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JANUARY 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.
IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION
Note: The information in this section is accurate and relevant at the time of writing. 

GET YOUR THIRD DOSE DONE

Victorians over the age of 18 will now be eligible to get their vital third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after three months, just in time for a walk-up vaccination blitz starting this Friday.

The reduced timeframe of three months, recommended by Victoria’s public health team, means 1.2 million more Victorians can now increase their immunity before school and work returns in full.

To support an anticipated increase in demand this weekend, more workers, more cubicles, more walk-up capacity and 60,000 more appointments will be available at key vaccination centres.

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for locations, hours and access information before walking up. Bookings can also be made online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 675 398.

Those who want to get their third dose at a local GPs or pharmacy can also book through the online clinic finder at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking.


BOOSTING LOCAL SCHOOLS, GPs AND PHARMACIES IN VAX BLITZ

The Victorian Government is helping local doctors and community pharmacies deliver more doses for kids between 5 and 11 on school grounds as part of the Commonwealth’s coronavirus vaccination program.

Through a new $4 million grants program, the Victorian Government is encouraging GPs and community pharmacists to establish additional mini-vaccination clinics at schools in areas that need more uptake, due to identified access challenges or increased risk of transmission.

As part of the new Primary Care Vaccinations in Schools program, grants will help local and trusted health professionals deliver vaccinations to students in the familiarity and comfort of their own school environment, outside of school hours.

Applicants will nominate the local government areas and number of schools and students they can help vaccinate – then successful applicants will be matched with schools in priority areas.

Read more here: premier.vic.gov.au/clone-boosting-local-schools-gps-and-pharmacies-vax-blitz.


KEEPING EDUCATION OPEN AND SAFE IN 2022

The Victorian Government has announced Victoria’s Back-to-School plan, to keep education settings open while taking every measure to protect students and staff to ensure a successful 2022 school year.

As a part of the plan, the Andrews Labor Government will be rolling out free rapid antigen surveillance testing for every student and staff member in Victorian schools for the first four weeks of Term 1.

We are also ensuring that there are extra staff ready to step in where essential school staff are unable to work.

This announcement builds upon our more than $190 million in initiatives to support safe learning at schools, including the 51,000 air purifiers which will be delivered to all government and low-fee non-government schools by the start of Term 1.

With vital COVIDSafe steps in place like surveillance testing, improved ventilation and high rates of vaccination, we’ve done everything we can to make schools as safe as possible– and we can’t wait to welcome all students back for Term 1.


BOOSTING VACCINATIONS IN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES 

We’re helping community organisations deliver support to help community members overcome barriers they may face when trying to access COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Huddle is one of eight Community Support Groups lead organisations to be awarded $150,000 each to deliver vaccination support to people as young as five from culturally and linguistically diverse and multi-faith communities.

Support such as helping people to book appointments or arranging transport or organising childcare are the types of support available through this program.

Thank you to The Huddle and all the organisations involved in this program for your dedication and support to ensure everyone in our community can access the vaccine and is provided accurate and up to date information in the process.

For more information, please visit nmfc.com.au/news/1048398/state-government-funds-the-huddle-to-help-multicultural-communities-tackle-covid-19.


JOBS FOR VICTORIANS TO PUT MORE FOOD ON SUPERMARKET SHELVES

The Victorian Government is helping to keep supermarket shelves stocked by linking thousands of jobseekers with food suppliers to reduce critical workforce shortages.

Jobs Victoria is working with major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi as well as wholesaler Metcash, to fill staff shortages with people looking to find work. The program started earlier this month and has already had an overwhelming response, with more than 2,000 people expressing interest in the jobs.

The roles available include pick-packers to assemble online orders, night-fillers to re-stock shelves, cashiers, delivery drivers and forklift operators.

Roles are available for anyone looking for work, especially those whose employment has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Employers will provide any training needed including induction and OH&S.
Jobs Victoria is streamlining the hiring process by undertaking initial screening support to get people on the job as soon as possible.

The Government will also begin distributing 25,000 rapid antigen tests, on a cost recovery basis, to critical utilities and food supply chain services including meat and poultry suppliers.

The $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund is supporting businesses with wage subsidies and large-scale employment programs.

Other Jobs Victoria services include a 600-person-strong force of advocates, mentors and career counsellors to help people in their job hunt.

Jobseekers across Victoria are encouraged to sign up to the Jobs Victoria Online Hub to express interest in these vital roles by visiting jobs.vic.gov.au.

Victoria's Restriction Levels

For more information regarding coronavirus restrictions in Victoria, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings

The list of public exposure sites can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites.
Business Victoria HOTLINE

Businesses across the state can now access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

For the State Revenue Office, please visit sro.vic.gov.au
Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

For the latest updates and advice on the novel coronavirus in Victoria, visit the DHHS website: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Translated resources can be found a dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.
 
IN THIS EDITION
Local News
  1. Principals On Their Way For New Werribee Schools
  2. Warringa Park School Upgrades 
  3. School Shade Sails Fund
  4. New Grants For Better Kindergartens In Werribee
  5. $9 Million Boost For Aboriginal Organisations 
Victorian Government Announcements, Programs, And Initiatives 
  1. Kinder Kits For 2022 
  2. Boost For Dental Catch Up Care
  3. New Jobs To Bolster Victoria's Bushfire Defenses 
  4. Supporting Victoria's Recycling Transformation
  5. Immediate Protection Areas (IPAs) - Panel For Community Engagement Members
  6. Beat The Bite
Grants, Funding And Other Opportunities 
  1. Coastcare Grants Open
  2. Strengthening Our Disability Peer Support Groups
  3. 2022 Pride Events & Festivals Fund Now Open
LOCAL NEWS

PRINCIPALS ON THEIR WAY FOR NEW WERRIBEE SCHOOLS

Current and aspiring school principals have a unique opportunity to lead a brand-new school and establish a new culture from the ground up, with applications now open for principal positions at the Andrews Labor Government’s new schools set to open in 2023.

Applications are open for dedicated educators to lead the opening of Holyoake Parade Primary School and Lollypop Creek Primary School (interim names), two of 12 new schools the Labor Government will open in 2023.

Prospective principals can apply through the Department of Education and Training’s Recruitment Online portal.

The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student has the opportunity to access a great local school and a quality education.

In 2022, 14 new schools will open across the state as part of the Government’s work to build 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, delivering a quality education for students in the state’s fastest-growing areas.

I can’t wait to see Holyoake Parade Primary School and Lollypop Creek Primary School take shape – and I’m excited to see fantastic new principals take the reins on these projects.


WARRINGA PARK SCHOOL UPGRADES

Fantastic news for the Warringa Park School community!

Interface Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to build the school's $7.966 million upgrade – which will help it deliver a 21st century education.

The upgrade involves delivering the second stage of Warringa Park School’s master plan, adding to the major upgrades already under construction.

With investments such as this, the Andrews Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school, and get a quality education.


SCHOOL SHADE SAILS FUND

Little River Primary School and Woodville Primary School will soon have works commence for new shaded outdoor learning spaces for students to learn outside, thanks to the School Shade Sails Fund.

The School Shade Sails Fund is a part of our over $190 million investment to support ventilation and outdoor learning in Victorian schools.

This is just one of the measures we’re taking to make our schools as safe as possible for Victorian students.


NEW GRANTS FOR BETTER KINDERGARTENS IN WERRIBEE

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting kindergartens in Werribee to help plan their future infrastructure projects, creating extra places for three- and four-year-old children in growing areas across the state.

BasicNeeds Australia is one of 39 recipients sharing in $5 million worth of Building Blocks Planning Grants of up to $150,000 each, helping them plan and design infrastructure projects that support the Labor Government’s statewide roll-out of Three-Year-old Kindergarten.

Grants can support the preparations for a project, or a pipeline of projects, that might seek future Building Blocks construction grant funding. The grants can be used for work such as planning scope development, design preparation, soil investigations or construction costing works.

Congratulations to BasicNeeds Australia for their Planning Grant – I can’t wait to see their projects come to life to grow kinders in Werribee.


$9 MILLION BOOST FOR ABORIGINAL ORGANISATIONS

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting support for Aboriginal front-line workers with $9 million for 25 Aboriginal organisations, including here in Werribee.

The funding, which will focus on additional jobs and staff wellbeing, will enable Aboriginal organisations to provide local training opportunities for Aboriginal young people, as well as support Aboriginal Victorians experiencing homelessness and family violence.

The development of the workforce fund has been guided by a 14-member steering committee, including key leaders from across the state, in a process that was self-determined and sector-designed and led.

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS, PROGRAMS, AND INITIATIVES

KINDER KITS FOR 2022

To celebrate state-wide Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in 2022, children enrolled in a funded three-year-old kindergarten program in Werribee will receive a Kinder Kit in the first few weeks of term one, full of educational toys, books and fun activities to support children’s learning and development.

For children – play and learning go hand in hand.

Everything in the Kinder Kits has been carefully selected by an expert panel and is designed to be shared and enjoyed by parents, caregivers and children.

There are easy-to-follow ideas in the kit with guidance available in a range of community languages.

It’s just part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $5 billion commitment to help make Victoria the Education State for our youngest learners.


BOOST FOR DENTAL CATCH UP CARE

Many Victorians have deferred their normal check-ups and care routines during the pandemic. As a result, more people are now seeking healthcare services with more complex or more serious health conditions.

To help meet increased demand, the Victorian Government is providing an additional $27 million for more than 40,000 appointments in public dental services.

This funding boost will help reduce wait times and help ensure people get the check-ups and treatment they need.


NEW JOBS TO BOLSTER VICTORIA'S BUSHFIRE DEFENSES

Jobs Victoria is partnering with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to create 50 new forest firefighting jobs.

As well as creating opportunities for jobseekers, people in these jobs will support preparation for the bushfire season.

It’s a great opportunity to build up a bigger skilled workforce of fire and land management workers, as well as an opportunity to recruit from groups currently underrepresented in the firefighting workforce.

The initiative will focus on people whose employment has been hardest hit during the pandemic including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people.

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


SUPPORTING VICTORIA'S RECYCLING TRANSFORMATION 

The Andrews Government has announced 13 new projects that will see 136,000 tonnes of plastics, paper, glass and tyres re-made into new products while creating new jobs and new investment in the Victorian economy.
 
These 13 projects will share in $36.5 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments through the Recycling Modernisation Fund.

This funding will reduce waste to landfill and boost the local economy through the creation of 204 local jobs, in addition to other jobs generated indirectly through the construction and operation of these new facilities.
 
More information on the Recycling Modernisation Fund can be found at sustainability.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-projects/recycling-and-reducing-waste/recycling-victoria-infrastructure-fund/recycling-victoria-recycling-modernisation-fund.
 
In addition to supporting Victoria’s economy, diverting waste from landfill is a key part of achieving Victoria’s ambitious climate change targets. For more information on how this works visit vic.gov.au/building-victorias-circular-economy.


IMMEDIATE PROTECTION AREAS (IPAs) - PANEL FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS

The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister D'Ambrosio, has announced the final Panel members for the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement for the Immediate Protection Areas (IPAs).
 
The IPAs are a commitment under the Victorian Forestry Plan (VFP)to protect 96,000 hectares of forest for Leadbeater Possums, Greater Gliders and other threatened species. We committed to consult with the community on the future use of these forests when the VFP was released in 2019.
 
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) have already begun their assessment of environmental values in Mirboo North and the Strathbogie Ranges, and will move onto the Central Highlands and East Gippsland later this year.
 
The Eminent Panel will use the report from VEAC to inform their consultation with the community.
 
The new Panel members are Mellissa Wood, Chair of VEAC and Nicola Pero, CEO of Food and Fibre Gippsland who will join the Chair Karen Cain, former CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority.
 
Traditional Owners will also be formally represented on the Panel, with TOs deciding to have a rotating membership depending on whose Country the IPA in on.


BEAT THE BITE

Mozzie alert!

Victoria is forecast to have a wetter than average summer.

This can bring increased mosquito breeding, including the ones that can carry diseases that make you sick.

By following a few simple steps you can reduce your risk of being bitten and getting sick this summer:

  • Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
  • Use mosquito nets or insect screens.
  • Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.
  • If mosquito numbers are high, limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible.

Tip – citronella candles aren’t effective enough! Mozzie repellents are your best defence against mosquito bites.

Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite.

GRANTS, FUNDING AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

COASTCARE GRANTS OPEN

Applications have opened for the 2022 Coastcare Victoria Community Grants.

These grants will support a range of volunteer groups who do so much to protect and preserve Victoria’s 2,000 kilometres of coastline.

The Coastcare Grants Program will provide $375,000 for community-led projects that conserve, restore and rehabilitate our coastal and marine environments.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available, and applications close on 9 March 2022.

For more information, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-programs/Coastcare-Victoria/coastcare-victoria-community-grants.


STRENGTHENING OUR DISABILITY PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorians with disability to come together and share their experiences and insights, with applications now open for this year’s Disability Self Help Grants.
 
Up to $520,000 is available, with each grant valued at up to $10,000 and provided over a two-year period. More than 60 disability self help groups received funding during the last 12 months.
 
This funding round will prioritise groups representing diverse communities, as well as those in rural and regional Victoria, to ensure all Victorians with disability and their families have access to the benefits self help groups offer their members.

Applications close 15 February 2022.
 
Further information is available at providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/disability-self-help-grants-program.


2022 PRIDE EVENTS & FESTIVALS FUND NOW OPEN

The 2022 round of the Victorian Government’s Pride Events and Festivals Fund (PEFF), which supports events and activities designed for and celebrating LGBTIQ+ folks is now open.

Ensuring LGBTIQ+ Victorians have the chance to connect and feel represented is so important - particularly during challenging times. Event organisers are encouraged to consider running hybrid events with an in-person and online component. Proposals for events that are solely in-person or online are also welcome.

Events will be delivered between April and December, following Melbourne Pride – a significant LGBTIQ+ event for Victoria marking more than 40 years since the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria.

Community organisations, not-for-profits and social enterprises with great ideas for bringing LGBTIQ+ Victorians together are encouraged to apply for a Pride Events and Festivals grant of up to $10,000.

Applications are open until 11 February 2022.

To apply or find out more, visit vic.gov.au/pride-events-and-festivals-fund.


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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