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MAY 2022 EDITION
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As your local Member of Parliament, I am available to assist you with
any State Government related issues such as education, health, public
transport and police.

 
My office can be contacted on 03 9741 1133 or at
tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au.
 
IN THIS EDITION
Local News
  1. New School Principal Appointed
  2. Construction Underway for New Schools in Werribee
  3. Helping High-Ability Students Strive for Success
  4. A New Partnership to Support Students with Disability
  5. Multicultural Communications Outreach Program – Round 2 
  6. Werribee Open Range Zoo To Benefit From Recycled Water
  7. New Scanners to Boost Horse Welfare
Victorian Government Announcements, Programs, And Initiatives 
  1. 200 New Jobs for Social Housing Sector
  2. National Reconciliation Week – 27 May – 3 June
  3. Iconic First Peoples Art Hits the Tracks for Rising
  4. Every Pet Counts: Delivering the First Pet Census
  5. Auslan Added to Free Tafe
  6. Better Holocaust Education for Victorian Students
  7. Promoting Healthy Masculinity in Our Schools
  8. Wonders of Ancient Greece Arrive at Melbourne Museum
  9. Victorians Rising to Thank Frontline Workers
Grants, Funding And Other Opportunities 
  1. Victorian Rural Women’s Business Leadership Program Applications Open
  2. Women leading Locally Program
  3. Supporting Victorians to Give Volunteering a Go
  4. Stronger Agriculture Education for Victorian Students
  5. Positive Start - Over 50,000 Students Have Now Attended a Free Cultural, Arts or Sporting Program
  6. Shade Grant Applications Now Open
  7. Entries Open for Parliament Prize Competition
Recognition of Important Dates
  1. 26 May 2022 National Day of Healing
  2. Turning Victoria Purple to Honour Victims of Family Violence
  3. Eid Al-fitr
  4. Yom HaAtzma’ut Day
  5. Vesak Day/Buddha Day
  6. ‘Are You Safe At Home?’ Day
  7. IDAHOBIT Day
  8. Africa Day
  9. Education Week
  10. Multiple Sclerosis Day
Note: The information in this section is accurate and relevant at the time of writing. 
LOCAL NEWS

NEW SCHOOL PRINCIPAL APPOINTED

I'm pleased to announce that Joel Riddle has been appointed as principal of Lollypop Creek Primary School (interim name), which is set to open in 2023.

Joel has been an educator for over 21 years, most recently as the principal at Lara Primary School.

He understands that leading a school takes dedication and passion and has enjoyed the challenges that have arisen throughout his career.

Joel’s enthusiasm, leadership style, interpersonal skills and educational knowledge will enable him to build Lollypop Creek Primary School into a great local school.


CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR NEW SCHOOLS IN WERRIBEE

Construction is well underway at Holyoake Parade Primary School (see above) and Lollypop Creek Primary School (interim names) here in the Werribee District.

Both schools are set to open in 2023.

How very exciting for local families!


HELPING HIGH-ABILITY STUDENTS STRIVE FOR SUCCESS

The Andrews Labor Government have built a public school system that works for every student – whether they need more support with their learning, or to be pushed to extend themselves, we’re making sure all Victorian kids achieve their full potential.

We’re investing an extra $37 million to make sure high-achieving students at every school have access to programs that challenge them to extend themselves – and to boost the capacity of schools and teachers to deliver these extension programs and support every student to achieve their best.

Every government school in Werribee and every corner of Victoria has access to the Student Excellence Program – making sure all our students’ talents, passions and achievements are supported and celebrated.


A NEW PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY

The Andrews Labor Government are making sure Victorian students with disability are better supported by their teachers and peers through a new partnership with Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO and Get Skilled Access.

The new partnership will design and deliver a series of Abilities Awareness in Schools resources to promote disability awareness among students and staff in Werribee as part of the Labor Government’s landmark Disability Inclusion reforms.

The resources will include videos featuring Dylan Alcott and others with lived experience of disability – exploring topics to build students’ understanding of disability and improve their confidence to interact with classmates with disability.

It will target students of all ages in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

The resources, which will start to roll-out from Term 3 this year, will also see the delivery of workshops and new evidence-based resources for teachers and staff, helping them foster school environments inclusive for all students.

The Government’s Australian-first $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion reform has started rolling out in classrooms across Victoria – putting the needs of each individual student at the heart of our response and shifting the focus towards what a child can achieve, rather than what they can’t.


MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS OUTREACH PROGRAM - ROUND 2

I'm pleased to announce that Internash Australia from the Werribee District, has been successful in their application for the Multicultural Communications Outreach Program (MCOP).

The Multicultural Communications Outreach Program funds multicultural media, community members and organisations to produce informative, engaging content that provides information about the COVID-19 vaccination program and encourages COVIDSafe behaviour. 

On behalf of the Andrews Labor Government, I want to thank Internash Australia for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians.


WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO TO BENEFIT FROM RECYCLED WATER

The Andrews Labor Government is protecting one of Victoria’s favourite attractions, ensuring some of Werribee Open Range Zoo’s largest residents will have a secure and sustainable water source into the future.

The Labor Government has contributed $2 million towards the construction of a 2.7km pipeline connecting Werribee Recycled Water Plant to the Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The pipeline will initially provide the zoo with a reliable supply of 150 million litres per year of recycled water that will expand to 400 million litres as the zoo grows.

Construction is set to begin in July and completed later this year.


NEW SCANNERS TO BOOST HORSE WELFARE

Racehorses in Victoria will soon benefit from some of the best injury-prevention screening services available anywhere in the world, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner will be purchased for the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee, along with a standing Computed Tomography (CT) scanner intended to be located at the Cranbourne Training Centre.

The Australian first equine PET scanner at Werribee will improve the Centre’s ability to identify areas of concerns in horses, further enhancing safety and welfare and will be operational from 2023.

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS, PROGRAMS, AND INITIATIVES

200 NEW JOBS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING SECTOR

The Andrews Labor Government is creating 200 new jobs in Victoria’s social housing sector!

The jobs are for social housing residents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, the long-term unemployed, young people aged 18 to 25, women (particularly women over 45), veterans and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Roles available range from tenancy and property administration, through to facilities, gardening and ground maintenance, security and cleaning.

People participating in the program get a secure job for a year, earn an income while gaining an industry-relevant qualification, as well as mentoring support to help people succeed in their new career.

Jobs Victoria and Homes Victoria are partnering with Uniting Vic/Tas and Qualify Training to deliver this program.

For more information or to register visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call 1300 208 575.


NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK - 27 MAY TO 3 JUNE

The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is ‘Be Brave Make Change’.

It is an important time for all Victorians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

We can all contribute to reconciliation with brave actions in our daily lives – in the places we live, work, play and socialise.

The Andrews Labor Government is proudly leading the country by working toward Treaty and Truth, to create a better future for all Victorians and enable true self-determination for Victoria’s First Peoples.

To learn more about Victoria's treaty process, please visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/treaty, or the Assembly's website at firstpeoplesvic.org/.

More information about the Yoorrook Justice Commission can be found at yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/.


ICONIC FIRST PEOPLES ART HITS THE TRACKS FOR RISING

The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating First Peoples artists by turning Melbourne trams into travelling canvases, providing inspiring and accessible art for all Victorians.

Backed by the Labor Government and presented by RISING festival – this year’s Melbourne Art Tram initiative will see the festival’s theme “Unapologetically Blak” come to life across six trams, with works from celebrated First Peoples artists past and present.


EVERY PET COUNTS: DELIVERING THE FIRST PET CENSUS

Victorians love our pets – they’re a part of our families.

With more Victorians than ever welcoming a pet into their family, we need to make sure we’re giving owners the support and services they need.

That’s why the Andrews Labor Government will deliver Victoria’s first ever Pet Census.

The Victorian Pet Census will give pet owners the opportunity to tell us about the impact their pets have on them and their families, how they’re cared for, and the role they play in their lives.

This information will give us a clearer understanding of Victoria’s pet population and pet owners, allowing us to better prioritise and develop reforms and policies that will genuinely benefit Victoria’s pets, their owners and the animal welfare sector.


AUSLAN ADDED TO FREE TAFE

You would have seen Auslan interpreters daily during the pandemic.

And the demand for them has never been greater.

That’s why the Andrews Labor Government are adding two new Auslan courses to the Free TAFE list from next year.

It will better connect all Victorians and make our community more inclusive.

Find out more here premier.vic.gov.au/increasing-auslan-teaching-workforce-victoria.


BETTER HOLOCAUST EDUCATION FOR VICTORIAN STUDENTS

It’s critical that we teach every generation about the horrors of the Holocaust to fight intolerance and prejudice in our own communities – because there is absolutely no room for antisemitism in Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government will provide an additional investment of $2 million to support not-for-profit organisation Courage to Care to offer their upstander Holocaust education program to every Year 9 student in Victoria in government, Catholic and independent schools from 2023.

Courage to Care’s program is a powerful and compelling experience for students and school communities – and we’re proud to expand it to make sure every year 9 Victorian student can participate.

This expansion builds on the Andrews Labor Government’s pledge in 2020 to make Holocaust education compulsory in every secondary school, as well as new and updated teaching and learning resources developed in partnership with Victorian Jewish community organisations and Gandel Philanthropy.

The Government has also established a dedicated hotline to report racism for schools, students and parents, and established a new student advisory group to advise on how to address antisemitism and look at what more we can do to make sure our schools are inclusive communities.

You can contact the Report Racism Hotline on 1800 722 476 or through email report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.


PROMOTING HEALTHY MASCULINITY IN OUR SCHOOLS

Two healthy masculinity pilot programs will be offered to Victorian schools from Term 2 – helping strengthen the teaching of consent education and promoting positive masculinity.

The Andrews Labor Government is funding an organisation called the ‘The Man Cave’ to deliver full-day workshops to students in 100 schools – providing 12-to-16-year-old boys with the opportunity to build their social and emotional skills, and to form healthy behaviours and relationships.

A partnership with Jesuit Social Services will also deliver a pilot of its Modelling Respect and Equality program in up to 100 participating Respectful Relationships schools.

Respectful Relationships makes a huge difference in building a culture of respect and equality– these new pilot programs are another opportunity to support our schools to produce respectful, compassionate young adults, and to learn what we can do better in regards to respect and healthy masculinity in our education system.

We’re proud to be implementing every single recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence – because Victorian lives depend on it.


WONDERS OF ANCIENT GREECE ARRIVE AT MELBOURNE MUSEUM

The Andrews Labor Government is reconnecting Victoria’s Greek community with artefacts from their past while delivering Victorians a once in a lifetime opportunity to marvel at the wonders of Ancient Greece.

Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will feature 44 precious artefacts, with a 400 kilogram sculpture of Greek god Zeus as the centrepiece of the Australian-first exhibition now on show exclusively at Melbourne Museum.

Created in partnership with Greece’s National Archaeological Museum, the exhibition showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the museum’s centuries-old collection, on display for the first time outside of Greece.

Open Horizons will connect Victoria’s Greek community to stories and relics from their ancient history while introducing a new generation of visitors to a culture that continues to have an impact on the modern world.


VICTORIANS RISING TO THANK FRONTLINE WORKERS

As a big thank you from all Victorians, the Andrews Labor Government is offering the state’s health and education frontline workers 15,000 free tickets to RISING festival’s signature event The Wilds.

Nurses, doctors, teachers and childcare workers are among the frontline workers to receive tickets to The Wilds, which will take over Sidney Myer Music Bowl in June with an action-packed program of art, music, food and ice-skating.

The free ticket allocation recognises the extraordinary efforts of Victoria’s health and education workers during the coronavirus fight, offering them the opportunity to enjoy this unique creative experience in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

GRANTS, FUNDING AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

VICTORIAN RURAL WOMEN'S BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN

Women make up over 35% of Victoria’s small business owners, but too often face barriers accessing capital, networks and resources to support their business – particularly in regional areas.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Business Leadership Program is supporting rural women to gain access to support, networks and training to start or grow their business.

By supporting more women in business, the Andrews Labor Government is driving economic growth and creating more jobs.

Women from all backgrounds, across rural and regional Victoria, are encouraged to apply.

Applications close 14 June.

To find out more visit futurewomen.com/vic-rural-leadership-program/.


WOMEN LEADING LOCALLY PROGRAM

The Andrews Labor Government is excited to announce applications for the Women Leading Locally program are open, which will give 120 women the skills, tools and support to run in the next council elections.

If you are one of the many amazing women in Wyndham and have a passion for your community, I encourage you to put your hand up for this great program.

The program is fully funded by the Victorian Government and will be run by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) in partnership with Women for Election, a not-for-profit that aims to inspire more women to stand for public office.
The program includes a fellowship that will give you the tools and support you need to campaign in our next local government elections in 2024.

I especially encourage women from diverse cultural backgrounds, including First Nations women, women who live with disability and LGBTQI+ women to apply.

Applications close 28 June.

Find out more about local information sessions and how to apply at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-programs/gender-equity/womens-leadership-program.


SUPPORTING VICTORIANS TO GIVE VOLUNTEERING A GO 

To celebrate National Volunteer Week (16--22 May), the Andrews Labor Government launched the new Victorian Volunteer Strategy, providing a five-year plan to support volunteerism across the state.

We are also investing $1.3 million to recruit new volunteers and help Victorians get people back into it.

Before the pandemic, around 2.3 million or 42.1 per cent of Victorians, volunteered with organisations in their communities.
 
Applications for grants of up to $80,000 are now open, to support local partnerships to re-engage volunteers, broaden the volunteer base, and strengthen volunteering in local communities.

To read the new Victorian Volunteer Strategy, visit vic.gov.au/victorian-volunteer-strategy and for expressions of interest visit volunteer.vic.gov.au/volunteer-grant-eoi.


STRONGER AGRICULTURE EDUCATION FOR VICTORIAN STUDENTS

The future of Victoria’s nation-leading agriculture sector is bright – and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to be supporting more Victorian students to get involved in this innovative, growing industry while they’re still at school.

The Andrews Labor Government’s $5.5 million Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund is now open, and will support schools, industry associations and community organisations to inspire students and open more pathways into agricultural careers.

This program is all about making sure our students have real-world opportunities to make the most of existing and emerging agriculture and horticulture career pathways.

We want to attract the next generation of Victorians to get into our agriculture sector – developing the food and farming leaders of tomorrow and setting them up for exciting careers.

Applications close 24 June.

For more information, visit vic.gov.au/secondary-schools-agriculture-fund.


POSITIVE START - OVER 50,000 STUDENTS HAVE NOW ATTENDED A FREE CULTURAL, ARTS OR SPORTING PROGRAMS

The Andrews Labor Government are providing fully subsidised camps to more than 81,000 students during term and in the school holidays this year.

School camps are a great way to build confidence, learn leadership skills and strengthen social and emotional resilience.

Whether it’s riding mountain bikes, learning to surf, negotiating rapids in a canoe, or hiking – Victorian students in Werribee will have a heap of fun at school camps this year.

Eligible schools can find out more here vic.gov.au/positive-start-school-camps.

Eligible families can book a free holiday camp today for the Term 2 holidays. For more information including eligibility, please visit vic.gov.au/positive-start-holiday-camps.


SHADE GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The Shade Grants Program is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives.
 
The Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 sets a target to halve the number of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.

Through the Shade Grants Program, the Andrews Labor Government is supporting more schools and community groups to provide the shade Victorians need to stay sun smart and prevent skin cancer.

The Shade Grants Program is an opportunity for schools and organisations to consider how they can support the sun protection needs of their students and communities while they develop and maintain lifelong healthy habits.

School Shade Grants Program applications close 10 June 2022.

Community Shade Grants Program applications close 24 June 2022.

To find out more about the program, visit health.vic.gov.au/preventive-health/shade-grants-program.


ENTRIES OPEN FOR PARLIAMENT PRIZE COMPETITION

The Parliament Prizes asks students to consider what they would say to parliament if they were an MP and record a video of their own 90-second Member's Statement.

Students can win cash prizes for themselves and their schools, with three entry categories: Grades 5-6, Years 7-9 and Years 1-12.

Entries are open until 17 June 2022 for Victorian students from Grade 5 to Year 12.

For more information, visit parliament.vic.gov.au/education/the-parliament-prize.

RECOGNITION OF IMPORTANT DATES

26 MAY - 2022 NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING

The 26th of May was the National Day of Healing, marking 25 years since the Bringing Them Home report detailed the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, culture and Country.
 
While we cannot fully understand the impact of these actions, we can try to understand more.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au continues to investigate and document the injustices caused to Aboriginal Victorians across all areas of social, political and economic life.
 
And while we cannot ever compensate for the impact of past actions, we can offer support.

The Stolen Generations Reparation Package vic.gov.au/stolen-generations-reparations-package helps address the trauma and suffering caused to members of the Stolen Generations.
 
Only by reconciling with our past, and addressing injustice in our present, can we reach for a fairer, more just future – for all Victorians.


TURNING VICTORIA PURPLE TO HONOUR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

Safe Steps’ annual candlelight vigil is observed on the first Wednesday in May around Australia to remember the women and children lost to family violence in the last year. 

On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner in Australia.

At least 1 in 3 women will experience physical violence perpetrated by a man they know.

Around one child a fortnight is killed by a parent.

On May 4, our state lit up in purple, bringing light to this national crisis.

We remember the people behind the statistics.

We honour the lives cut short, and commit to a stronger, safer future.


EID AL-FITR

Eid al-Fitr began Monday 2 May and ended Tuesday 3 May.
 
Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that Muslims celebrate at the starting of the first day of the 10th month of Islamic calendar that is called as “Shawwal”, after the sighting of moon.
 
This festival is celebrated as a reward of the patience and sacrifice Muslims express in the month of Ramadan by fasting from dawn to sunset.
 
Common practices to commemorate this is prayer and big feasts with friends and family. Sweet and savoury dishes are served.
 
At the 2016 census, there was 197,030 people who practice Islam in Victoria.


YOM HAATZMA'UT DAY

Yom HaAtzma’ut Day, an important occasion commemorating the anniversary of the creation of an independent, Jewish state 74 years ago, runs from runs from the evening of 4 May to the evening of 5 May.

At the 2016 Census, there were 4,353 Israel-born persons in Victoria and 42,257 persons who follow Judaism.


VESAK DAY/BUDDHA DAY

Vesak is the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, along with his enlightenment and death in some traditions.
 
Each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day, but it is celebrated in lots of different countries, including many across Asia.
 
Many Buddhists will go to their local temple and some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the full moon.
 
At the 2016 Census, 181,938 Victorians identified as practicising Buddhism.


'ARE YOU SAFE AT HOME?' DAY

May 10 marked 'Are You Safe At Home? Day, it was an opportunity to ask someone in your life “Are you safe at home?” and start a conversation to end family violence.

Asking such an important question can be tough, so Safe and Equal – the peak body for family violence services in Victoria – has developed a website full of helpful tips, conversation starters and information to help you start your potentially lifesaving chat with a friend, family member or colleague.

Safe and Equal developed the ‘Are You Safe at Home?’ campaign in 2020 in response to an increased risk of family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign provides victim survivors with information about what family violence is, ways to stay safe, and where to find support.

The campaign also provides friends, family and community members with information about how to respond appropriately if they suspect someone they know is unsafe at home.  


IDAHOBIT DAY

17 May was IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex discrimination and Transphobia that celebrates LGBTIQ+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination. 
 
32 years on from the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, IDAHOBIT reminds all LGBTIQ+ people that they deserve to live their lives free from discrimination – something that the Andrews Labor Government is proudly putting into action by delivering the first ten-year strategy to drive LGBTIQ+ inclusion across the State.
 
The 2022-23 Budget includes an investment of $14.7 million to support and celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians and build on our proud record of delivering a more equal Victoria – which includes legislating banning harmful change and suppression practices and building the Victorian Pride Centre.


AFRICA DAY

Africa Day, 25 May is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the African Union (AU) which is celebrated in Africa and many countries around the world.
 
After WWII, in the wake of decolonisation, the first Conference of Independent African States called for the observance of African Freedom Day once a year, to mark “the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolise the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.”
 
Consequently on 25 May 1963, leaders of 32 African nations converged in Ethiopia‘s capital Addis Ababa and formed the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union.


EDUCATION WEEK 2022 - 22-28 MAY

We celebrated Education Week 2022 during the week of 22–28 May.

This year’s theme was about celebrating Victoria’s 150 Years of Public Education across Werribee and our great State.

During that week, local primary and secondary schools, higher education providers and early childhood education and care providers hosted free activities to celebrate the past, present and future of Victorian education.

Find out more at Education Week here vic.gov.au/education-week.


MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DAY

30 May was World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day.
 
There are 25,600 people living with MS in Australia.
 
Two thirds of people living with MS experience loneliness and social isolation as a result of their MS.
 
This year, the World MS Day theme was ‘Connections’.
 
To read more visit msaustralia.org.au/world-ms-day-2022.


Government is a collaborative process and I encourage you to contact me and pass on your feedback, questions and suggestions, so we can continue to improve our community.

My office can be contacted on 03 9741 1133 or at tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au.

 
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Tim Pallas MP · 2/56-58 Watton St, Werribee, 3030 · Werribee, VIC 3030 · Australia

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