Helen Haines MP | Politician

Helen Haines MP

Phone: +61 3 5721 7077

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25.01.2022 Yesterday, Transparency International Australia released a report outlining a blueprint for creating a national integrity system in Australia. The report contains a short profile on the Beechworth Principles and my proposed Australian Federal Integrity Commission (AFIC) which is named as ‘best-practice’ in terms of legislated public hearing powers of an anti-corruption commission: https://transparency.org.au/australias-national-integrity-/ Last night in Parliament I put forw...ard a motion encouraging all MPs to debate the AFIC Bill. Some MPs took the opportunity to speak in support of establishing a robust integrity commission. Watch my full speech here: http://ow.ly/1oxL50CyLcM Today at 12pm, I'll host the largest integrity press conference yet with a broad coalition of MPs, former judges, academics and law enforcement that support AFIC. I invite you to watch via the live-stream on my Facebook page. #Integrity #AFICBill

25.01.2022 Today I'm driving back to Canberra for the last two sitting weeks of parliament for 2020. On the way I stopped in Tarcutta, and felt the need to thank a particular group of essential workers who haven't stopped despite bushfires, the pandemic and border closures. Thank you truckies all over the country. I value the work you do and the long hours you put in.

25.01.2022 GREAT NEWS! A new public health order has just been issued. These towns have now been include in the border zone: Greta, Tawonga South, Porepunkah, Ovens, Falls Creek, Rosewhite, Eurobin, Havilah, Bogong, Merriang, Merriang South, and Buffalo River. This news will come as a great relief to the many people who have contacted my office in despair and frustration over the last four weeks. The exclusion of these places was illogical and I welcome this amendment to include them.... I will continue to advocate for the residents of towns still forgotten such as Whitfield, Cheshunt, Harrietville, Freeburgh and Smoko. The border region map on the Service NSW website is yet to be updated to reflect these changes. #borderclosure

24.01.2022 What a glorious day to be out and about in the Kiewa Valley and surrounds. Thank you to all the lovely people who took time out of their day to come and have a chat and share with me their issues. From Tangambalanga the orange caravan headed to Kergunyah and then onto Tallangatta via the mobile phone tower built in Lockharts Gap a year ago.... If you've not visited these gorgeous towns and locations, then make the most of the sunny spring weather and take a drive this weekend. Stop off along the way and support our regional small businesses. Thank you to my pit crew who travelled along with me today and Eli who's spending the week with us for work experience. #MobileMP #Kergunyah #Tallangatta #SupportLocal The Kergunyah Store

24.01.2022 Last week the Victorian Government announced the state budget. Having had some time to look it over, I think there are some very exciting regional development projects that will create positive and lasting impacts for the communities of Indi. - The Ovens-Murray Regional Energy Zone will be one of six to be developed with $540 million funding to improve grid infrastructure and encourage investment... - Funding for the Wodonga Middle Years College Huon Campus, Myrtleford P-12 College, Falls Creek Primary School and Beechworth Primary School under the School Upgrade Program - $7.6 million to build overnight maternity accommodation at Northeast Health Wangaratta - $250 million to roll out high-speed, fibre optic and wireless broadband, with regional towns relying on satellite and fixed wireless first in line - $300 million to fix mobile phone black spots across the state - $30 million for social and affordable housing in Wodonga and $20 million in Wangaratta I welcome these announcements by the Victorian Government and the positive impacts they'll have for our region. #StateBudget #RegionalVictoria

23.01.2022 This afternoon I spoke at the Aotearoa New Zealand Community Energy Forum 2020 about our Local Power Plan. New Zealand is powered by 80% renewables but, like Australia, has no national policy to support community energy at the local level. I was invited to speak about our local success in developing renewables projects here in Indi and how my Bill to establish an Australian Local Power Agency would unlock a new wave of investment in regional renewables in Australia.... #CommunityEnergy #Renewables #LocalPowerPlan

23.01.2022 On Friday I'm towing the caravan north to Wodonga. Visit me at White Box Rise between 3:00 and 4:00pm for a chat. I'm interested to hear how you've personally been affected by the border closure and what you're most looking forward to when the pandemic restrictions are lifted. I'll be parked at 8 Mactier Avenue, I look forward to meeting with you.... #caravan #conversations #mobileoffice #wodonga

22.01.2022 The biggest budget of a generation was an opportunity for the federal government to invest in regional Australia. I think the budget lets us down. It looks backwards instead of forwards and fails to realise the potential of our regions. But I want to hear from you. How do you think the budget measures up?... Answer the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C2378QL

21.01.2022 Today is the Inaugural Probus Day coinciding with the United Nation's Day of the Older Persons. Probus clubs play an important role in our community, providing a place for older Australians to come together in their local area to make new friends and discover new interests. Probus is about fun, friendship and fellowship in retirement. Staying connected whether in person, over the phone or online and having the opportunity to build better relationships with like-minded people ...is really needed right now. To find your local Probus clubs visit: https://www.probussouthpacific.org/ #ProbusDay #stayconnected

21.01.2022 From the editorial in today's Wangaratta Chronicle. Visit localpowerplan.com to find out more about my plan to reduce the cost of energy bills for regional Australians and keep money in our local economies. #LocalPowerPlan

20.01.2022 In June I met with Senator Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and put forward a proposal from Indi for a regional tourism investment fund as a part of the budget. Today he has announced a much-needed $250 million for regional Australian tourism and infrastructure. $50 million to assist businesses in regions affected by international tourism losses. And a further $200 million injected into the 'Building Better Regions Fund' to boost infrastructure in... regional communities. With 50 per cent going to tourism-related infrastructure projects. I look forward to hearing more of the details, but I'm very pleased the government are listening to the needs of our regional businesses and communities. #regional #business #tourism #infrastructure #community

20.01.2022 First stop this morning with the orange caravan was Tangambalanga. I chatted with Sarah Price and Ellen Nicholas who'd brought a picnic to the park. Had a coffee and a catch up with Andrea Palmer and Greg Gladman. And was presented with a letter of thanks from the Kiewa RSL for the donation I made to their Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal in lieu of a wreath this year. Then I headed to the Tangam Pub where I met with Anthony and Willo Keck - I wished it was closer to dinner time ...because tonight is parma night! And I was delighted to see a letterbox to Santa in the Tangambalanga General Store while speaking with Shanelle Wallace. I hope all the young ones in the area have got their wish lists ready to post. Next stop Kergunyah. #Tangambalanga #ParmaNight #LettersToSanta #MobileMP

18.01.2022 There's been a great response to my budget survey so far. If you haven't had a chance to fill it in you have until October 25. While we're getting lots of feedback, I'm concerned that I'm not hearing enough from Indi's young people. If you're between the ages of 16 and 30 I want to know what you think about the federal budget. Answer the short survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C2378QL... Parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends can you help me ensure the voices of the next generation are heard? #budget2020 #nextgeneration #voices

18.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS From 12.01am Friday 16 October, the border zone will expand to include residents of Porepunkah, Eurobin, Wandiligong, Harrietville, Bogong, Falls Creek, Mount Buffalo, Nug Nug, Whorouly South and East, Dandongadale, Ovens, Cheshunt and Cheshunt South, Whitlands, Glenrowan West, Greta South and West, Tatong, Molyullah and many more. This is long-awaited news and is a huge relief for these communities. ... Apply for your border zone permit here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au//apply-covid-19-nsw-border-

18.01.2022 Indi community-owned renewable energy projects are big winners. This week the Victorian Government announced more then $1 million in grants to support community groups adopting renewable energy to reduce their power bills, create new jobs and generate clean energy. The grants will support 13 community-owned renewable energy projects across the state - four in Indi. Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve... - $20,000 to install solar panels with battery storage to better prepare for emergency situations, reduce carbon footprint and significantly reduce energy costs. Walwa Bush Nursing Centre - $199,471 to install solar panels and batteries for energy security in emergencies, and provide low-emissions and low-cost power for the community health facility. Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club - $9000 to install solar panels, inverter, and grid connection at the clubhouse to reduce fossil fuel usage on irrigation pumping, refrigeration and evaporative cooling appliances. Totally Renewable Yackandandah - $171,771 to fund a pilot project to demonstrate the viability of a community-owned solar power system supplying customers of community energy retailer Indigo Power. Congratulations to each of these worthy grant recipients who are working hard to reduce the energy costs and carbon footprints of their community groups and find solutions to existing energy problems.

17.01.2022 It's a bit of a jungle out there tonight! Can't wait for the bounce down! (Go Tiges!) #BrisbaneLions #RichmondTigers

16.01.2022 During yesterday's Regional Australia Committee meeting I discussed with demographer and social commentator, Bernard Salt, how we can encourage more people to invest and live in our regional towns here in Indi. His answer was simple: connectivity. We need efficient transport links, reliable internet and good mobile coverage. This underlines the importance of the North East Rail Line upgrade, the need for the NBN and of building more mobile phone towers in Indi.... To attract people and jobs to the region we need to make investments. It needs to be easy to get to Melbourne on the train. We must invest in childcare so that every parent who wants to work is able to. We must develop cultural attractions that draw people into the heart of our regional cities and towns. In my role on the Regional Australia Committee, this is the vision I’m advocating for in our regions. #RegionalVictoria #Connectivity #Investment from marysvilletourism.com

16.01.2022 The Winton Solar Farm, who appeared in the launch video of my Local Power Plan, is currently offering its annual grants program with up to $20,000 available for local community groups. As part of their commitment to making a positive contribution to the region, the grants will support local initiatives and projects that benefit the community in key areas such as: environment and sustainability skills and participation... health and safety Applications are open now and close Friday 9th October 2020. For further information go to: http://wintonsolarfarm.com/community/ #winton #solar #community #grants https://vimeo.com/460813313

15.01.2022 Today in Question Time, I asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, whether he'd commit to ensuring the Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd. - ARTC had sufficient funding to deliver amenity upgrades for the Inland Rail that our local communities deserve. Listen to his response here: http://ow.ly/F0Ci50CxHHP #InlandRail #Euroa #Benalla #Glenrowan #Wangaratta

15.01.2022 I’m astonished and perplexed by the federal government decision to actively exclude Indi from a new $100 million fund specifically for regions affected by drought, bushfire and COVID-19 when we've borne the brunt of these catastrophes. I want the Deputy Prime Minister to explain to everyone in Indi why he felt that the bushfires we’ve endured, the drought we’ve faced, and the border shut down we've suffered are insufficient to warrant the same support he's happily offering o...ther regions. Read more: https://www.helenhaines.org//indi-snubbed-from-100-million #bushfires #drought #COVID19 #borderclosure

14.01.2022 Here's what was discussed at this morning's meeting with the NSW Cross Border Commissioner: Victorians are allowed to access the Murray River without a permit, provided they don’t land on a jetty or embankment on the NSW side of the river. Victorians can fish, ski, paddle and emabrk on houseboats . But they can only land in NSW if there’s an emergency. The agricultural workers permit will go live on Friday (Oct 2) after much delay.... A revision of the NSW Public Health Order is underway. Changes are expected to come into effect next week, but no details were provided. When I raised the issue of the localities still excluded from the border zone following its expansion on September 4, I was deeply disappointed. After indicating the excluded communities of Tawonga South, Porepunkah, Eurobin, Rosewhite, Greta, Greta West, Whitfield and Cheshunt were being considered for inclusion, there's been no progress from Sydney. Leaving these communities out is completely illogical. I will continue to raise the concerns and frustrations of residents. Right now we need some consistency and certainty. #borderclosure

13.01.2022 This week is Men's Shed Week. With nearly 30 Men's Sheds across Indi, I always enjoy the opportunity to visit the men and women who use these meeting places to learn new skills, talk about their health and engage in much needed social activities. COVID restrictions have prevented these activities over the last months and I know this has been particularly tough on Men's Shed participants. Last week I was very pleased to receive a letter of thanks from Benalla Aviation Museum... and Men's Shed for my support of them securing a recent grant to assist in the installation of solar panels to reduce their energy bills. I'm really looking forward to visiting our Men's Sheds when our restrictions have eased and hearing about all the projects they have lined up to better their local communities. taken pre-COVID at the Men's Sheds in Myrtleford, Alexandra, Corryong and Euroa. #mensshedweek #health #skills #community

13.01.2022 The following changes will come into effect for all our friends and family in Metro Melbourne at 11:59pm tonight: 127,000 workers to return to onsite work with a COVID-safe plan. Students in primary school, special school students and VCE will return to on-site learning in the week beginning 12 October.... Outdoor exercise is allowed within 5km of your home or workplace with a 2-hour limit. If you are exercising near your workplace, you must carry your permit. Facilities such as tennis clubs and bowls clubs remain closed. Childcare opens for all children, no permit is required and the five kilometre limit does not apply. A household or a limit of five people from no more than two households will be able to gather outside, within the 5km limit. Religious activity: a limit of five people plus one faith leader for outdoor gatherings and ceremonies will be allowed Limit on one person from each household going shopping just once a day will be lifted, 5km limit still applies. Curfew will be lifted from 5:00am Monday. #COVID #restrictions #secondstage #melbourne

13.01.2022 This week I met with two motivated, female-led, climate-focused action groups - the Women's Climate Congress and Peers for the Planet. The Women’s Climate Congress formed this year after the devastating bushfires, with the vision to restore climate balance by 2030. The Congress is a diverse, nonpartisan network of women working on climate action through leadership and cooperation. https://womenscongress.weebly.com/ The United Kingdom's Peers for the Planet is the House of Lor...ds climate and biodiversity action group that includes prominent experts with experience in energy, science, technology, health, transport, housing, security, education, justice, business, international development and the environment. https://www.peersfortheplanet.org/ I'm pleased to work with, and learn from, these evidence-led, collaborative groups to bring about effective climate action. #climateaction #collaboration #bushfire #drought #recovery

12.01.2022 I'll be in Violet Town on Tuesday, October 13. I'd love to meet you. So look out for my orange caravan and come and talk with me outside Violet Town Community Centre, 35 Cowslip Street, between 12:00 and 1:00pm.

12.01.2022 Dismantling our standalone specialist Family Court and having it absorbed into the Federal Circuit Court - one of the busiest court administrations in this nation - will do more harm than good. Any bill that achieves this aim is not one I can support. Reform of our courts should strengthen a system, not diminish specialisation, especially when that system is designed to support families and children through some of the most difficult times in their lives. ... Justice must be timely, and in the case of the Family Court the delays are well known. But justice should not be displaced by speed and efficiency. Watch my full speech: http://ow.ly/Pkjv50CyQ8x #FamilyCourt #Justice #Reform

10.01.2022 With a corruption scandal playing out north of the electorate in Wagga, the case for a robust federal Integrity Commission is growing stronger by the day. Join my Integrity Virtual Town Hall meeting at 10am tomorrow to learn how you can join my push to establish an Australian Federal Integrity Commission. You can register here: https://zoom.us//regi/tJAvdeqhpzsuGdPy0gnOuiBlR67d6LyIjPRE or via my website https://www.helenhaines.org/news/bring-on-debate

10.01.2022 Join me tonight from 6pm for this Q&A-style Zoom event. We'll be discussing Australia's greatest challenges over the coming decades and what we should be doing now to put us in the best position to respond to these challenges moving forward. RSVP here: http://ow.ly/1TVX50BF02l

10.01.2022 This is Eli. Eli is a year 10 student at Xavier High School and the 2020 Youth Mayor of Albury. Eli visited me in Canberra in the first sitting week of Parliament this year at the beginning of February.... And this week, as I prepare to head off to Canberra for the final sitting week of the year, Eli has been interning for work experience in my Wodonga office. Thank you Eli for your work and input this week, your contribution has been very valuable. I hope the week was fun and insightful and that your keen interest in politics and public service continues to grow. #WorkExperience #YouthInPolitics

09.01.2022 Great news! Restoration of the 'Grand Old Lady' - Mount Buffalo Chalet - is to hammer along with a $6.2 million funding package. Many people in Bright, Porepunkah and Myrtleford and in North East tourism organisations have worked hard to keep the light alive. I spoke in Parliament in March about progressing works at the chalet as one of five key projects to boost North East tourism after summer's bushfires. I also talked with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in May about the drawcar...d potential of a cafe in a restored chalet to attract more people to explore the wonders of Buffalo. #IndiCares #MountBuffalo #VictoriaHighCountry

09.01.2022 Yesterday the federal government answered Indi’s call for a regional tourism and infrastructure boost with a $250 million investment in tourism projects for regional Australia. In my Indi Budget submission, developed in consultation with our nine local councils and discussed with Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham on August 19, I proposed investment in local projects so we could capitalise on the coming boom in domestic tourism. There's been no dedicated Commonwealth fundi...ng for regional tourism infrastructure until the announcement yesterday. That's why I pressured the Government to fill this gap. Eight months into the bushfire recovery and with revenue losses totalling $400-$639m (in the six months to June in Indi alone) the Government has finally decided to act. I welcome the announcement, and I'm keen to see the detail. During the last sitting of Parliament I asked the Treasurer, Josh Frydenburg, what the government was doing to support regional Australia's tourism recovery. https://vimeo.com/454253389 #tourism #recovery #budgetsubmission #federalbudget2021

09.01.2022 Are you concerned about the integrity of our democracy? The federal government says its too busy to set up an Independent Commission Against Corruption, so at the next sitting of Parliament I'm introducing bills to establish the Australian Federal Integrity Commission (AFIC) - an anti-corruption watchdog with teeth. AFIC will be empowered to fulfil its purpose of holding all federal parliamentarians and public servants to a single standard of behaviour and scrutiny. And it wi...ll remain accountable to you, the public, not political interests. I can't achieve this on my own, I need your help. Join my online town hall THIS FRIDAY FROM 10AM to find out how we can bring on debate of these bills in Parliament. Register now: http://ow.ly/6A9F50BQBhy #AFIC #integrity #townhall

09.01.2022 That's a wrap! After 141 days, this morning was the final meeting of border MPs and the NSW Cross Border Commissioner about the closure impacts. Twice per week we've met to raise issues, lobby for solutions and push for the most draconian aspects of the border closure to be wound back. Our communities have been deeply impacted, and this has caused enormous anxiety and stress. Over the last 5 months my office has assisted over 700 people with their border closure issues: print...ing permits, helping health workers get to work, reuniting families and getting the border zone expanded. I'm so pleased that this is now behind us. Now we need to learn the lessons - and make sure it never happens again. Thank you to the NSW Cross Border Commissioner and his small but effective team who have worked with myself and my office on a daily basis. I appreciate your professionalism in helping our community navigate this closure. #BorderClosure #BorderOpen #IndiCares

08.01.2022 Event: Join me at this Oaktree event from 6pm this Friday (October 2). Oaktree is Australia's largest youth-run development agency of young people leading, demanding and creating a more just world. I'll be speaking at this Q&A-style Zoom event on the topic of 'COVID-19, Climate and Community: Utilising Youth Resiliency', along with a number of other panellists. ... We'll be discussing Australia's greatest challenges over the coming decades and what we should be doing now to put us in the best position to respond to these challenges moving forward. RSVP here: http://ow.ly/1TVX50BF02l #youth #resilience #climate #community

07.01.2022 Today, I hosted an online town hall to discuss the steps I've taken to establish the Australian Federal Integrity Commission (AFIC). Over 200 people registered to attend and I'm so pleased by the support, energy and ideas about how we can make AFIC a reality. First we need the bills to be debated in parliament - a necessary step in the democratic process. ... To find out more, and about how you can be involved, visit my website: https://www.helenhaines.org/about/bills #BringOnDebate #IntegrityNow #AFICbills

07.01.2022 After two weeks of home quarantine, and a negative COVID-19 test result, I'm hitting the road to Canberra for budget week. The Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, will announce the 2020-21 federal budget tomorrow evening. I am hopeful of some significant investment in our region to help us recover from the triple whammy of bushfires, COVID and the NSW border closure. I'll keep you updated throughout the week on what's in the budget for Indi.... #budgetweek #canberra #budget2020

06.01.2022 Today I spent the day in Violet Town. I met with some local business owners, representatives of community groups and the Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre. Some very energised locals interested in my Local Power Plan met with me on the street. I rubbed elbows with Bill Gribben, an irrigator, and his cycling group and heard his concerns about the Murray Darling Basin Plan.... And discussed the local business environment with Cameron Fullager of Australian Independent Rural Retailers' (AIRR) and Violet Town Garage and Engineering's Tanya Doidge and her gorgeous work mascot. #violettown #community #business Strathbogie Shire Council

05.01.2022 Today is Blue Ribbon Day, coinciding with National Police Remembrance Day - an opportunity to thank our police officers for keeping our communities safe. This year has been especially challenging for Victoria Police, tragically losing four members in April who died undertaking their duty. I'll be taking a quiet moment today to reflect and contemplate my gratitude for their service and sacrifice.... During the last sitting of Parliament I spoke about this year's Police Remembrance Day. https://vimeo.com/453481062 #policeremembranceday2020 #blueribbonday Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

05.01.2022 Job seekers need certainty and confidence, not hardship as our communities and regional economy rebuilds. The $300 fortnightly cut to the coronavirus supplement, which took effect last week, will cause hardship for many people in Indi looking for work in an economy deeply affected by bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions. The federal government must retain increased social services payments because they've helped many people get back on their feet. We can’t go ...back to the old days of a $278 weekly rate when more than 7350 people in Indi are relying on JobSeeker - a 68 per cent jump between March and July, this year. Last year, the Business Council of Australia, Australian Council of Social Service and Country Women's Association of Australia all agreed that what was then called Newstart should be raised. It’s unrealistic to expect that higher payments can go on forever, but the government should not ignore how tough it is in our communities right now. #jobseeker #raisetherate #community

03.01.2022 I love riding the rail trails of Indi and getting around Wangaratta on my bike. Last week in Canberra, enthusiastic cyclists, Dave Sharma MP, Andrew Leigh MP and I, launched the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling Committee. We're keen for the Parliament to do more to make cycling safe and accessible. The committee will focus on encouraging cycling for fun and fitness and making our cities and towns more bike-friendly.... With thanks to Stephen Hodge and We Ride Australia for helping us get moving. https://vimeo.com/467538082 #cycling #railtrails

03.01.2022 This year has shown us that anyone can find themselves in financial hardship. Following the bushfires, pandemic and border closure, the number of people across our community under financial stress continues to grow. The government have demonstrated they can move fast to respond to emergencies, and now we need them to respond to the challenges of poverty and homelessness. We can dramatically reduce poverty and homelessness through smart, permanent policy-making. This week is ...Anti-Poverty Week (11-17 October) - a national campaign designed to bring into focus the plight of the most vulnerable people in our society. Anti-Poverty Week have partnered with Everybody's Home to ensure affordable, safe homes for all and Raise the Rate to secure a permanent increase in unemployment payments well above the poverty line. These are effective solutions to reducing poverty in Australia. #antipovertyweek #homelessness #IndiCares

02.01.2022 My newsletter - the Cockatoo, is emailed out across Indi twice per month. It's a convenient way for me to inform you about what's keeping me busy in Canberra and what I'm working on in our local communities. Sign up to the mailing list via my website: https://www.helenhaines.org/join/connect... Today's Cockatoo includes: bushfire preparations the mobile phone black spot program community energy youth action on climate change touring the orange caravan mobile office around Indi. #Cockatoo #KeepingIndiInformed

02.01.2022 The Rural City of Wangaratta along with Wangaratta Chronicle, 102.1 Edge FM and 1566 3NE are working together to spread some Christmas cheer. They've got Santa and the Winterfest Yeti on board to help out as well. If you're planning to decorate your home with an amazing display of Christmas lights, simply register your address as a #lightupwangaratta destination to win some fantastic prizes. On the night of Saturday the 5th of December, celebrate with family and friends, by... using a map of registered addresses published by the Chronicle to coordinate your Christmas light drive-by while tuning into 1566 3NE or 102.1 EDGE FM, between 8pm and 10pm to hear your favourite carols. The event is completely COVID-safe, as you don’t need to leave your car to be involved and voting for your favourite light display will be online. To register your home visit: 3ne.com.au or edge1021.com.au. And have your lights up and ready by Tuesday December 1. #Wangaratta #ChristmasLights

02.01.2022 Last week we wrapped up our online grants workshops. Over 800 people registered for one of these four online workshops to hear the tips and tricks of writing successful grant applications from grant recipients and grant-makers. Thank you to all the participants from across Indi and outside the electorate for joining in and providing such positive feedback. Community groups are telling me how challenging it's been under COVID restrictions. They can't get together socially, hav...e struggled to continue their charitable work and haven't been able to hold their usual fundraising events. On my recent visit to the Ovens Valley I stopped at a sausage sizzle put on by the Rotary Club of Bright and they shared with me similar thoughts. Finding grants, and having the knowledge and skill to write a successful application, has never been more important. Together we can bring more money into our communities. You can find all the how-to guides and videos from the workshops at https://www.helenhaines.org/resources/grants #grants #workshops #community #fundraising

01.01.2022 This week is National Carers Week. There are 2.65 million carers in Australia who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends. It's estimated that carers will provide 2.2 billion hours of unpaid care in 2020 - the replacement cost of that care if it were to be provided by a paid workforce is estimated to be almost $78 billion, or just under $1.5 billion per week.... Carers Australia would like you to 'tell them why you care' to paint an authentic picture of caring in Australia. Visit: http://www.carersweek.com.au Thank you to all carers. The work you do is so important, particularly in regional communities. #carers2020 #whywecare #IndiCares