A lot has happened since I was last in touch. We’ve had Christmas, summer holidays and to everyone's horror another lockdown. There’s a lot here so feel free to jump to whatever interests you most.

Author's note: this was written on 15 January and more up to date information is expected soon.There are concerns that the Astra-Zeneca (AZ) vaccine may not be able to prevent local transmission of coronavirus. But it will save many lives, and we all should have it as soon as we can, and here's why. 

In this weeks newsletter A budget worth waiting for The Big Housing build and why community housing isn’t public housing Why the Electric Vehicle Tax is terrible policy Australian Institute for Infectious Disease fantastic, but it’s no CDC Upper House Voting Reforms Morelands New Councilors Speaking up for our native forests, windfarms and more

In this months newsletter, COVID-19 Infections and Healthcare WorkersThat candidate flyer that made Brunswick smileWhat’s happening with outdoor dining on Sydney Road? Parliamentary Inquiry into contact tracingReducing the public housing waiting listDjab Wurrung People and the Western HighwaySupporting a Green New Deal in VictoriaAnd more

In this edition, Council elections School safety survey State Parliament update The problem with gas Federal Budget - New Jobs or public money for mates? Metre Matter Laws Local News

I’m very concerned that our health system hasn’t done as much as possible to protect staff. Hospitals in other countries have achieved low or zero rates of infection in staff and we need to learn from them.

Imagine being a teacher, working from home, and just as you start talking a jackhammer starts up next door, loud enough to rattle the fillings in your teeth. Or try sleeping while giant pile drivers a few hundred metres away are bashing into the bedrock at 1 am and 3 am and all night until dawn.

I know the next six weeks are going to be tough for local Brunswick businesses, and there’s a lot of information to sift through about the options available to you. My team and I put together a comprehensive list of local, state and federal government opportunities available to you if your business is struggling from the effects of the lockdown.

As coronavirus impacts our lives in ways we never imagined finding the right type of help can be daunting. We've put together a detailed list of services available for those impacted. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. If you're in a position to offer help, this is for you. 

Victoria now has more local transmission of coronavirus, than we had in March/April, when most cases were in travellers or their household contacts.