“Don’t put up with it. If you know of a border anomaly, raise it with us. No matter how big or small, or even if you think others have raised it already. Ideas that seem fine in Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide don’t always make sense at the border” was the clear message from Luke Wilson; the Victorian Government’s Cross Border Commissioner who visited the region recently.
C4EM facilitated a range of community meetings with the Commissioner and Echuca Regional Health, Moama Bowling Club and St Josephs College to discuss issues such as tourism, access to education, Responsible Service of Alcohol accreditation, mental health services, trades certification, and School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships.
Commencing six months ago in the newly formed role; The Commissioner is visiting communities along the 2500km length of the border. Border businesses and residents have raised well over 130 border issues so far. From August the full list of issues raised will be available via: https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/about-rdv/cross-border-commissioner
Many people living in Victoria’s border communities have economic and social networks that extend into New South Wales and South Australia. But legislative, regulatory and practice differences between states can discourage people from taking up work and study opportunities across the border. These differences can also prevent, or raise issues for, firms doing business.
CEO of C4EM; Nina O’Brien was incredibly thrilled to welcome the Commissioner to commence the process of addressing the cross-border issues that affect local people n Echuca Moama. “C4EM were strong advocates for the establishment of the position some two years back. We are very pleased to see discussions now underway, with real progress in motion towards practical solutions. We look forward to supporting the work of the Commissioner in the Echuca Moama region”
If you would like to contact the Commissioner’s Office you email crossborder.commissioner@rdv.vic.gov.au, write to them at PO Box 1332, Wodonga VIC 3689 or call 0436 642 436. You can also subscribe to the quarterly E-News.
C4EM is a member-based, independent and apolitical organisation that brings together the broad cross-section of the area’s private, public and not-for profit organisations to advocate for the issues and initiatives that will make Echuca Moama a better place to live, work and play.
Enquiries:
Nina O’Brien
Ph: 0409 804 415