatePark Committee has new energy and new members with regular meetings. The old netball court site is still their preferred location.  A letter to be sent to Council confirming their interest in this site which Council has previously earmarked for expressions of Newstead community interest. The SkatePark concept is now seen as a perfect play space for all ages: shaded seating, a bocce court, space for exercise, a climbing wall fronting Canrobert St,  benches, low key areas for bike and skate tricks. The existing asphalt court will be used to save costs. Trees and plantings will create a relaxing area between Playspace and Historical Society buildings. (No mention of a toilet?)

Helen Watters called for a public display of the proposed Playspace with  opportunity for refinements, and  alterations to the design based on feedback comments. Disabled access for wheelchairs, prams integral to the design.

Jen Dyer #4 Walking Trails

A very active and busy working group formed as a result of Mayor Christine Henderson’s report on Mt Alexander Shire Council Walking & Cycling Strategy in the October, 2014 Rocket Science session. The group is at the investigative stage before accepting the invitation to discuss ideas with Council staff. Recent visit to inspect the walking tracks along the Loddon in Bridgewater, further assistance offered by Loddon Shire’s Community Planning Manager Tim Jenkins. “Newstead Walks & Wheels“ access for wheelchairs, prams, scooters and bicycles has researched aspects of the approvals process, which bodies  & key contacts need to be approached for access to land, heritage, fire risks, maintenance, signage, maps etc.

Routes under consideration include: Rotunda Park, Welshmans Reef  to Maldon via part of the Mia Mia Track to link up with the Maldon/Castlemaine Trail. Potential to cycle one way and return on the train; A Newstead Fitness Loop with timed walks; a Loddon River Walk  with distances marked;  Rotunda to town centre via Pines and levee bank avoiding traffic another potential walkway.

Cairn Curran approach is too far, but a walk from the Bridge to the river ford and along the levee bank is an option, picnic tables under bridge.

According to Clr. Redden the  designs are complete for the Castlemaine/ Maldon Trail but problems with active rail tracks and fire risk regulations have slowed progress.

The estimated $3million cost to build a Newstead Castlemaine link via Guildford along dangerous, unused rail tracks has precluded any consideration for now.  Instead, $150k was spent on recent bitumen footpaths in Newstead - Canrobert Street, along Panmure and outside school in Codrington and to Lyons Street frontages.  A feasibility study is still needed for Guildford route before the idea is abandoned completely.

Newstead Historical Society has offered support with brochures, Frances Cincotta has joined the group adding her expertise ( Landcare & Newstead Nature Walks.)

A Newstead representative is to be appointed to Council’s Walking Advisory Group now that Geoff Park has resigned.

Clr Redden reminded us that RTC makes small grants available to local groups in March and April which could assist this busy Newstead Walks & Wheels group. Larger grants with (more applications) available from Council -  Community Wellbeing $5000 and Environment $3000.

Soon, the group will be ready to raise questions and discuss their ideas with Council staff.

Clr. Redden is still pushing for the Levee Bank Report to be released, as expected, there is one section requiring repair, the sluice gates need replacement and a pump for emergencies required. It is not yet known which level of govt is responsible for funding.

Flynn Hart #5 Street Trees

Flynn was the presenter for the July 2014 Rocket Science Session, perhaps because no working group was set up there has been no progress on this important topic.

Flynn, a landscape architect, offered to help any Street Tree Committee formed with a strategy that is urgently needed for the next 10 years. Many of the trees in Newstead are already stressed and aged. Problems with Mount Alexander Shire, its lack of a clear policy, lack of funds is an issue that is likely to arise when other Community Plans are collated and common concerns identified.

Clr Redden mentioned Guildford citizens’ concern re the health and maintenance of their old elms and the lack of funds to plant fresh stock.

David Stratton  reminded us that Councils fear the ongoing costs they incur for tree plantings and maintenance. Local citizens feel frustrated that their willingness to plant and care for trees on their nature strips was not supported, despite the  clear benefits to future generations for the shade and amenity earlier plantings provide now. Community action, even guerrilla plantings of appropriate and varied resilient species, discussed as options until Council is prompted to take action and formulate a policy.

Clr Redden spoke of the remarkable tree study for Newstead compiled some years ago by Dawn Angliss & Joy ? A unique, color coded detailed resource that Council continues to overlook. Original Chart of Street Trees in Newstead is located at Newstead Historical Society.

Progressive councils recognise the multiple benefits of street tree planting, especially in heat mitigation & shading with prospects of hot dry summers in the future.

Bronwyn Smith #6 Volunteers

Bronwyn spoke in the absence of any volunteer willing to assume responsibility for actioning work on volunteer support in Newstead. The manager of Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre, Helen Yorston, provided plenty of printed resources and valuable advice at the November Rocket Science session. These documents could be located at the RTC to form a useful library for local community groups - topics on recruitment, guides, preventing burnout, legal requirements etc.

SAVVI Skilled Adept Versed Volunteer Instructors - based in Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre has a pool of retired professionals and experts willing to share, mentor both individual business startups and community groups in Newstead have local govt, accountants, IT experts with a network of contacts and support to call upon.

Over 55s unemployed to be encouraged to offer their 15 hours volunteer labour to local community groups under the Centrelink scheme.

A role exists now, for a volunteer with computer skills to maintain and update the databases for community groups and local businesses listed on the neglected  http://newstead.vic.au/  and collected by Dave & Bronwyn for Rocket Science planning.

RTC is to assume a co-ordinating role for transport volunteers offering services  needed by the frail, aged & isolated in Newstead - an outcome of May’s Ageing in Newstead Rocket Science Session. Now that these Rocket Science sessions discussing Priorities from Newstead Community Plan have concluded the real work of planning for implementation needs to begin. Volunteers perform a valuable role and there needs to be ongoing training, co-ordination of their efforts to ensure a Newstead wide approach to community development.

Ron Snep # 7 Business

Panelists outnumbered those present at the March 2015 Rocket Session yet a variety of businesses, from sole proprietors operating from home to larger concerns operate in Newstead. We need to promote the idea that good business is good for the community. If businesses work together they bring benefits to the whole community.

Business Mount Alexander is a networking group that Ron belongs to and recommends for other local business people.

The formation of a Newstead Foundation, a not-for-profit entity, that gives tax benefits to donors could become a source of much needed funding. A charter to fulfil, the foundation can accept donations from philanthropic orgs and former Newstead residents, that provides money for the benefit of the community.

Janet Trudgeon called for entries from local businesses for an annual Echo Insert on Businesses of all sizes operating in Newstead. Nil response from item on last page of June Echo, a shame. A small fee for a useful guide to local businesses, include logo, details and contacts - forms a database that would be included in a Welcome Pack for new and prospective residents .

David Stratton  # 9 Ageing & # 8 Planning

Ageing in My Place  May, 2015 Rocket Science Session that attracted the biggest and most enthusiastic crowd. Aim is to stay in Newstead and be able to downsize thus staying connected in a smaller, lower maintenance home.

Allie Dawe - contact person for issues relating to affordable accommodation, to form a working group.

Michael Redden RTC to co-ordinate transport issues. Role of technology and social media  to combat real problems of social isolation especially for the elderly.

Planning needs to be flexible and responsive to changing community needs. Trevor Budge led the first Rocket Science session which was to  set the scene of so many sessions. He asked us to list all that has happened in Newstead over past 20 years.         How much was planned? Commons - the places, we love and share, which parts of Newstead do we regard as our Commons?

Helen Watters called for us to identify our commons, to protect and value them by incorporating them into the still to be started Newstead Planning Study. A chance to redefine how Newstead should be and prevent it becoming an outer suburb of Castlemaine.

The final Rocket Science Session on Newstead Community Plan top 10 priorities was declared closed with real pride in what has been achieved so far. Progress made in some areas such as Arts Hub and Walking Trails but there is a need to agitate for Street Trees.

Both David and Michael thanked all those involved over what seems a long haul, a well planned and successful effort to examine and act on the priorities identified back in 2013.

Ron & Julia Snep prepared and served delicious piping hot, woodfired pizzas which were devoured as eager conversations continued over wine.

Report on Ageing Session

AGEING (GRACEFULLY) IN NEWSTEAD

MAY 31, 2015

NOTES OF DISCUSSION

Welshmans Reef Winery.

Attendance: 35

Apologies: Mayor Henderson

Panellists:

Bo Li  ( Darebin Councillor) - Ageing in Place

Ros Hart - Social Isolation

Michael Redden - Transport & Chairperson

David Stratton - Accessibility

Robin Jensen - District Nursing & HARP

A well attended and enthusiastic Rocket Science Session chaired by Clr. Michael Redden commenced with introductory thoughts from Michael to set the scene and welcome the panel of speakers. After the speakers’ presentation a lively discussion continued, many were concerned that more than talk was needed on such an important topic to all present - further action, meetings to focus on particular aspects of issues raised is required.

Positive outcomes:

• Allie Dawe nominated as contact person for Affordable Accommodation Issues working group.
• Clr. Michael Redden as President of Newstead Rural Transaction Centre offered to co-ordinate transport and volunteer resources.

Clr. Michael Redden - opening remarks.

Affordable Housing a real issue, but what is affordable housing?

Downsize to what?

Little recent development in the Shire for aged housing

Brendan Barrett has a proposal for a retirement village in Muckleford with 40 homes, 28 for sale and 12 to be subsidised - a proposal only.

Clr. Bronwen Machin has recently built her own 4 1/2 square home, livable & in a central location in Castlemaine.

Ros Hart - to talk on Carers and their support - who looks after the carer?

Role of new media to combat isolation.

Clr. Redden spoke of recent movies:”Still Alice” & “Iris” which deal with the process of dementia, he wonders what support is there for the sufferer and their family?

HACC - What is happening? What is the future? A real cause for concern, given recent changes where a consumer-based negotiated care package suggests increased costs and decrease in responsibility for funding from other levels of government over the next 2-3 years.The change in emphasis raises questions re packages, support.

Bo Li - Darebin Councillor and former Occupational Therapist worked with Allie Dawe on Active Ageing Advisory Board, Allie now lives in Newstead. Bo Li moved from OT to become a Health Policy Analysts and Government Adviser.

Ageing in Place explained - 3 levels:

1.Personal & Home : What  can be done to to make safer, secure accessible accommodation? Avoid falls

2. Community - safer streets for access for all, health services that is accessible locally, local services. Universal Design & the Anti-Discrimination Act ought guarantee access to all public places - ramps, sliding doors, but these rules do not apply to the domestic home.

Council has a role to ensure that buildings must be universally accessible to all -         wheelchairs and prams too, all needs must be considered. The problem is, that government regulations are too slow. In Darebin, there has been a surge in unit blocks development where the front of the multi-storey block is accessible, but once inside there are steps, stairs, showers have steps & narrow doors. A building that is properly designed from the outset will help people to be more independent; no need to relocate or rely on carers for access to a seamless, stepless shower. Poor design creates dependency - most people want to ‘age in place’ in their own home and community.

3.  Society - Where do we see Ageing? Ageism is common, the right support  services are not in place - transport, retirement age extended to 70. There needs to be a greater alignment between sectors - employment, aged care, education, U3A. The sectors now operate in silos. There needs to be a whole-of- government approach. The country needs to be run for all citizens, not just for the sake of the economy.  How do we work as a society to enable people to age in society, in place?

Community leaders and Council  can campaign for policy changes but a whole-of- society approach is needed. All of us have a role to play.

Ros Hart - Retired social worker and now full-time carer. Working in Daylesford in 2012 Ros saw many elderly people living alone, (65% of her clients aged 65+) concerns re health risks of social isolation. Problems such as: overuse of drugs, alcohol abuse, clinical depression, risk of heart disease, obesity, alzheimer’s increase  for the chronically isolated. Isolation is BAD. Keen to prevent the adverse effects of isolation Ros involved her partner, Dr David Stratton to “get these people onto the internet”. A partnership was formed  with Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre & Community Health with trained volunteers to bring surplus computers into the homes of her elderly clients. A great success as clients learned to Google, send emails to keep in touch with grandkids and scattered family.

Castlemaine Library “In Touch” program aims to reach out to people living alone or in  remote parts of the shire, who are unable to borrow books with classes on use of Ipads, social media, skype, ebooks. Ros Hart & Dave Stratton were involved as trainers in the use of 10 tablets over a ten week course. An 82 year old who had never touched a computer or used a keyboard was thrilled when her grandson bought her an IPAD and she sent her first email - no longer isolated.

Could volunteers be trained to teach people in their homes in Newstead to learn together, to reduce isolation? A Grant Applications writer is needed - Please!

Robin Jensen - Castlemaine Health HARP - Hospital Admission Risk Program

http://www.castlemainehealth.org.au/community-services/harp/

People with chronic conditions are offered support to reduce the frequency of their hospital visits, to help them understand what services they need, and offer follow up in their homes.

District Nurse http://www.castlemainehealth.org.au/community-services/district-nursing-service/ Anyone can contact a district nurse, but usually a doctor or other health professionals make the referral.

Services provided: hygiene assessment, ulcers & wound care, blood collection, diabetes, antibiotics, oxygen use with the aim to keep people in their home for as long as possible. Some District Nurses are trained for palliative care.

Mens Sheds popping up around the Shire to play a role in reducing isolation.

The CEO of the Hospital (on top of the hill) is serious about listening to and responding to consumer feedback. Improvements to parking cited as an example of listening to concerns re inadequate parking close to facilities used by infirm and elderly.

Dr David Stratton - Accessibility Advocate, responsible for Accessible Newstead funded by Mount Alexander Shire.  W.H.O. promotes the concept of Accessible Towns, a town, place, community where everybody can do everything. The ramps into shops in Newstead is one aspect of making facilities accessible to all. David can now enter Newstead shops in his wheelchair. Work still to be done for vision impaired as part of an ongoing audit of access report. More projects to tackle - safe pedestrian crossing on busy highway is need for all in Newstead, not just the infirm and elderly.

Clr Redden commented on the campaign he mounted to have Mount Alexander Shire join the other 78 Councils in Victoria who have the 8ft building alignment rule that allows clear access for prams, wheelchairs on pavements. He plans to launch another campaign and have the rule enforced.

Newstead Community Bus is not used enough, can be more flexible with a door to door service, currently trips to Maryborough and Castlemaine. How do we make better use of this valuable service?

OPEN DISCUSSION:

• Allie Dawe - Bright Ideas Group - How to do things better? Reasonably new to Newstead. Downsizing is costly and disruptive, questions what sort of housing is currently being built to suit ageing in place - avoid internal steps, stairs, potential trip hazards.
• eHealth ? what is the current status? Currently stalled development due to poor design. Enrolment on eHealth is not intuitive or user friendly, rival companies, so a common platform needed to allow multiple practitioners to join . Aim is to save time, drug allergies, & accidents by having each person’s full range of medical, dental, pharmaceutical records available to providers at a central database. Some GPs and other practitioners not keen to join. Medicare Office will assist in setting up an eHealth record.

Transport Issues:

• Janet Trudgeon - Transport issues for making Drs appointment. Community Bus has a set schedule, she has difficulty stepping into bus, tricky timing appointments to coincide with bus schedule. A variety of transport options are needed
• Robin Jensen - Red Cross Cars volunteer driver service is available in Castlemaine. GP organises Red Cross for specialist appointments in Bendigo. Non-Urgent Transport no longer available for Bendigo/Melbourne.
• Don Culvenor suggested a ‘Newstead version of Uber’ David Stratton called it ‘Unter’ where volunteers could drive patients or offer lifts in a community wide network. Some people feel guilty/awkward asking for lifts or lack contacts who can offer assistance. A co-ordinator needed for volunteers, insurance, police checks etc.
• Ros Hart - a whole of Newstead scheme is  needed, a fantastic approach for volunteer services.
• LETs scheme suggest, where a bank of volunteer hours can be traded
• Glen Iris has a Transport Access Scheme http://www.bbch.org.au/Community-Transport/Service-Overview/Overview-TransAccess-Community-Transport.asp
• Saide Gray suggested the need  for services to come to Newstead rather than so many being concentrated in Castlemaine/Maryborough. An outreach service is needed for smaller towns in the Shire. RTC could once again offer  a room for visiting professionals - to be followed up.
• Taxi service available from Castlemaine offers a terrific service, ½ price subsidy.

Affordable Housing:

• Don Culvenor spoke of the home Helen Watters designed for his mother in Panmure Street. Elderly people have a fear of change so living in place in Newstead is important. He plans to build more units on this site. Costs are high and the issue of what is affordable raised again, approximately $300,00 for a centrally located home of 10-11 squares is adequate, within walking distance of Dig Cafe. He would like feedback on what is needed.
• Any aged housing needs to be affordable, centrally located and walking distance to town services.
• Helen Watters reminded everyone of the lack of a planning scheme for Newstead. There is a need to vary lot sizes to allow higher density housing within the village of Newstead specifically for aged housing. What does Newstead need? A planning scheme that takes in all aspects of planning issues for Newstead to retain its character that makes it so attractive, don’t want Newstead to become a suburb of Castlemaine; ½ acre lots were common in Newstead, in 1998 Council amalgamations required for there to be a Planning Study for Newstead which never happened. Now, with sewage connected it ought to be possible to have a flexible approach. Redefine how Newstead should be, what shared places or commons do we value? New town  boundaries redrawn, , make it possible to subdivide down to 300 metres and still provide good liveable spaces in Newstead.
• Standards required for housing to provide 1metre wide doorways to allow wheelchair & mobility aids access.
• One lady spoke of her situation where she is now single, a pensioner with no super or large house to sell. There are many other women who simply can’t afford a $300,00 home. She has sustainably retrofitted a 5 square former school house ( ex Kyneton) that is cosy and cost under $100,00. An ideal lot size of 400sq. metres suits a small house.
• Calls for: shared housing, micro housing, sharing gardens, working together, sharing space, living closer, co-housing. Home share where older people make unused space available to young people to share - mutual advantage.
• Dave Stratton - Lot sizes need to be flexible. Dense housing for elderly that is affordable. He would like to see adaptable planning regulations for Newstead - grow old gracefully in Newstead.

• 1997 Jill  Leisegang ran workshops Ageing in My Place based on the Abbeyfield model. Shared communal space and gardens with 2 bedroom units and a livein housekeeper. A Castlemaine based committee was set up and could now do with more support. Questionnaires from 1997 are available from Jill, could be possible to set up an Abbeyfield style housing in Newstead. Access to affordable land that is flat and central is essential.http://www.macll.org.au/ . Jill & Grace did a one year long study on AIMP for the City of Moreland in 1994/5. That report was launched by Brian Howe (former Federal Minister) who is still involved in social justice issues.
• Allie Dawe nominated as the contact person for anyone wanting to become involved in affordable housing issues working group.
• Michael Redden has a meeting scheduled with Council’s newly appointed Director of Sustainable Communities Vicky Mason. “ Vicky is responsible for delivery of Council's services which aim to strengthen the community and build the local economy. The Directorate supports community participation in sport, recreation and the arts and delivers services for older people, families and children, people with disabilities and young people. The Directorate provides tourism and events services, supports activities that assist in the growth of the local economy and leads Council's community engagement processes.”
• RTC president, Michael Redden offered the RTC as the key contact for transport co-ordination initiatives - already handling police checks so well placed to lead the way for ‘Unter’ in Newstead.
• Nick Hudson reminded us of the need for a skills or volunteers register - showing what people need or what they can offer - loading woodbox, starting a lawn mower. Hopefully a volunteer based at the RTC could fulfil this role in setting up a database that is kept current.

This final Rocket Science session ended then enthusiastic, eager conversations continued over delicious refreshments prepared by Anthony Santamaria.