Gary Maas MP | Politician

Gary Maas MP

Phone: +61 3 8783 6959

Address: Shop 24 166 Somerville Road 3976

Website: https://www.garymaas.org.au

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25.01.2022 They weigh up to 50 tonnes, span almost 55 metres and take an overnight closure of Melbourne’s busiest freeway to install. There are now 10 of 11 new overhead structures (or ‘gantries’) in place between South Gippsland Freeway and Princes Highway. When complete this will create one of the longest managed motorways in Australia. The gantries we’ve installed on the Monash will feature digital on-road technology including variable speed limit signs and lane closure alerts.... Helping manage traffic flow, respond quickly to incidents and keep the freeway moving.

25.01.2022 Our volunteers make our communities better. 2020 has been a year where we have especially appreciated the value of their work. In order to better support those who make such a meaningful contribution to our communities, we have launched the We Volunteer online portal to make it easier for volunteers to find roles that suit their skills and interests .... Click the link in the comments box below for more info.

25.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who is continuing to do the right thing as we fight this pandemic. Its tough. Really tough. Yesterday, the Premier announced our roadmap to reopening. This was not an easy decision, but based on science and data. This isnt a problem we can just ignore and these steps will help us make sure that we dont have to go back into staged restrictions later on. Weve just got to keep doing the right thing.... It has been tough, but our priority is getting to a CoVid normal - and with your support well be there soon.

25.01.2022 A big thank-you to our early childhood educators.

24.01.2022 I want to appeal to everyone in the City of Casey who has even the mildest of symptoms to please come forward and get tested. Everyone who gets tested for coronavirus helps us understand how the virus is spreading. Getting tested is a simple but important thing that you can do to help us open up sooner and to protect your health and the health of others.... If you are worried you will lose pay while you wait for your results you may be eligible for a $450 coronavirus test isolation payment. Getting tested for coronavirus is free for everyone. You can get tested at these locations: Cranbourne East Casey Fields, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East. Beaconsfield - 4 Cyte Pathology, 20 Woods Street, Beaconsfield. Pakenham - Pakenham - IYU Recreation Reserve, 165 Henry Rd, Pakenham. Dandenong - Carroll Lane Car park (off Cheltenham Road), Dandenong. Thank you playing your part in keeping each other safe.

24.01.2022 An important message from the Victorian Government. To keep our state safe, there are only four reasons to leave your home: :... Shopping for food and supplies that you need, and exercise, both within 5 kilometres of your home or as close to home as possible. . Care and caregiving. Work, if you can’t do it from home. . You must wear a face mask indoors and outdoors. . If you have symptoms, Get tested. . For more information go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/dari or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398, and then press 0 for an interpreter. coronavirus.vic.gov.au/dari (COVID-19) 1800 675 398

23.01.2022 Case numbers are down but the fight isnt over yet. Get tested - even if youve tested negative in the past. Even if your symptoms are mild. Even if youve had the virus before. Getting tested for coronavirus is free for everyone - its one thing we can do to help keep our community safe and make sure we can get to a COVID normal.... If youre worried you will lose pay while you wait for your results, you may be eligible for a $450 coronavirus test isolation payment. You can get tested at these locations: Cranbourne East Casey Fields, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East. Beaconsfield - 4 Cyte Pathology, 20 Woods Street, Beaconsfield. Pakenham - Pakenham - IYU Recreation Reserve, 165 Henry Rd, Pakenham. Dandenong - Carroll Lane Car park (off Cheltenham Road), Dandenong.

23.01.2022 Power to the People! Recently I have been contacted by locals telling me that their power bills are out of control. Were at home more, so our bills are higher. It makes sense. The Victorian Government is responding by rolling out a team of financial counsellors via community organisations to provide targeted advice and support to Victorians who need help with their energy bills. ... Debt to energy companies is one of the three top common sources of financial difficulty that Victorians are facing. To return power back to your hands, click the link below.

23.01.2022 To all Dads today - wishing you a very Happy Fathers Day.

23.01.2022 Our new website is live. For the latest news and updates from Narre Warren South check in at garymaas.org.au. You can also provide feedback to me on issues important to you, sign up to my newsletter and nominate your local hero in our Local Heroes campaign.... Click the link in the comments box and have a look around.

22.01.2022 Did you know? Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020 more than 40,000 first-home buyers saved a collective $724 million in stamp duty across the state, with the City of Casey saving a whopping $72 million. Even amid a global pandemic, our program is helping Victorians get a leg-up into the property market turning the dream of home ownership into reality.

21.01.2022 Cant leave home for a test? Vulnerable Victorians can now access in-home CoVid-19 testing. This includes Victorians with a disability, their carers, older Victorians and those with an illness that might prevent them from bring able to leave home. To access Call-to-Test, people living in metropolitan Melbourne can call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 and select option 9 to determine eligibility. ... A GP referral for a coronavirus test is required to access this service, but this can be arranged with the help of the hotline team. More testing better equips us to fight this virus and keep our community safe.

21.01.2022 OMG! A very big congratulations to Averil Mitchell of Hampton Park Primary School for being Victoria’s winner of the Outstanding Primary Teacher Award! This prestigious award is due recognition for Ms Mitchell’s commitment to creating positive, safe, and supportive learning environments for all students through her leadership in the school’s student wellbeing, engagement and inclusion programs.... Thank-you Ms Mitchell for your dedication and to the whole Hampton Park Primary School community for your hard work each and every day.

20.01.2022 Heres some good news. Today we announced the safe and steady resumption of elective surgery. In metro Melbourne, elective surgery will increase to up to 75 per cent of usual activity from 28 September and will then increase to up to 85 per cent on 26 October.... The state will move to 100 per cent of usual activity as we enter the new COVID Normal phase. I again want to thank each and every member of the Narre Warren South community for not only playing their role in containing the spread of the virus, but showing their community spirit during challenging times.

20.01.2022 Victorians are doing it tough. So rental relief grants will be extended until 28 March giving tenants and their landlords more certainty as we continue to battle coronavirus. Eligibility for the grant will also be expanded with the assets threshold increasing from $5,000 to $10,000.... Eligible residential landlords will also receive a 25 per cent reduction in their 2021 land tax bill, with the remainder able to be deferred until 30 November 2021 including any deferred land tax from 2020. For more information, click the link in the comments box below.

20.01.2022 We are rolling out the Orange Door Network across Victoria to ensure every family has the specialist support they need. Regardless of where you live, if you are experiencing family violence support is available to help you. The Orange Door is a free service and is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (exc. public holidays).

19.01.2022 Were expanding funding for sessional kinder services across the state. The Andrews Labor Government will increase funding for sessional kinder services across regional and rural Victoria, meaning more parents will be able to send their children to kindergarten for free during Term 3. This additional funding is part of a $45 million support package for sessional kindergarten providers during the coronavirus pandemic.

19.01.2022 Sometimes the glass isnt even half full. But we do our best. With special thanks to H, my Art and Insights advisor.

19.01.2022 If these two don't take the cake...and eggs and bread and fruit and veg... Kelly, her father Dan and partner (the very camera-shy Craig) are the formidable force at BK 2 Basics Melbourne. Together with a huge team of volunteers, their tireless work ensures that some 6,000 people are fed each week in Narre Warren South and surrounding communities. Thank-you for the magnificent work you do - it is always so busy at the community pantry.... See comments box below for website - please donate if you can.

17.01.2022 From my fam to yours, on what has been a glorious Sunday - Happy Easter.

17.01.2022 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build jobs for a new economy. Thats why the Victorian Government has had a strong focus on a healthier environment with renewable energy generation. We are now delivering action on our emissions reduction target and funding the $9.2 million Solar on Public Buildings program. ... This program will provide local employment, support our local economy, assist recovery post COVID-19, save millions per year in energy costs and builds and eco-friendly future. The first round of expressions of interest is now open. Click the link in the comments box to apply.

17.01.2022 We did this. I could not be more proud today. Our Narre Warren South Community has done its best during this most challenging year in modern history. These here are Covid times and so it is not over. We all still need to play our part in protecting what we have worked so hard to achieve.... Thank you!

16.01.2022 Second round of applications for Community Sport Grants are now open. Not only that, but Clubs in Narre Warren South that received a boost in the first round can expect a $500 top-up within the next two weeks, with successful leagues and associations receiving an extra $1000. Were delivering $40 million in support so that we can get back to play when its safe to do so.

16.01.2022 Ai yo Uncle! How could it be sarong when it feels so right? Special thanks to The Committee for Sri Lanka for inviting me to their Saree and Sarong Tea Party. While representing Minister Ros Spence MP I chatted to some amazing young men and women who are sharing their culture amongst their generation and doing valuable for a better future too. ... Thanks for a great afternoon. So much colour, vibrancy and yummy short-eats too.

16.01.2022 Strathaird Primary School is set to receive $10 million to upgrade and modernise the school, including the development of their eco-cubby and toilet block thanks to an investment in the 2020/21 State Budget! This project will help Strathaird Primary School implement their specialised environmental curriculum which will work toward students becoming the environmental stewards of their generation. Local students deserve to learn in the best facilities and we're making sure that they can.

16.01.2022 Yesterday, we commemorated 75 years since Japan surrendered and brought about the end of WWII for Australians marking whats now known as Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day). As we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans, we recognise the atrocities of war and thank them for their efforts.

15.01.2022 Dont be like Old Mate here on the right. When you wear your mask, wear it so it covers your nose, mouth and chin! The more of us wearing our face masks properly, the faster well be able to take them off.

13.01.2022 Heres some information about what extending the State of Emergency means for our community. I want to be clear that extending the State of Emergency does not change how long the current lockdown will last or increase the restrictions we face. The State of Emergency essentially gives us the ability to keep implementing protections such as face coverings, mandatory isolation for positive cases, and workplace COVID safe plans to keep Victorians safe. The same as every other s...tate and territory in the country. I want to thank you all for taking care of each other as we all continue the fight against the virus.

13.01.2022 This is what it looks like behind the centre median barriers we're driving by at the minute. As part of the Monash Freeway Upgrade, we’ve placed the first stretch of asphalt that will make up the 36km of new freeway lanes between Warrigal Road and Cardinia Road. Project completion is in 2022 - these new lanes will make your journey quicker, easier and safer.

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12.01.2022 Daily exercise. Its important. I want to know how your walking experiences have been during staged restrictions. Do you have any suggestions on how we might be able to make your walking experience better? It might be a path that requires repairing, a path that should be connected to another, more seating or maybe even a drinking fountain. ... Let me know through the survey in the comments section below. Stay Healthy. Stay Active.

12.01.2022 Were taking more steps to ensure our multicultural communities are supported as we tackle the spread of CoVid-19 with an additional $14.3 million in funding. The funding includes $6.9 million for expanded health messaging and support for multicultural organisations that work on the ground to deliver emergency relief, such as culturally specific accommodation and food for those self-isolating or in quarantine. A CALD Communities Taskforce will also be established to help multicultural and multifaith communities through the pandemic, with representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and various departments.

12.01.2022 An important message from the Victorian Government. To keep our state safe, there are only four reasons to leave your home: :... Shopping for food and supplies that you need, and exercise, both within 5 kilometres of your home or as close to home as possible. . Care and caregiving. Work, if you can’t do it from home. . You must wear a face mask indoors and outdoors. . If you have symptoms, Get tested. . For more information go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/language, or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398, and then press 0 for an interpreter. coronavirus.vic.gov.au/farsi COVID-19 .

11.01.2022 The State Government is continuing to deliver our committment to sun safe communities, with round 5 of the Shade Grant program now open! Schools can apply for up to $25,000 and community groups for up to $50,000 to go toward shade development. Since the program started in 2015, more than 1,325 grants have been awarded totalling over $12 million. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer - enjoying our time outdoors means staying safe in the sun.... Strathaird Primary School Brentwood Park Primary School Hampton Park Primary Kilberry Valley Primary School Berwick Chase Primary School Berwick Fields Primary School Coral Park Primary School River Gum Primary School Narre Warren South P-12 College Hampton Park Secondary College Kambrya College

11.01.2022 It's one thing to be heard. Another to be listened to. Thanks to Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria City of Casey City of Greater Dandenong Cardinia Shire Council and Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre for bringing our diverse and multi cultural community together with a view to creating a direct link to those who have power. I was impressed by your ideas and in awe of your powerful stories. It was good to see former MP Eddie Micallef again - he was an outstanding repr...esentative for Springvale when I was growing up. Finally, great to see my friend and former Electorate Officer Nichole Hayes continuing her community work in a very strong advocacy role. I look forward to the positive outcomes that will eventuate from this work.

11.01.2022 Many are doing it tough right now, but well continue to support renters, landlords, and businesses throughout this pandemic. Heres just a few things were doing. *Were extending a ban on evictions until the end of the year. *Eligible residential tenants and landlords will be supported with up to $3,000 in rental payments as part of the Rental Relief Grant program.... *Eligible residential and commercial landlords will qualify for a 50% land tax discount up from 25%. *Eligible small commercial landlords will receive up to $3,000 per tenancy as a part of a hardship scheme. *Eligible small businesses that own their own commercial premises will also benefit from land tax relief. Should you require any further information, please contact me on 03 8783 6959 or at [email protected].

11.01.2022 Sole Traders and Business owners are being hit hard right now. I hear from you each day. Victorian businesses doing it tough will receive more help in dealing with the stress and emotional impacts of the coronavirus pandemic through a new Victorian Government well-being initiative. Weve announced a $26 million program addressing the mental health needs of sole traders, small and medium business owners and their workers.... The Victorian Government has so far provided more than $6.5 billion to support businesses and workers. We will continue to do more too as we get to a more CoVid normal.

10.01.2022 ***Staff Take Over Post*** Happy Birthday Gary! Sorry boss, but we thought the world should know that it’s your birthday.... A big year has gone and another big year to come. Team Maas on behalf of the Narre Warren South community wishes you the best birthday!!

10.01.2022 Its ok, not to feel ok right now. We all need some extra support while we stay home during the pandemic. Say hi to Nellie. Nellie is an automated SMS service developed by @SEMPHN, providing tips and ideas about how to stay mentally well. ... Subscribe for free by texting SUPPORT to 0427 741 876.

10.01.2022 Its been a tough year for small business. The Victorian Government is launching a new business mentoring initiative to help guide small business owners through this recovery process. This $10 million program will match small business owners and sole traders with experienced professionals who will assist with business innovation models and strategies for a CoVid normal operating environment. ... Small business and Sole traders are a key part of the Victorian economy and this is just one way were assisting in the business recovery effort.

09.01.2022 We know the importance of early education to our kids. Thanks to a $1 million investment under the State Governments Growing Suburbs Fund, Strong Drive Childrens Centre in Hampton Park will be redeveloped. The upgrade will provide access to four year old kindergarten for up to 50 additional children, and fund new spaces for early years and family support programs such as playgroups, and maternal and child health.... City of Casey Hampton Park & Surrounding Suburbs Community Group

09.01.2022 Budget Day 2020! On this day 2 years ago - it was a day of many surprises. Good surprises. What surprises are in stall today?... #springst #vicbudget Jill Hennessy MP #bluesteel #HappyAnniversary #secondterm #ThisIsLabor

09.01.2022 Not Boring, Exciting! The mini tunnel boring machine has arrived to do its part in the removal of the Clyde Road Level Crossing Removal. This boring machine has been placed 7.5 metres underground and is boring the hole and pushing the drainage pipes into place for the brand new road underpass. ... At 7 tonnes, it moves at about a millimetre per second and will take about month to complete. All happening underground and out of sight of the main road works. We're getting rid of these boomgates so we're spending less time in traffic and getting where we'd rather be sooner. For information on the build, impact of works, and travel options follow the link or text CLYDE to 0429 218 131 for SMS alerts.

09.01.2022 To our Muslim community in Narre Warren South and throughout Victoria, I wish you peace and happiness as you celebrate the New Year. Thank you for playing your part in our efforts as a community to keep each other safe by staying home.

09.01.2022 There was a BIG announcement on Victoria’s Climate Action this week. In summary - We’re investing $1.6 billion in our clean energy future.... Victoria will reduce its emissions by 45-50% below 2005 levels by 2030. All Victorian Government operations will be 100% powered by renewables by 2025, including schools, hospitals, metro trains and trams, and all public buildings. Recycling, renewables, land restoration, tree planting, and investment will help us reach our net zero emissions target by 2050. Enough talk, enough denials of science, this is the action we need to decarbonise our state and tackle the challenge of climate change.

07.01.2022 Time is running out! To make your nomination in my Local Heroes campaign, click on garymaas.org.au/local_heroes now.

06.01.2022 R U OK? Its okay, to not be okay. Especially this year... 2020 has been a year like no other. So now more than ever, lets keep our community mindset and check in on one another.... You can also seek mental health assistance through the following key contacts: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Switchboard - 1800 184 527 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (24 hours a day)

06.01.2022 Its time... to recognise our local heroes. Many local members of our community provide their time, skills and energy to help those who are vulnerable. As we continue to fight coronavirus, these local people continue their care and generosity in the most difficult of circumstances.... Thats why my Local Heroes campaign will recognise those individuals who make a significant contribution to our community. If you know someone deserving of recognition, please nominate them at garymaas.org.au. Nominations close at 5pm on 11 September.

06.01.2022 Having a space where additional language skills are able to be taught, encouraged and developed is so important to families in our community. It matters. I was pleased to meet with Manager Heather Rae, Principal Frank Merlino and the fantastic teachers and students at Victorian School of Languages site at Hampton Park Secondary College and thank them for their work. Every Saturday they meet at the college - which will be a site for the language school for the foreseeable future too. This is excellent news for our growing community.

05.01.2022 Whats a Reff Number? The Reff or R number tells us the rate at which people pass on CoVid-19 to others, it is falling and is now at 0.86. If the R number is 0.5 it means only half of those with the virus will pass it on to someone else. Thanks to everyones hard work, transmission is decreasing, which means there should be less cases occurring over time.... And the lower it goes, the greater chance we have of moving to less restrictive living sooner rather than later. #thankyou #narrewarrensouth #hamptonpark #berwick #lynbrook

04.01.2022 Recently I visited Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House to speak to their "Building broad multicultural participation" strategy panel. Discussion centred on a diverse range of programs to meet the needs of our community. Neighbourhood houses do valuable work in their communities and are places that bring us together - more than 200,000 Victorians a week visit local neighbourhood houses or community centres, with over 4,000 community groups supported through these centres. One... such group is the Women's Association South East Melbourne Australia - Wasema Friendship Cafe, which gives local women a space to meet and connect with one another. I am incredibly proud to support the work that Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House does. #communitymatters

04.01.2022 While we cant gather in person today to thank our Vietnam Veterans, our recognition of them remains vitally important. We honour their service and their sacrifice - the 60,000 Australians who went to this war. In doing so, we better understand their experience of this war and of all who served so bravely.

04.01.2022 The effect of the work our educators do, goes well beyond that of the gates of the school yard. Education is a powerful tool. It provides pathways, solutions and binds our communities together. Ian, Nicole, and Alice are from local schools in the area. They dropped by my office to talk about the challenges that they face and what we can do to keep building our Education State. ... I thank them for their valuable insights and their union the Australian Education Union Victoria for making it possible.

04.01.2022 Applications are now open for the latest round of Sporting Club Grants! The latest Victorian Budget invested an additional $6 million in funding for the program, helping more local clubs get the uniforms and equipment they need. There’s up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $5,000 for training and improving club operations, with a COVID recovery package of $5,000 available to help sporting clubs get back on their feet.... If you need assistance with your application, contact my office and we’ll see how we can help. Applications close 18 March.

02.01.2022 STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER I won’t waste words: today hurts. Victorians know, better than anyone, just how deeply. ...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Business Owners and Sole Traders have been doing it tough throughout this pandemic. The Victorian government has now announced its third tranche of support. This $3 billion business support package will help Victorian businesses, particularly with cash flow over the coming months. Sole Traders will also be supported with a $100 million Sole Trader Support Fund, including $3000 grants to sole traders who continue to be impacted by restrictions. ... The package includes: Over $1.1 billion in cash grants to support small and medium sized businesses most affected by restrictions, including $822 million as part of the third round of the Business Support Fund. Grants of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 for around 75,000 eligible businesses with payrolls up to $10 million. The waiving of liquor licence fees for 2021. A $251 million dedicated Licenced Venue Fund, with grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for our bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Grants of up to $20,000 to support alpine resorts. Grants of up to $20,000 for local business groups and chambers of commerce to help members find their feet in a CoVid normal world. Payroll tax deferral for businesses with payrolls up to $10 million for the full 2020-21 financial year. A further $137 million in waivers and deferrals including liquor licence fees, the congestion levy, and landfill levy. $44 million to equip businesses with the support they need under CoVid normal, including $20 million for small businesses to access off-the-shelf digital programs such as Shopify, and training and workshops designed to help businesses adapt to online operations. An additional $8.5 million to boost the Click for Vic campaign, which has already generated more than 200,000 leads to businesses featured. A $15.7 million export recovery package to address logistics and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, and to establish new export channels. This package brings the total invested by the Victorian Government into business support to over $6 billion dollars - helping more everyday Victorians who run their own businesses get to the other side of this pandemic. For more information, click the link in the comments box below.

02.01.2022 More than ever our students need support to help deal with mental health challenges. To this end, the Victorian Government has brought forward the introduction of mental health practitioners to Victorian Secondary Schools. This initiative will be implemented in all Government Secondary schools in Narre Warren South in Term 4:... Hampton Park Secondary College Kambrya College Narre Warren South P-12 College We know our kids can be their best when they are happy, healthy and well supported - focusing on their learning, succeeding with their education and excelling in life.

02.01.2022 As part of the Clyde Road Level Crossing Removal, a construction blitz will be taking place from 10pm Friday 19 February through to 5am Friday 26 February. Buses will replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from 10pm Friday 19 February to last service Thursday 25 February. These works include road and lane closures along Clyde Road with detours and reduced speed limits, pedestrian and cyclist detours and traffic management, direct notification from utility providers in advance of any disruption to services, and construction workers, heavy vehicle activity and moderate noise and vibrations.