NEW CORONAVIRUS BIOBANK TO SUPPORT RESEARCH

Victorian scientists will be able to get a better understanding of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines through the creation of a ground-breaking coronavirus biobank – backed by $5 million from the Andrews Labor Government.

Innovative research conducted at the Doherty Institute will involve collecting blood and tissue samples from Victorians at different intervals before and after they receive vaccines, to analyse their effects.

Samples will be taken from up to 1,500 people, including the elderly, indigenous Australians, people living with HIV, healthcare workers and people with prior coronavirus infections.

The work will build up knowledge of the efficacy of vaccinations and help preparations for future strains. The samples will be collected prior to the first and second vaccines and at three, six, 12 and 24 months after vaccination.

Once samples are stored in the biobank, an open registry will be established for Victorian researchers to access them and related clinical data.

The Doherty Institute will house the biobank and lead the project, with input from the University of Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Australian Partnership for Research in Infectious Diseases.

Recruitment is expected to be completed within 12 months, with scientists calling on Victorians to do their bit for research as part of the rollout.

The work is possible due to the Labor Government’s $31 million COVID-19 Research Fund, which has backed almost 20 coronavirus research projects.

RENOWNED SCIENTISTS LEAD mRNA VICTORIA ADVISORY GROUP

Leading global vaccine experts have been enlisted to provide advice on mRNA manufacturing capability in Victoria, with an international pioneer to team up with local leaders to form mRNA Victoria’s new Scientific Advisory Group.

The Victorian Government announced the members of the Group, including Dr Barney Graham, whose ground-breaking research into the spike protein was a key part of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough.

Dr Graham is the Deputy Director of the Vaccine Research Center at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and worked with American company Moderna to create their mRNA vaccine. 

The award-winning immunologist and virologist has worked closely with Dr Anthony Fauci – the leader of the United States’ coronavirus response and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden – during the pandemic and has hosted presidents Biden and Trump at his laboratory.

Dr Graham is one of nine members of the Scientific Advisory Group, which also features Melbourne-based, world-leading infectious disease experts such as Professor Sharon Lewin and Professor Brendan Crabb.

The members of the group are:

• Dr Amanda Caples – Victoria’s Lead Scientist and Chair of the Group
• Professor Sharon Lewin – Director, Doherty Institute
• Dr Barney Graham – Deputy Director, Vaccine Research Center, US National Institutes of Health
• Professor William Charman – Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University
• Professor Brendan Crabb – Director, Burnet Institute
• Professor Doug Hilton – Director, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
• Professor Terry Nolan – Head, Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne
• Professor John Carroll – Director, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
• Professor Andrew Steer – Director, Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Operating for an initial term of two years, the Scientific Advisory Group will harness the expertise of its members and, in consultation with mRNA Victoria, support the development of mRNA vaccine manufacturing and research.

mRNA Victoria will also work with industry associations such as AusBiotech and BioMelbourne Network to establish a panel of industry experts and service providers to complement the expertise of the Advisory Group.

The Victorian Government is investing $50 million to build mRNA capability, which will equip Australia with vaccine support for protection against coronavirus and future pandemics, and capabilities for new research breakthroughs.

The creation of the new body solidifies the Government’s commitment to driving innovation and research, building on the establishment of the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund.

Schools in Werribee are among more than 250 across the state to receive a boost to essential maintenance projects, thanks to the Victorian Government.

Werribee schools are among 282 schools across Victoria to share in $12.48 million in Term 2 funding for projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).

The schools include Thomas Chirnside Primary School and Werribee Secondary College.

The program ensures schools can undertake essential work to grounds and classrooms such as fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as external landscaping works like pathways and lighting.

The funding is on top of $10.4 million already provided to 230 schools through Term 1 PMP allocations and ensures existing buildings at Victoria’s 1,500 state schools are safe, modern and properly maintained.

In the past seven years, the Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.

More students with disability in Werribee will receive the support they need to learn, contribute and participate in their schools and classrooms, thanks to the Victorian Government.

Riverwalk Primary School and Riverbend Primary School will receive over $134,000 in funding in Term 3 this year to make their schools more inclusive for all students.

This new funding support is ongoing and is in addition to support already provided through the current Program for Students with Disabilities.

This is the biggest change in disability support in our schools Victoria has ever seen, and it will make a difference in classrooms and to kids across the state.

Disability Inclusion will be rolled out progressively over the next five years, reaching all Victorian government schools by 2025.

Our almost $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion package will transform funding and support for students with a disability in Victorian government schools, to ensure every student at every ability can thrive at school and in life.

The Victorian Government is celebrating the diversity that makes our state great with grants to support multicultural community festivals and events, including here in Werribee. 

Through the Multicultural Festival and Events program, funding of $24,000 will go towards Karen Cultural Events. $12,000 funding will also go towards the Dreaming of a Wyndham Christmas 2021 event.

These are two of 252 festivals and events of cultural significance to share in $1.45 million in funding.

The Government announced an additional $1.1 million for the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to help meet increased program demand over the next 12 months.

The grants will assist multicultural community organisations across the state to celebrate and share their culture with all Victorians. 

All events will adhere to COVIDSafe settings, with a majority of events taking place in person.

Events will be held between July and the end of December 2021.

A list of other events funded through this program in the Werribee District can be found at vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.

INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS FUND

Applications are now open for Round 7 of the Inclusive Schools Fund to help government schools create inclusive spaces that better cater for the social and educational needs of all students.

The fund helps schools support students with disabilities and additional needs by offering grants to build inclusive indoor and outdoor learning spaces as well as accessible playgrounds to ensure that all students can fully participate and succeed in school.

To date, more than 300 creative projects have been announced since the Fund began in 2015. In Round 6, 74 projects shared in over $12.5 million of funding which included inclusive wheelchair friendly playground surfaces, quiet musical areas and sensory zones with a range of tactile surfaces.

Applications for Round 7 of the program opened on 18 June 2021 and close at midnight on 6 August 2021.

MINOR CAPITAL WORKS FUND

Applications have opened for Round 2 of the Minor Capital Works Fund, which gives government schools the opportunity to apply for funding that supports small-scale building projects.

Funding of up to $50,000 is available for projects such as small maintenance works to toilets and roofs and minor fence upgrades, and up to $500,000 for projects such as roof, toilet and playground replacements and covered outdoor learning areas.

More than 300 Victorian government schools have already been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools, such as toilet and roof upgrades, playground improvements, classroom refurbishments, new bike sheds, oval upgrades and flagpoles. 

Applications for Round 2 close 6 August 2021.

CHILDREN'S WEEK GRANTS

Victorian not-for-profit organisations and local councils can apply for grants of up to $1,000 to host an event during Children’s Week 2021, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
 
Organisations can hold either a virtual or in-person COVID-Safe event in the local community during national Children’s Week from 23 to 31 October 2021.
 
This year’s Children’s Week theme celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. This theme is based on Article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Applications close 14 July 2021.

For more information, please visit education.vic.gov.au/about/events/Pages/childrensweek.aspx.

$20 MILLION IN UPGRADES FOR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES 

Grants of up to $1 million are now open for mental health and alcohol and drug services across Victoria, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

These grants will provide upgrades to vital infrastructure, and ensure mental health services across the state can continue to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for Victorians on their recovery journey.

This year’s funding round will also offer equipment upgrades including medical equipment, specialised furniture, and information technology.

The program has already funded more than 100 infrastructure and improvement projects at mental health and alcohol and other drug care facilities across the state.

These vital upgrades are just one part of the Labor Government’s response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to reform, modernise, build service capacity and provide better models of care for Victorians experiencing mental ill health.  

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes $3.8 billion - the biggest mental health investment in the history of the state - to ensure Victorians have the support they need as we get on with fixing a broken system.

Applications close on 19 July 2021.

For grant program guidelines or to apply, visit vhba.vic.gov.au.

WOMEN'S BOARD LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 

The Women’s Board Leadership Program supports women to take the next step in their board career.
 
Applications are now open and 62 scholarships are available for Victorian women to undertake valuable board governance training.
 
Women with prior experience, or simply a desire to serve on government or not-for-profit boards, are encouraged to apply.
 
The Women’s Board Leadership Program forms part of our commitment to delivering equal representation of women on government decision-making platforms and ensuring our public institutions reflect the communities they serve.

Applications will close on 9 July 2021.
 
To find out more about the program, please visit vic.gov.au/womens-board-leadership-program.

CONSULTATION BEGINS ON WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT REFORM AGENDA

Victorians are encouraged to have their say on how to better prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment.
 
Consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace has started, with submissions encouraged from the community, businesses, workers and organisations on how to help shape the Victorian Government’s upcoming reforms.
 
Victorians can provide feedback on a range of issues – from prevention and raising awareness, through to supporting workers to make reports and enforcement action.
 
Feedback is also being sought on ways to remove the burden on victims of sexual harassment to report inappropriate behaviour, instead looking at what employers can do to create harassment-free workplaces.
 
The launch of the consultation paper coincides with the third meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment – co-chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Safety Bronwyn Halfpenny and Liberty Sanger – which is responsible for exploring ways to strengthen the state’s occupational health and safety framework to address sexual harassment.
 
Advice from the Taskforce along with community feedback on the consultation paper will help inform Victoria’s workplace sexual harassment reform agenda. 
 
Written and audio submissions for the consultation paper are open until 26 July 2021 via engage.vic.gov.au.

CREATING MORE JOBS, BOOSTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CONNECTING MORE VICTORIANS TO LOVED ONES

The Government is fast-tracking better mobile coverage and broadband across the state through the record $550 million Connecting Victoria program.

Connecting Victoria will enable more businesses to take advantage of digital opportunities with more reliable, better value broadband in more places, including popular shopping streets and business parks.

The program builds on the state’s $130 million investment in connectivity projects since 2014 and will bolster the state’s economic recovery.

Businesses and individuals can have their say on priority locations through a dedicated website. Businesses and individuals will be able to pinpoint on an interactive map where they are experiencing a problem with mobile coverage or internet access by adding a marker. They will also be able to describe the problem.

The program will focus on getting more Victorians access to business-grade broadband and upgrading mobile coverage, improving 4G mobile coverage, helping more places become 5G ready, and improving access to safety information during bushfires and other emergencies.

The first locations to receive upgrades or new infrastructure are expected to be announced later this year, with more to follow across the state. Insights gained through consultation will help deliver better connectivity in more places across regional Victoria and outer suburban Melbourne. 

The Victorian Government will encourage the Commonwealth Government and telecommunications providers to co-invest in the delivery of new infrastructure.

New mobile and broadband infrastructure will mean more jobs and a boost for local businesses and will help Victorians stay connected to loved ones. It will give more Victorians the opportunity to participate in the online world, with better mobile coverage at home and when out and about.  

To have your say, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria.

MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS ACROSS VICTORIA

The Andrews Government has announced $5 million in grants to expand Victoria’s network of electric vehicle charging stations – including fast chargers that give electric vehicles enough power to drive 100km after ten minutes of charging.
 
This funding will deliver around 100 charging stations across Victoria. The Government will work with successful applicants to maximise the number of chargers that can be delivered.
 
This funding is on top of the $644,000 the Andrews Labor Government has already provided to install chargers across the Loddon Mallee region, and the $3 million to install ultra-rapid chagers connecting Euroa, Moe, Torquay, Ballarat and Horsham. This is all part of our Government’s comprehensive $100 million plan to drive uptake of zero emissions vehicles, which includes over 20,000 subsidies to help Victorians purchase a zero emissions vehicle.
 
Businesses, councils and community organisations are all encouraged to apply.

Applications are open until 5pm on 23 July 2021.

For more information, visit energy.vic.gov.au/DCAV.

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE TRAINING IN VICTORIA REVIEW

The Andrews Government has recently announced The Future of Agriculture Training in Victoria Review.

Victoria’s agricultural sector produces more than $15.9 billion worth of meat, milk and produce – supporting a $41.5 billion food processing industry.

Since coming to office, the Andrews Labor Government has introduced a number of initiatives to ensure the sector has the training it needs to deliver jobs, including:

• Returned training to Glenormiston after it closed under the previous government
• Free TAFE courses in Agriculture and Horticulture
• Additional courses in sheep shearing and investments to grow the number of shearers
• Investment in agricultural college upgrades across the state.

This Review is the next step in ensuring that Victoria offers the very best training in agriculture.

The Review will identify how TAFEs, Learn Locals and other training providers can continue to meet the changing needs of the local agricultural industry and provide opportunities for Victorians.

It will be led by the Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle. Michaela went to TAFE and owned and operated a family sheep farm for more than a decade.

The Review will involve extensive consultation with industry, employers, TAFE and other training providers and students to develop a series of recommendations to ensure the sector has the training needed to grow the agricultural industry.

More information, and registering interest in the review, can be found education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/agriculture-review.aspx.

VICTORIAN LANDCARE AWARDS

The 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate and honour Landcare champions from your local electorate.

The Awards celebrate groups and individuals from across the state who are excelling in conservation, environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices.
 
The deadline for nominations for these awards has now been extended to 11 July 2021.

For more information, visit landcarevic.org.au/state-government-news/2021-victorian-landcare-awards-victorian-only-categories.

COASTAL PUBLIC ACCESS AND RISK GRANTS

Applications for the Victorian Government’s $1 million Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program are now open.

Grants of up to $150,000 are available to coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments to implement projects that improve access and identify, monitor and mitigate risks.

Eligible projects include assessments to identify and evaluate risks, projects that treat risks and risk monitoring.

Grants have previously supported new boardwalks and all-abilities beach access ramps, staircase replacements, new foreshore paths and trails, erosion management planning and coastal stability assessments.

The $1 million grants program is part of the $15.8 million Safeguarding Marine and Coastal Environments in the Face of Climate Change program.

Applications close at 4pm on Thursday 29 July 2021.

For more information and to apply for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grants.

PREMIER'S SPIRIT OF ANZAC PRIZE

Victorian students in Years 9-11 are eligible to win $2,500 as they learn about Australian service people and their history through the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.
 
The annual competition run by the Victorian Government aims to build greater awareness of Australia’s war and peacekeeping history and the remarkable contributions of our veterans.
 
The prize will support educational experiences and expenses and be administered by their school.
 
Students can enter the competition by responding to and reflecting on a prompt about the Spirit of Anzac and how it represents resilience, courage, endurance, ingenuity, mateship, and good humour. They can submit their responses in a range of formats including essay, artwork, video, audio, music, webpage or poem.
 
Students are encouraged to explore the topic from a personal perspective and to seek out the views of veterans in their own communities if possible.
 
In previous years students have travelled in Australia and overseas but the COVID-19 pandemic has meant this option isn’t available.
 
Applications for the prize in 2021 close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 August 2021, with winners expected to be notified in October.
 
For more information, the full topic and eligibility criteria, students and schools should visit vic.gov.au/soap.