Dan Andrews | Politician

Dan Andrews

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25.01.2022 Now more than ever, Victorian kids deserve the chance to get outside and be active. Back with their friends and teammates back on the pitch, the courts, and the cricket nets. But new boots and rego fees aren't cheap and for some families, the cost means that kids miss out altogether.... We don't think that's fair. Which is why we're doing this: For the first time ever, up to 100,000 Victorian kids will be given $200 sports vouchers to help cover the cost of getting involved. New bats, balls, uniforms, memberships and sign-up fees can be paid for and the vouchers will be available next year in time for community sport to get going again. I know this might seem like a simple announcement but it'll go a long way towards making sure every Victorian child has the opportunity to follow their passion, do their best and have fun. It'll mean that the next Don Bradman or Tayla Harris doesn't miss out simply because their family can't afford the fees. And it makes things that little bit fairer too.

25.01.2022 Remote learning has been challenging for everyone but some kids have found it a bit more difficult than others. Whatever the reason, they might have fallen behind their classmates or become disengaged. So to give these students some extra individual support, we're placing more than 4,100 tutors in classrooms around the state from next year.... Many will be experienced former educators and they'll work with our dedicated teachers to make sure everyone gets the targeted assistance they need, if and when they need it. Because no student should be left behind. And this way, they won't be.

25.01.2022 They bring tourists, they create jobs and they look bloody good too. We're creating more attractions like this, and upgrading regional tourism infrastructure right around the state. From the Grampians to Gippsland, Wilsons Prom to the Great Ocean Road we're funding almost $150 million in tourism infrastructure upgrades.... It'll boost Victoria's regional economies, and help these communities get back on their feet too. But they still need your help. If you're thinking of taking time off, or looking for a weekend away stay local. Spend money here, holiday at home and support the communities that support our state.

24.01.2022 Around one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage before 20 weeks. It's not something that's talked about much nor is it formally recognised as either a birth or death. And those who've experienced early pregnancy loss often find themselves dealing with it alone, with no real way of expressing their grief.... This won't be everyone's choice. But hopefully it'll help bereaved parents mourn the child they never got to meet.

24.01.2022 Dance floors of up to 50 people are back. If you've got moves like Elaine - it's easier for others to keep their distance.

24.01.2022 It's fair to say this year hasn't been easy for Adam. He was working as a Jetstar contractor when the pandemic hit. He loved the job it helped him support his family, and earn some money while he was studying too.... But when international travel dried up, and with flights grounded Adam was made redundant along with hundreds of other Victorians. 2020 was supposed to be his first taste of adult life: He'd finished school, started uni, and was ready to get on with it. Losing his job wasn't part of the plan. "Just when I thought things couldn't get worse," Adam says, his dad passed away. He was devastated, "but I knew I needed to step up to support my family." Losing a parent's hard at any age let alone for someone so young, and during such a difficult year. And by the time he'd returned to searching for a job the vacancies he'd applied for had been filled, he couldn't find work. His family were depending on him more than ever. And he felt a responsibility to help them get through. When Adam called Working for Victoria, he wasn't feeling hopeful. But things moved quickly. "They told me they'd sent through my details to MIEPOL, who agreed to take me on." Within a day he was booked in for training, and he started working on Victoria's bus network making sure bus stops and shelters were up to scratch. Since then he's already moved up working in an OH&S role, helping ensure the business and its sites are COVID safe. He holds daily meetings for staff, oversees the high-risk COVIDSafe plan and ensures his colleagues are kept safe. "This job means the world to me. It's been a difficult time for my family and this work has changed my life it helps me financially, but lets me feel good about what I do too." Adam's just one of thousands of Victorians employed through the Working for Victoria program. From caring for the vulnerable, to staffing information helplines and keeping others safe: Their hard work is just one of the reasons we're able to slow the spread of the virus. And every day they're making a real difference to our state.

22.01.2022 What's that in MCGs?

22.01.2022 After a year apart, I know everyone's keen to spend summer together. Down the beach, at the pub, or around the Christmas table with the people we love. And because of the sacrifices we've made, Victorian's can now spend a little more time with friends and family these holidays.... From midnight tonight, Victoria will move to 'COVIDSafe Summer', and the changes below will remain in place over the next couple of months. Making things easier for everyone. Density limits for hospitality venues and other venues will halve from one person per 4sqm, to one per 2sqm, and patron limits will no longer be applied. This'll allow nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, theatres, and hairdressers to open for more patrons as long as density quotas and specific venue requirements are met. It won't mean every venue can open to every Victorian - but it does mean more venues can can open their doors in time for the new year. Numbers around household gatherings are also increasing from 15 visitors, to 30 visitors including dependents - and up to 100 people can gather outside. Capacity limits on weddings and funerals will go, and the amount of people attending will depend on the density quota of one person per 2sqm. Gyms will be able to open with a density of 1 person per 4sqm, with additional COVIDSafe practices applied. Masks will still remain for now, but they'll only be mandatory when traveling on public transport, inside taxis / ride shares, and in some retail spaces - like supermarkets, shopping centres and indoor markets. The evidence has shown us that wearing a mask makes a big difference in protecting yourself and those around you. Which is why they're still highly recommended in situations where physical distancing isn't possible. So make sure to carry one with you. Workplace restrictions are remaining at up to 25 per cent of a workforce on site - increasing to 50 per cent from 11 January. These changes are about locking in a safe summer, and a safer future for all Victorians. Because we don't just want to enjoy the progress we've made: We want to protect it too.

22.01.2022 Plugged in. Switched on. And powering the future.

22.01.2022 I've got a little favour to ask you all. This week, when you're fitting in some last minute shopping, or stocking up for the big day - think of the person across the counter. Think of the the checkout staff packing your bags, or the retail assistant helping pick a present.... Think about all they've dealt with this year - and everything they've done to help pull our state through it too. Think about going from shelf stocker to essential worker literally overnight - making sure people got what they needed, every single day. And think about where we'd be if it wasn't for them, and all the work they've done for us. It's been said a million times - and it'll be said a million times again: but these workers are great Victorians. They deserve our respect, and they're owed our appreciation. So please - be kind, be patient. And if you can - say thanks. Because it's the very least we can do.

21.01.2022 The scars of this pandemic won't just disappear when the virus goes away. And if we want to truly recover, we need to not just build big but care strong too. That's why today we announced over $235 million to employ, train and upskill a Recovery Workforce of mental health professionals, disability support staff and child protection workers and create 500 new jobs.... That includes developing 240 Family Violence and Sexual Assault trainees, and providing funding to retrain Victorian nurses in mental health. We're providing new child psychiatry registrar positions for junior doctors, and almost 100 new alcohol and drug recovery coordinators. And we know that those who've been through it, understand it best that's why we're training and deploying a lived experience workforce of Victorians who've tackled mental health in their own lives, to help those doing it tough right now. We're working with Victorian Aboriginal health services too, and creating a $40 million fund to enable Aboriginal healthcare providers across Victoria to support and care for their communities. And because every Victorian child deserves to feel safe and cared for, over $132 million will massively expand our state's child protection workforce too boosting their capacity to protect and improve the wellbeing and safety of Victorian kids and their families. For too many Victorians, going back to 'how things were' before the pandemic means going back to an unsafe home or inaccessible mental health care. And that's just not good enough. As a state we'll come out of this stronger than ever but only if we bring everyone along with us.

21.01.2022 You might have heard the news coming out of Queensland today. Six cases from hotel quarantine have been linked through genomic testing. However, it's still unclear how the virus was transmitted between them. A full investigation is currently underway and given they're dealing with the more virulent UK strain, the authorities up there are taking the situation very seriously.... We need to do the same. That means the Local Government Areas of Greater Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Logan and Ipswich will remain in the red zone. If you've been in any of these areas within the last 14 days, you won't be able to enter Victoria without an exemption, exception or permitted worker permit. We're also extending the timeframe around who needs to get tested. Previously we had asked people to get a test and quarantine at home if they'd been in any of these areas on or after 2 January. Based on this new information, the public health advice is that anyone who was in these areas from 30 December should also get tested and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result. This is exactly the type of scenario our permit system was set up to deal with and going forward, it will. But since this happened prior, I need your help to get the word out. If you know someone who recently got back from Queensland, please give them a heads up on what they need to do. Victorians have been so quick to act every step of the way. Up to the challenge, each and every time no matter what's thrown at us. And I know this will be no different.

21.01.2022 Wearing a mask is a small thing each of us can do but it makes a big difference. That's why we stepped things up again late last year after outbreaks across the country, and made them mandatory in all indoor settings. We also promised to review things as soon as we could.... Nine days of zero local cases and almost 200,000 tests gives us confidence to do just that and it's only down to every single Victorian playing their part. So here's what's changing:

21.01.2022 No, I'm not at a club. And yes, I can see. I'm at the National Drug Discovery Centre in Melbourne. Here they're using advanced robots alongside scientists to fast-track the discovery of new drugs and treatments.... They're ahead of the game in this kind of technology and the work they do right here in Victoria helps people and saves lives right around the world. We've just announced $2 billion to fund more research and innovation like this over the next ten years. The Breakthrough Victoria Fund will help researchers make world-first innovations in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life-sciences and more. And it'll create a pipeline for more than 15,000 new Victorian jobs too. But importantly it'll back science all the way. And gives certainty to the research industry that when they've got a big idea, the money's there. Every Victorian should be proud of the science and innovation that happens in this state. The sector already supports over 30,000 jobs, and over 40 per cent of Australia's medical research companies are based here. Victoria's always been the home of Australian science, research and innovation and with this funding, we'll make sure it stays that way.

21.01.2022 The sleigh might be a 100-tonne reinforced steel cutterhead, and the reindeers a ten-person team of specialised engineers... But still, Christmas has come early deep under Swanston Street this week: TBM Joan has just broken through at the future State Library Station, and it's happened a year ahead of schedule too.... When completed, it'll be one of the world's widest platforms - and help thousands of Victorians get around our city quicker and easier too. The Metro Tunnel has already helped create jobs for thousands of Victorian workers, and there's plenty more yet to come. Because we're still building big, we're still creating jobs - and we're not slowing down.

20.01.2022 Georgie Stone is the youngest recipient of an Order of Australia this year. And trust me she's packed a lot into her 20 years. When she was just 13, she fought and won a landmark case to give trans and gender diverse kids more say over their own bodies.... She hasn't stopped since continuing to advocate for trans and gender diverse young people, championing inclusive education, and working to ensure equal and fair access to healthcare. She was the Victorian Young Australian of the Year in 2018. And she's even been on Neighbours. Congratulations, Georgie. I can't wait to see what you do next.

20.01.2022 Headed 30 metres under Swanston Street this morning to check out progress on Metro Tunnel's State Library Station. It's the first time I'd been back in a while. Fair to say it was pretty impressive. Thought you might like to see for yourself.

19.01.2022 Elizabeth's family came to Australia escaping conflict in Vietnam. They arrived here on a small boat. And like thousands of other migrants they were just looking for a better life. Her Mum raised her while holding down a job sewing trouser drawstrings for just five cents each.... And when Elizabeth was old enough, she'd help sew after school and on the weekends too. Life wasn't easy for a young migrant kid. It's why Elizabeth went to uni and studied social work, to help others who'd faced what she had. But by the time she'd finished studying, and started looking for work coronavirus hit. She placed hundreds of job applications, but didn't hear back from any. Elizabeth says she'd almost given up hope when she came across Working for Victoria. Within a few days, they'd put her in touch with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and she found a job as a Community Connector. She works with local public housing residents, and newly arrived migrant families and uses her social work studies, language skills, and experiences to help others. Some of her work is as simple as explaining what assistance is available, or helping residents reach out and access other services. But during a time like this, community workers like Elizabeth are more important than ever to help keep vulnerable Victorians safe, connected and supported too. Elizabeth's just one of thousands of Victorians who've been employed through the Working for Victoria program. She's doing a job she loves, helping people in need, and earning a wage to pay the bills too. Victorians like Elizabeth are making a real difference to our state. And they're making sure our communities come through this pandemic stronger than ever.

19.01.2022 From 11:59pm tonight, a fitted face mask must be worn whenever you leave home. Here's a reminder on how to wear one correctly and a few ways not to.

19.01.2022 When we were elected to lead this state, we promised to put people first. And no matter how hard this year has been that's a promise we'll never break. Today's Budget is one like no other, in a year like none we've seen before.... And at the heart of all its facts, stats and figures is a fundamental commitment to helping people, improving lives and making Victoria a fairer place. It doesn't matter what word you use cracks, pitfalls, inequality or disparity. This year has exposed them all. And if we want a future where every Victorian can achieve their potential and feel positive about what's to come: We have to face the challenges that've been shirked for far too long. Because 'too hard' has become too easy to say, and change simply can't wait till another day. We have to do more, we must do better. We need a state that's strong, and a future that's certain. A place where Victorians are supported, their work is valued, their livelihoods secure. And where people will always be put before the bottom line. This Budget is for families, it's for regional communities, for workers, schools, TAFEs, hospitals, businesses and so much more. It's an investment in fairness and in our state's future. But more than anything else: It puts people first.

19.01.2022 Three years ago, Victoria said yes. And on this date, Marriage Equality became law in Australia. The sky didn't fall in, and the world still hasn't come apart.... But we did become a more loving, accepting, and equal place.

18.01.2022 You know what to do.

18.01.2022 Without a doubt - this has been a tough year for many Victorians. And the pandemic has made clear some of the very real cracks in our mental health system. It's why we announced Australia's first Royal Commission into Mental Health in 2018 - and why we promised to implement every single one of its recommendations.... Today's $868.6 million investment will deliver on the Interim Report findings - and go even further. We know this is a problem that can't be solved overnight. And there's still a long way to go before we have the system we need - and Victorians deserve. It's a big job but it can be done. It has to be.

17.01.2022 Helena wants a secure future just like every other Year 12 student. The chance to study, to find a job, and to start a life of her own. But like thousands of other young Victorians, that dream seems more and more out of reach.... This pandemic has changed so much already, all around the world and for many young people, it's meant spending an important time of their lives in limbo. "We've been away from friends, studying from home wasn't always easy and staying motivated has been difficult for a lot of people too. I was working as a singer at events and parties and stuff while I did VCE, but that dried up." Helena wants to become a paramedic when she finishes school, but she says she doesn't know how the pandemic might impact her future and nor do her classmates. "I think a lot of my friends are worried about how their plans might change." But it's young Victorians like Helena who'll help us fully recover from this pandemic and now more than ever we need them to gain the skills to create jobs and build big. That's why we've announced Victoria's first ever Youth Strategy. We're talking directly to young people all around the state from Bendigo to Bundoora. And hearing from community workers, youth organisations, support services and more. It's the first time the Government has ever developed a youth strategy for young people, by young people. And it'll play a big role in helping our state recover and grow when this pandemic is over. Because if we're going to come out of this stronger we need to do things differently. And if we're going to change the future, we first have to listen to Victoria's future.

17.01.2022 We've paid tribute to healthcare workers a lot over the past few months but we haven't always been able to put faces to job titles. The newest addition to Metro Tunnel's Creative Program might help to change that. It's a public photographic exhibition at the Parkville construction site - featuring just a few of the people who've played such a massive role in keeping Victorians safe during this pandemic.... Nurses. Doctors. Midwives. Pathologists. Cleaners. Switchboard operators. Cooks. Researchers. Infectious disease specialists. Virologists. They've tended to us when we needed care. Conducted thousands of coronavirus tests. Delivered babies. Made sure our hospitals and labs were clean and sterilised. Researched the effects of the virus. And too many other essential jobs to list here. It's set in Melbourne's biomedical precinct the perfect place to leave a simple message as healthcare workers arrive for their shifts: Thank you.

16.01.2022 Gunai and Yorta Yorta artist Dixon Patten spent a lot of time on trains growing up. After all, he has family spread right throughout Gippsland and Northern Victoria and that meant a fair bit of travelling with his nan, who he called the "Queen of V/Line". So it's fitting that when Dixon was asked to design an artwork to decorate one of V/Line's trains, he used it to tell his story of travel.... He incorporated the 38 language groups of the Traditional Owners of Victoria, and celebrates the ways they stay connected. From their paths through the land to the message sticks they carried as a "passport". And in a year where so many of us were stuck at home, it's fitting that he included kangaroo paws and emu tracks a symbolic reminder to all of us to keep moving forward. So if you travel on V/Line services, keep your eyes peeled for Dixon's artwork on carriage 1371. It'll be hard to miss.

16.01.2022 Melbourne's laneways might be some of our smallest public spaces. But they're also some of our most loved and iconic. And that's why we're using this time to turn around 40 of them into something completely unique - ready for when we can safely reopen the CBD.... More than 150 Victorians working in the creative industry will be hired for the job. Designers and artists, music producers and light specialists. It'll be the biggest laneway revitalisation project in Melbourne's history. And when we're back up and running, it will bring locals and visitors back to our city - and to the businesses that call it home. I reckon it'll be pretty special.

16.01.2022 I know lots of people have been waiting for this one but I'll try and keep it short so you can get back to enjoying your Sunday. From 11.59pm tonight, the 25km travel limit comes off in metro Melbourne. The boundary between city and country falls away.... Our state will be whole. Our families will be together again. These decisions were unprecedented. We've never had to create a border within a state or ask people to stay so close to home. It's created so many implications for so many Victorians and I haven't for a second underestimated how difficult that's been. In such a hard year, time seems more precious and absence is felt even more keenly. My family's lived that too. But the experts and the data told us it was the right move, the only move, at that point in time. Now that same expert health advice confirms we can safely remove these limitations. At the same time, we can make some further changes to bring metro Melbourne into line with regional areas. Pubs and restaurants can seat more people, indoor sport can resume for 18 and unders, the numbers at funerals and religious gatherings can increase and yes, gyms can reopen. And we're moving forward the reopening of indoor venues, with strict density limits including museums, galleries and movie theatres. Having a loved one ill in hospital is never easy let alone during a pandemic. But we're now able to relax some of the restrictions around visiting hospitals and aged care. Instead of a specific number, a household will be able to visit together including under 16s. And the time limit for partners visiting maternity wards will no longer exist. I'm also pleased to confirm that the whole of Victoria will move to the Last Step at 11.59pm on 22 November. I'll put all the details of what that looks like in the comments. I'm so proud that as a state, we haven't just settled for 'close enough is good enough'. Victorians didn't chuck in the towel when things got tough. We persevered and persisted. We trusted the science and now we are the envy of much of the world. But and it's a big but we can't get complacent. I don't want to rain on what is a day for celebration, but this isn't over just yet. Nine days of zero cases is not a vaccine. It puts us in a very strong position, and every single Victorian should be exceptionally proud of what we've achieved. But now we have to protect it. We've come so far by sticking together. Let's keep going. Keep making good choices. And stay safe.

16.01.2022 First up a warning. This ad shows very graphic images of a bushfire. It's not easy to watch especially with the memories and trauma of last season still so fresh for so many. But its message is so important.... We live in one of the most bushfire-prone regions of the world. That means you need to have a bushfire plan. And now is the time to start working on it.

16.01.2022 Victorian silo art. Kaniva moment to remind you how good it is.

15.01.2022 Losing phone reception when you're in a remote or bushfire prone area isn't just inconvenient. Being able to make a call, access the weather or receive information can be the difference between getting out or getting stuck during an emergency. A slow and patchy connection hurts regional businesses too if you're on a farm or in regional Victoria, poor internet puts you at a disadvantage.... That's why as part of this year's Budget, we're co-funding $300 million to eradicate black spots in regional Victoria. And $250 million to co-fund high-speed, business-grade broadband for communities who've never had access to a broadband connection before. We'll ensure that communities are connected and that they aren't put at risk because their phone doesn't work. I know it's a simple fix but more than any other year, we've been reminded how important staying connected is. And if there's a chance this program will save Victorian lives, or help regional businesses recover stronger than before: Then it's worth every single cent.

15.01.2022 If you're one of the thousands of students heading into school exams this week - remember this: However you do, whatever the result - be proud of how far you've come. You've stuck with it, studied hard and made it through an impossible year.... Understand the courage you've shown, recognise the challenges you've overcome. And know that while your results won't ever define you - your resilience already has.

15.01.2022 Getting on with it.

14.01.2022 Few things are certain in the world except this: The sun will always shine and the wind will always blow. Victoria has limitless renewable energy potential just waiting to be tapped into plus the technology and manufacturing capabilities to back it up.... And today we announced the investment to make it all happen. We’re funding the business case to progress offshore wind taking our first formal steps towards harnessing this resource. We’re setting up an Energy Innovation Fund to help get cutting-edge projects off the ground. And there’s a dedicated Hydrogen Investment Fund to support world-first hydrogen technology pilots and trials. This is about further cementing Victoria as a world leader in renewable energy, driving down power bills and creating thousands of local jobs in the process. The potential is endless. And the future is bright and windy.

14.01.2022 The Taipan snake is one of the deadliest in the world. And the anti-venom for its bite was discovered right here, in Victoria saving thousands of lives. It's just one of the countless incredible breakthroughs that have made our state the centre of medical research in Australia.... And as we work our way out of this pandemic we have no intention of slowing down. That's why today we announced funding to start work on a brand new Australian Institute for Infectious Disease in Parkville. This project will create thousands of new local jobs. And when complete - will provide state-of-the-art research facilities for the Doherty Institute, Burnet Institute, the University of Melbourne, CSL and many more. It will bring together the best and brightest minds in the country. I can't wait to see what they discover next.

14.01.2022 The people who know our mental health system best are those who've experienced it first-hand. They can share the good and the bad. What works and what doesn't. They've been there and seen it all before and that's why this is so important.... We're funding new residential and community mental health services to be shaped and developed by Victorians with lived experience. And we're creating new training, education and employment opportunities so that people who've been through it can support others. For far too long, the people at the heart of our mental health system have had no say in it. We're going to change that.

14.01.2022 Now that travelling is back on the cards, more Victorians are moving round the state. So to help everyone get where they need to go - we’re adding an extra 450 weekly train services on metro and regional train lines. We're also discounting off-peak travel from the end of January next year for three months, to minimise crowding across carriages and platforms.... These extra services will mean more trains more often. More space for physical distancing. And most importantly, a safer journey for Victorians.

12.01.2022 Here's two hours of a tram travelling around Melbourne. That's all. Enjoy.

11.01.2022 Big news for families with little ones: We're providing grants to start new out-of-hours care programs at up to 400 government schools giving parents and carers more options when it comes to work, study, training or reentering the workforce. We're also covering the cost of funded kinder in sessional and long day care which means it will be free for families in 2021.... I know this pandemic has been tough on parents particularly mums who have had to juggle work, childcare and learning from home. And that balancing act doesn't always get easier even with kids back at kinder and school. But this is one less thing for families to worry about.

11.01.2022 Bigotry doesn't give anyone the right to tell others they're broken. Or that they're wrong. That they're sick. Or they need changing. And if equality is difficult for you, then that's only on you.... Because every Victorian has the right to be who they are, love who they want and live without shame. And there's no amount of quackery or cruelty that will ever change that. Conversion practices have no place in this state. Not now, not ever.

10.01.2022 You might have heard about the Orange Door Network. A free service for Victorians experiencing or escaping family violence. It's a place to turn to. A place to go to feel safe. A network of services that ensures wherever you live, support is available.... And this week we announced the final four locations to complete our statewide rollout of the service. Because feeling safe at home isn't just what Victorians deserve - it's their right.

10.01.2022 38. That's how many dangerous and congested level crossings we've put in the bin. Permanently. And that means we're more than halfway through our program of 75 by 2025.... Thanks to every single worker for your efforts and to every commuter and community member for your patience while we got this done. It's big projects like this that will help drive our recovery out from this pandemic. Bring on the other 37.

09.01.2022 Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory in many situations, but they're still important. They've helped us get to where we are now - easing restrictions, and weeks of zero cases. So it's recommended people wear them when they can, especially if they can't distance from others.... Because they're a very small price to pay in order to keep us safe - and all the evidence shows they do exactly that. Here's a reminder of when to wear one:

09.01.2022 This started as a pretty simple idea back in 2014: that no child should go to school hungry. Now our School Breakfast Clubs have grown to serve over 15 million meals. And from Term 1 this year, Breakfast Clubs will be available at more schools than ever before.... That's 1,000 schools serving breakfast and lunch to kids who need it and providing healthy food hampers to take home during the holidays too. It's one of the easiest ways we can make sure kids get the most out of school and give parents one less cost to worry about. Big thumbs up to that.

08.01.2022 With everything that's going on, it's easy to miss the little things. This is a small change but it will make a massive difference. And as we head back to onsite learning, it'll give every student the dignity they deserve.

07.01.2022 Knitting needles were hard to get during the war so Lorna's mum taught her to knit with bike spokes instead. Ever since then, Lorna's been knitting for her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. For babies at the local hospital. She even worked as a knitting machine demonstrator for a while.... So it's no wonder then that Lorna signed up to receive a care package of yarn, needles and patterns as part of the 2020 Wangaratta Seniors Festival. She's one of 120 Aged and Community Care clients who've been knitting and crocheting away this year to make scarves, beanies and booties. All the wool and yarn has been sourced from local suppliers with costs covered by a Seniors Festival grant from the Victorian Government and organised by the local council. And the finished products are being collected by Wangaratta Library and distributed by local charities to people doing it tough. Plenty of love and care goes into every single piece and they've kept a lot of families warm this winter. Thanks to everyone involved in this fantastic program. You're all doing Wang proud.

07.01.2022 We've just ordered an extra 1.2 million reusable face masks. And every single one of them will be made right here, by local ethical clothing manufacturers. The first batch of masks is expected to be delivered from next week.... And they'll be provided free - to frontline workers, community care services, and people with complex health conditions all over Victoria. Since this pandemic began - we've distributed almost six million masks, and supported local manufacturing jobs along the way. But most importantly, we're helping stop the spread of this virus. And protecting Victorian lives.

07.01.2022 Yesterday was a tragic day in Victorian waters. In separate incidents, we saw three fatalities and several others hospitalised. As a state we send our deepest sympathies to the families involved families that will never be the same again.... We also send our heartfelt thanks to the Surf Life Saving volunteers and emergency service workers who attended the scene and gave everything they had. Without these brave Victorians, more lives would have undoubtedly been lost. As a community we should always remember that these teams work tirelessly to keep us safe around the water and we must work with them. Please swim between the flags. Never underestimate the water. Know your limits. And stay safe.

06.01.2022 Good morning to everyone except those wearing their mask under their nose at the supermarket.

05.01.2022 I've said many times we'd let the data guide us. And what this shows is that we're on the right track. But that doesn't mean we can let things slip or pretend this is over just because we want it to be.... Everything you're doing is working you can see that here. We've come so far. We're so very close. We just have to stick at it.

05.01.2022 We've got a bit of good news for anyone who has been waiting to get their licence: Under the Third Step in Metro Melbourne, we'll be able to restart licence testing and we're turbocharging a whole lot of processes to get as many people through as quickly as possible. We'll open 12 pop-up licence testing sites.... We'll employ a total of 380 new licence testers. We'll introduce online learner permit and Hazard Perception tests from early next year so more Victorians can get their Ls and Ps. And we've waived appointment fees until April 2021. Most importantly if your test was cancelled, VicRoads will get in touch and give you first priority to re-book (and you'll get your booking fees refunded too). There's a lot of kids who had that special birthday and a lot of people who just need a bit more practice who've had to wait this out. I know this has been frustrating but I can't thank you enough for your patience.

04.01.2022 This is a message for the thousands of Victorian school students who headed back to class today, and for those returning soon. I wanted to let you know that even though you haven't been there to see it in person, work hasn't stopped to make our schools even better than before. New buildings and upgrades. More student support. Equipment and tech to help kids learn.... This year hasn't been an easy one. But the way you've adapted to the many changes is something you should be very proud of. I know I am.

04.01.2022 I wanted to wish a Happy Chanukah to Victoria's Jewish community celebrating the Festival of Lights right now. After such a difficult year, and so much time spent apart - there's no better occasion to connect with family, community and the people we love. Chag Sameach, and stay safe.

03.01.2022 This isn’t another elevated rail - but that's a close guess. It’s Werribee Open Range Zoo’s new ‘Sky Safari’. And it’s just one part of a massive announcement to transform the zoo into an even better destination for families - and for the animals that live here. ... Take a look for yourself.

03.01.2022 Good, clean fun.

03.01.2022 When Joe Biden visited a few years ago, we took him round the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. It's personal for Joe but then cancer is personal for so many families. We made a joint commitment that day to keep fighting cancer. To keep funding research and searching for cures.... His humility, humanity and sense of fairness was plain to see. And it's those strengths I know he'll bring to the presidency. Congratulations to Joe and Kamala Harris. You did it.

03.01.2022 This photo’s a few years old now. But that’s the thing about going to the zoo. The memories last forever. It’s one of the those special trips families have missed so much this year.... And that’s why today we announced an $84 million upgrade for Werribee Open Range Zoo. It'll transform Werribee into Australia's leading open range zoo with a 22ha elephant sanctuary for animals to roam freely, new spaces for bison and rhino, a waterhole precinct and a tree-top gondola experience. This expansion will create almost 350 local jobs and once complete, increase visitor numbers to more than a million every year. We're also extending our 'Kids Free' policy until June 2021, meaning families can enjoy a day out together without worrying about the cost. A visit to the zoo really is such a special thing and this investment is about making sure all Victorian families can keep enjoying it for years to come.

03.01.2022 A few years ago we trialled a new suicide prevention program. The experts had told us that the days and weeks after a suicide attempt are when someone is most at risk of taking their life. So we made sure that when people were discharged from hospital after an attempt, a specialist outreach team literally wrapped around them ensuring they got the right support and ongoing care.... The HOPE program has already supported hundreds of people and prevented thousands of Victorians from losing someone close to them. And now, as part of this year’s Budget, we’re doing this:

02.01.2022 Leave the sleigh at home tomorrow.

02.01.2022 In 2014 a prospector in Montana, USA noticed a vertebrae of a tail formed in sandstone. That tail turned out to be just one part of an almost complete triceratops skeleton, around 67 million years old. And soon that same triceratops skeleton will be in Victoria for all to see.... There are only a handful of near-complete triceratops skeletons discovered in the world. And this one will call Melbourne Museum home. Here's a preview:

02.01.2022 Let’s be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with being who you are. And there’s everything wrong with dangerous conversion practices that tell gay, bi and trans people they need to be 'cured'. This bigoted quackery destroys lives and perpetuates shame and stigma.... Today we introduced legislation to ban it. For good.

01.01.2022 The RSL might be a little quieter this year but that doesn't make the significance any less. Wherever you are, remember the sacrifice they made and the enormous price they paid. And never, ever forget.

01.01.2022 Today we announced extra funding to bring hospital care and treatment to homes right across Victoria It's called Better at Home, and we're providing over $120 million to make it happen. The program will mean that more Victorians undergoing chemo, recovering from an injury or those at the end of their lives can be treated in their own homes close by to their families, friends and pets.... It won't cost patients anything more, and we'll provide all the nurses, doctors, equipment and resources needed to continue the same safe, high-quality care they'd get at hospital. Obviously it won't be right for every patient, and it'll always be their choice on how and where they get their treatment. But research shows that being at home improves patient outcomes and reduces stress too. It's about making things that little bit easier for patients and their families. But best of all, it'll mean getting better in your own bed.