Mr Maslen was one of 10 across the state to be awarded an Early Career Teaching Award at last week’s 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
Among the others was Cobram Secondary College teacher George Allen.
The award prize is valued at $10,000 and includes a study tour of high performing schools in Australia, a leadership program and $5000 for professional development.
There were more than 500 nominees and applicants for the award, which recognises teachers in the first five years of their careers who are pioneering innovative learning initiatives that set students up for future success.
The award also aims to reward those teachers who empower children and young people across Australia to excel in their education journey, regardless of their background.
Mr Maslen teaches in Finley High’s Human Society and it’s Environment (HSIE) and Maths departments.
Kindness from the heart
The 1000 Hearts Kindness Project has made a mark on the staff at Echuca Regional Health, who have found themselves gifting handmade hearts to patients, visitors, volunteers and each other.
The concept is simple. Two pieces of heart-shaped fabric are stitched together with stuffing and decorated in any way the ‘heartist’ desires.
These creations are then handed out, to be kept in the receiver’s pocket as a reminder that someone is thinking of them.
The project was created in 2016 by Sarah De Jonge, who began sewing the hearts during a period of grief and anxiety, sending 1000 off to be shared by community volunteers.
When ERH staff members Angela Procter and Denise Inwood heard about the project during a palliative care conference in Sydney, they knew it was an initiative they would take back home.
The team has since filled ERH with hearts, starting with the palliative care ward and soon expanding across the hospital.
The 1000 Hearts team also sells kits and pre-made hearts, with profits used to donate 1000 Hearts packs for schools and aged care facilities.
To learn more about their story and purchase the products, head to https://www.1000hearts.com.au/.
Boat ramp needs upgrade
Cobram's fishing community is rallying for a much-needed upgrade to the boat ramp at Thompson’s Beach.
Stefan Bruni, president of the Cobram Barooga Anglers Club, explains that the boat ramp becomes virtually unusable during the dry winter months.
Mr Bruni explained that the reduced flow in the Murray River creates a significant drop-off from the ramp's edge to the water, measuring at least 60cm.
The calls come after the Cullens Boat Ramp in Yarrawonga was reopened to the public in April this year.
It was widened and extended an additional 6m to allow for access during dry winter months.
At a budget of $650,000, the ongoing project also involves improving the access road to the boat ramp from Cullens Rd.
