Jill Hennessy MP | Politician

Jill Hennessy MP

Phone: 93950221

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22.01.2022 There were 10 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,677,022 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 7 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 326 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 53 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 24 active cases. More information here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-Victoria-29-... We all have a part to play in fighting against coronavirus and if we all do right by each other, then we’ll all come through this together. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please keep up to date with the latest data and information for Victoria here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus And if you need information about coronavirus you can call the Department of Health and Human Services’ 24-hour hotline on: 1800 675 398 Not everyone can just head down to a testing site when they need to and so, to help these people, DHHS have set up Call-to-Test to bring testing to the home. For more information and to check your eligibility, call the hotline on 1800 675 398 Or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/call-to-test-covid-19 A one-off payment of $1,500 is available to workers who are unable to work during their isolation, have no income during this period, and are not entitled to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support. That payment has now been expanded to include a $300 support payment for people as soon as they’ve been tested as long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme. For more information and to apply follow the link or call the number above. A reminder that if you are leaving your house for one of the four reasons, you should wear a mask. This is now mandatory, with a $200 non-compliance penalty, except for: If you have a legitimate medical reason for not doing so. When it’s just impractical, like when you’re out running. Children under 12. If English isn’t your first language, or isn’t the first language of someone you know then please find and share translated materials here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronaviru If you need an interpreter during this time, then you can also call TIS National on 131 450 Pop-up and drive-through testing sites in the Western Suburbs include: Wootten Road Reserve Tarneit Highpoint Shopping Centre Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre West Footscray Bunnings Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale Hansen Reserve, Roberts Street, West Footscray But if you’re still unsure where to get tested, then there’s a helpful map of testing sites here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covi

22.01.2022 Our Worker Screening Bill has passed the Parliament. People with disability deserve to have confidence in the people who work with them, and that's exactly what the NDIS worker screen will do. My thanks again to Luke Donnellan MP for his hard work on this reform.

21.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 42 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,520,887 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 8 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 991 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 133 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 44 active cases....Continue reading

20.01.2022 Here’s the latest update on the easing of restrictions today. It’s been a long and difficult road to get where we are now, but all your hard work is paying off just in time for summer and the holiday season. Most importantly, from 11.59pm, 13 December just in time for Christmas and the closing days of Hanukkah, you’ll be able to host up to 30 people in your home. Babies under 12 months won’t count towards the cap.... And from 11:59pm tonight, the following changes will take place. For social gatherings and community sport: The number of visitors to your home will increase from two to 15 per day. This can be split across different times, so long as you maintain a total of 15 people per day. Outdoor gatherings in a public place the park, the beach will increase to 50. Weddings will increase to 150 people. The same number will apply to funerals and religious ceremonies indoors. Contact and non-contact sports can begin for adults as well as kids 150 people indoors with a group size of up to 20 and 500 outdoors with groups of up to 50. Organisers will also be able to apply to host a public event. Different requirements and rules will need to apply, depending on whether it’s a school fete or a major sporting match. For businesses: For smaller venues, the density limit will change to one person for every two square metres up to 50 customers. QR code record keeping will be mandatory. For bigger venues, the density limit will stay the same, but the cap will increase to 150. Total venue capacity will also rise to 300. Cinemas, galleries and museums will also be able to host up to 150 people indoors. We’re also able to begin a phased approach for staff heading back to the office. From 30 November, up to 25 per cent of workers will be able to attend onsite. For mask wearing: You’ll still need to wear one when you’re indoors and on public transport and where you can’t keep your distance. But if you’re outdoors and you can keep a safe distance, masks will no longer be mandatory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Premier’s statement can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-premier-82 And the full summary of the latest changes can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//221120%20-%20Last%20Step%2 We’re not fully out of the woods yet of course, and we need to keep getting tested to ensure we stay safe and open. Testing sites can be found here and even if you have mild symptoms, I strongly urge you to get a test: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

20.01.2022 This years’ budget recognises the significant sacrifices every Victorian has made this year and the work we have to do as a community to ensure that we recover from the pandemic in a way that is fair for every person. Here in the Altona District, each of these announcements creates jobs in our community, builds better schools for our kids and makes it easier for them to get to school. These investments make our roads safer, our beaches more accessible, promises community hea...lthcare closer to home and better hospitals when we need them. This budget includes investments that will make a real difference and create jobs including: - $3.56 million for Altona College to deliver Stage 2 of the school’s master plan, with students to benefit from an upgrade of the Learning Community Wing. - Signalisation of the Point Cook Road/Sneydes Road intersection to make that intersection safer. - A brand new bus route for students travelling to and from Alamanda College in Point Cook. - Funding to buy the site of the new Point Cook Community Hospital, giving local families confidence that care is just around the corner. - $4.8 million to plan for the future expansion of the Werribee Mercy Hospital, helping to meet the needs of our growing community. - $4.4 million towards the revitalisation of the Altona Foreshore Reserve, including upgrades to the seawall and beach access. - More investments in our community spaces including Point Cook Coastal Park, with upgrades to ensure access and to facilitate community exercise and wellbeing. And these investments are just in the Altona District. In our community we’re also building a new Wyndham Justice Precinct which includes a Specialist Family Violence Court and will create hundreds of jobs on our doorstep. We’re creating jobs building more than 12,000 homes for social housing across the state, providing a home for those who need it most.

20.01.2022 Important update on COVID-19. Coronavirus fragments have been detected in a wastewater sample collected from the Altona sewage catchment on Wednesday 18 November. If you live in Altona or have visited there recently, or any of the surrounding suburbs from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 November, please get tested if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild. Suburbs in the wastewater catchment include Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton, Point Cook and Sanctuary Lakes.... Please get tested.

20.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 11 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,582,621 tests have been performed since January 1st. Tragically, 2 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 657 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 76 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 35 active cases....Continue reading

19.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 43 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,456,924 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 9 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 1,336 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 157 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 54 active cases....Continue reading

19.01.2022 Every worker deserves to have financial security and nobody should be forced to live in fear of getting sick. For too many casual workers, this is the reality and the pandemic has exposed just how fragile the system is. So we’re going to do what no other government has done and develop the Secure Work Pilot Scheme. It’s going to provide up to five days of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage for casual or insecure workers in priority industries. Tomorrow’s budget... will provide $5 million for consultation on the design of the pilot scheme to work through the issues and to get it done right. This is a huge change. It’s about making sure workers are more secure, it’s about public health and ensuring that people don’t go to work sick and it’s about plain and simple fairness. More information here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victoria-take-first-big-step

19.01.2022 Here's an important local update on more funding for Lumen Christi School and more grants funding for local clubs. Lumen Christi will receive $2 million in capital funding to help grow the school. It’s a project that'll give staff and students there access to the best possible facilities and help create new, local jobs. The project will include:... Construction of a new admin staff room and senior hub. Interconnected learning spaces to create a learning and teaching environment that’s modern, and refurbished administration areas downstairs. Additional administration offices, work areas, storage, kitchenette, sickbay, reception, school entry and waiting area as well as new staff facilities, amenities, meeting rooms, shared relief, work and training area, and a kitchen on the ground floor. As well, 10 local clubs will receive new grant funding totaling over $11,000. It’s grants like these that provide that extra bit of cash to help these groups get back to business and playing again. Local clubs are so important to our community and the ties they create among us have kept a lot of us going, looking forward to seeing them thrive as we keep moving forward through COVID-19. Congratulations to these local clubs: Victorian Turf Cricket Association Inc Altona Bay Basketball Association Altona Little Athletics Centre Altona Sugargum Guides Point Cook Fairy Girl Guides Point Cook Monkey Guides Royal Strikers Cricket Club incorporated Seabrook Guides Victorian Off Road Racing Association Wyndham Wombat Ranger Guides You can read more about all this in the latest edition of the Wyndham Star Weekly here: https://wyndham.starweekly.com.au/digital-editions/ #melbswest

18.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 21 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,562,996 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 7 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 834 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 112 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 41 active cases....Continue reading

18.01.2022 Bob's story is exactly why we passed legislation last year to allow unfair settlements to be set aside. Too often survivors didn't receive the recognition or support they deserved and we were determined to stand with them in fixing that.

16.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 9 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,754,516 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m happy to say that there have been no new deaths reported.... There are 227 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 32 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 10 active cases. More information here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-Victoria-28- We all have a part to play in fighting against coronavirus and if we all do right by each other, then we’ll all come through this together. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please keep up to date with the latest data and information for Victoria here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus And if you need information about coronavirus you can call the Department of Health and Human Services’ 24-hour hotline on: 1800 675 398 Not everyone can just head down to a testing site when they need to and so, to help these people, DHHS have set up Call-to-Test to bring testing to the home. For more information and to check your eligibility, call the hotline on 1800 675 398 Or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/call-to-test-covid-19 A one-off payment of $1,500 is available to workers who are unable to work during their isolation, have no income during this period, and are not entitled to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support. That payment has now been expanded to include a $300 support payment for people as soon as they’ve been tested as long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme. For more information and to apply follow the link or call the number above. A reminder that if you are leaving your house for one of the four reasons, you should wear a mask. This is now mandatory, with a $200 non-compliance penalty, except for: If you have a legitimate medical reason for not doing so. When it’s just impractical, like when you’re out running. Children under 12. If English isn’t your first language, or isn’t the first language of someone you know then please find and share translated materials here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronaviru If you need an interpreter during this time, then you can also call TIS National on 131 450 Pop-up and drive-through testing sites in the Western Suburbs include: Wootten Road Reserve Tarneit Highpoint Shopping Centre Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre West Footscray Bunnings Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale Hansen Reserve, Roberts Street, West Footscray But if you’re still unsure where to get tested, then there’s a helpful map of testing sites here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covi

15.01.2022 Here’s the latest update on the easing of restrictions announced today as Metro Melbourne enters the Second Step towards reopening. The hard work and the sacrifices we’ve all been making is paying off. We’ve pulled together and as a result, we’ve seen case numbers go from around 400 every single day to a rolling average of 22.1. This means that we’ve able to take a greater step forward towards COVID normal than we originally thought and, based on the current projections, it m...Continue reading

15.01.2022 Here's the latest update on restrictions. Today we get to take another big step towards COVID normal. The numbers that we’ve seen have been nothing short of inspirational. We as a community really have come together to beat this virus and it shows each and every day, and because of this hard work we’ve been able to bring forward extra changes. The more we keep it up, the more good days like today we’ll be able to see.... As hard as we’ve all worked, I think it’s important to pay a special tribute to every healthcare worker, to everyone who has worked through this pandemic and who is continuing to work. It’s been a tough year, but days like today should be celebrated safely of course. So, from 11:59pm tonight, the following steps will be taken: On movement: The boundary between Melbourne and regional Victoria will come down. The 25-kilometre limit will no longer be in place. You can still only have a maximum of two people to visit per day. Going forward though, those two people don’t need to be from the same household, and they’ll be able to come at different times. And accommodation will be able to open. On hospitality and business: Restaurants, pubs and cafes will be able to host up to 40 customers indoors and 70 outdoors. Gyms and indoor sporting facilities can open with up to 20 subject to strict density limits. Indoor sport for those 18 and under can recommence. From tonight, and across the state, indoor entertainment venues will be able to open with 20 people per space. That means movie theatres, galleries, museums and music halls will now be able to open. On community gatherings: Indoor religious ceremonies will be increased to 20, with 50 allowed outside. The same numbers will apply to funerals, but there’s no change to weddings for now. Community spaces like libraries or RSLs and neighborhood houses can have up to 20 indoors, with groups of up to ten. On healthcare: Those under 16 will also be able to visit hospitals and the time limit for partners visiting maternity wards will no longer exist. Additionally, to reflect the progress we’ve made the State of Disaster will not be renewed. However, given the virus is still with us the State of Emergency will be extended until 6 December to allow the Chief Health Officer’s directions to remain in force. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- More information on the easing of restrictions can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//201108%20-%20Third%20Steps And the Premier’s statement can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//201108%20-%20Statement%20F

15.01.2022 Honoured to give this year's Higinbotham Lecture at RMIT on the profound challenges we face during this global pandemic and the efforts of the Government to protect the health and safety of every Victorian during COVID-19. #auslaw

14.01.2022 No part of going through this pandemic has been easy, but we have to acknowledge the toll it’s taken on our mental health. It’s been tough, but as we keep going in the right direction towards COVID normal, we can’t drop the ball when it comes to making sure all Victorians have access to the mental health care that they need. So, the 2020/21 Victorian budget will include $868.6 million in funding for our mental health system. It’s about getting people back to work through job ...Continue reading

14.01.2022 Fire Rescue Victoria attended an incident early this morning in Point Cook after a townhouse caught fire, which began to spread to neighbouring homes. The fire was quickly brought under control, and neighbours evacuated, but not without significant effort and I’d like to offer my thanks and appreciation to all the firefighters on scene this morning. I also want to acknowledge and thank the other attending emergency service workers from Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and ...the CFA. Tragically, an unidentified man has died and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones. The cause of the fire is also still unknown, and police are urging anyone with any information to call crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/fire-point-cook-townhouses-broug

13.01.2022 Today is World Teacher's Day and while every teacher and every school has deserves our admiration every day, I'd like to shout out Altona College. They've been recognised for their efforts in transitioning from a P-9 to a P-12 school in just two years at this year's Hobsons Bay Rotary Teacher Awards. In particular, Altona College's wonderful principal Julie Kraus and her senior school team have shown how dedicated they are to providing quality education for local kids. Congra...tulations to everyone involved for this achievement! #melbswest

13.01.2022 Today we will introduce a bill to ban change or suppression practices, also known as 'conversion practices', for good here in Victoria. We’re doing this because LGBTQ people aren't 'broken' and they don't need to be 'fixed'. There is no evidence that attempts to try and make someone change or suppress such a core part of themselves even work. What these practices do is cause harm to people sometimes lifelong harm and they have no place here in Victoria.... More information here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/banning-cruel-conversion-pra

12.01.2022 Some good local news, the second phase of the Aviation Road level crossing removal project will start in early 2021. The project includes a pedestrian walkway and a bike underpass, and it's going to make commuting easier and safer for everyone. We’re also building 100 new and upgraded car parks at Aircraft Station and in the coming weeks, crews will start preparing and tidying up the area before construction begins early next year.... All works will be complete by late 2021. #melbswest

12.01.2022 There's still a lot of work to do when it comes to tackling elder abuse, and #COVID19, and the distance we've had to keep, hasn't made that easy. Elder abuse is family violence. It doesn’t look like just one thing, it can be financial, physical or emotional, and it can be happening to the people we love without even knowing. The efforts we’ve made to protect older Victorians in particular from coronavirus also means we have to double our efforts to stay connected and help whe...rever possible. But even though we're apart, there's still help available if you or someone you know might be facing elder abuse. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are resources available if you or a loved one or someone you know might be facing elder abuse: For legal issues: https://seniorsrights.org.au/our-services/ For assistance with guardianship matters: https://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/our-se/advice-service For assistance from the police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/elder-abuse

12.01.2022 #RemembranceDay is a time to honour those who served, and their families. It's a time to reflect on their courage, their sacrifice and their stories. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War Two. 75 years ago, as thousands of Victorian veterans returned home to join their families and their friends, thousands more never made the journey home. I encourage you to learn more about these Victorians here: https://www.vic.gov.au/75th-anniversary-end-wor...ld-war-two-w Today will look unlike any other Remembrance Day. But the traditions, and the reflections, will remain and we'll still pause today for a minute’s silence at 11am to remember. If you’d like to join the Shrine of Remembrance's online service at 10.45am. You can register your attendance at https://www.shrine.org.au/remembrance-day-2020 #redtoremember #lestweforget

12.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 12 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,622,822 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 2 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 532 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 69 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 35 active cases....Continue reading

11.01.2022 The Victorian Budget delivers for our justice system, creating jobs and improving access to justice: - $272 million to build new law courts in Wyndham. - $26.8 million to upgrade the Sunshine Law Courts. - $47.3 million to improve audio-visual technology in our courts.... But access to justice isn't just about the buildings. There’s also $28.5 million to ensure that young and disadvantaged Victorians have access to community legal services including more support for Victoria Legal Aid’s 24/7 on-call service. Our community legal services have done amazing work throughout this pandemic and are critical to ensuring that our justice system works for everyone. We're providing $5.9m to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and investing in forensic medical investigation services so that families who've lost a loved one get the answers and support they need. We're also strengthening the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission with a $27.2 million so they can expand their work and maintain their crucial independence. And recognising how difficult this pandemic has been for people with disability, we're providing $2.5 million towards the Office of the Public Advocate so they can continue their tireless efforts to safeguard the rights of people with disability. As well, Registered Aboriginal Parties will share in $20.2 million to ensure the rights, responsibilities and voice of Traditional Owners continues to be upheld and protected. A new commercial and cultural hub in Bendigo will also back this up by providing a new home for the Dja Dja Wurrung people to share and celebrate their culture and identity with the local community. This is a budget that strengthens our justice system, makes it fairer and more accessible, and makes sure it works for Victorian’s everywhere. More information here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/massive-boost-court-capacity

11.01.2022 It was great to hear first-hand from local Altona District bank workers who have been working throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Liz, Yvonne and their colleagues want to be valued and recognised for they work that they do and the sacrifices they have had to make as essential workers during this pandemic. I know that our communities here in Melbourne’s west rely on and absolutely value the advice and support of front facing bank workers and that during this period of uncert...ainty, many have needed this vital service more than ever before. Thanks so much to Liz and her colleagues for taking the time to share their experiences with me and to Nicole McPherson, FSU VicTas State Secretary and colleague Mandy for joining us for this important discussion. Finance Sector Union of Australia

10.01.2022 Early pregnancy loss has gone unrecognised for far too long. As Narelle Stegehuis says, It still holds with you and you still hold the memories. Everyone experiences grief differently, but what’s important is that it’s acknowledged and seen. These new certificates are a small way of doing that, not everyone will want one, but for those who do it’s an option that hasn’t been there before. You can apply for an early pregnancy loss certificate here, free of charge: https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au//early-pregnancy-loss-commemora

10.01.2022 It’s still critical that we keep up the high testing rates for #COVID19 in Victoria as every test is helping to keep in control of the virus. Even as we’re looking at another day of double zero, we’ve got to keep it up. So even if you have the mildest symptoms, please get tested. It’s the best way not just to keep Victorians safe, but also to keep Victoria open. To help people get tested, we’ve set up a new testing site in Point Cook:... Jamieson Way Community Centre, Point Cook open (Tues 17/11, Wed 18/11, Friday 20/11, Sat 21/11) And some testing sites in Hobsons Bay that might be close to home: Laverton Respiratory Clinic (Cohealth - Laverton) - 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton 3028 This clinic is by appointment only and is free for patients. For further advice please call 03 9448 5547 Altona North Respiratory Clinic - BAY-FIT Leisure Centre Car Park, 257 Mason Street (via roundabout with McIntosh Road), Altona North 3025 This clinic is by appointment only and is free for patients. For further advice please call 9393 3900 and choose option 1 For more details, including open times and exact location of sites, in Wyndham visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/wyndham-and-hume-testing-drive- The locations of additional testing sites are also available here using this helpful map: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

09.01.2022 This hasn’t been an easy year for our youngest kids and starting school is always a big milestone. That’s why we need to provide some extra support to help them make the big move from kinder to prep. But sessional kinder has also been a lifeline to parents as well. That's why we'll be investing a $26.7 million funding boost to keep session kinder free for most families in term 4 - taking a weight off many shoulders. The funding will support our kids through their big transiti...on to school, by providing: Extra kinder hours to help children catch up on missed or disrupted learning before starting school Visits between early childhood and school teachers Best practice tools for Prep teachers to support play-based and differentiated learning for children at the start of 2021 Outreach supports for Aboriginal and cultural and linguistically diverse communities Extra hours for kindergarten teachers to liaise with schools to support children with disabilities in their transition next year. With case numbers continuing to fall, childcare services will be open for all children from 28 September and sessional kindergarten services will be open from 5 October. Not only will this be help our youngest kids at the start of their education, but it’s also about making sure we support the jobs of our early childhood educators. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- More information on the announcement can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-our-kids-back-kinder

08.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 45 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,551,044 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 5 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 920 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 122 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 42 active cases....Continue reading

07.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 14 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,635,282 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 8 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 482 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 54 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 34 active cases....Continue reading

07.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 5 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,668,796 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 3 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 359 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 54 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 27 active cases....Continue reading

06.01.2022 Our Bill to expand the Drug Court program into the County Court of Victoria has now passed the parliament. It’s not enough to just tackle crime, you have to address the root causes of crime and make communities safer by helping people get rehabilitated. This expansion is about making the justice system more compassionate, and it'll help break the cycle of addiction and reoffending.... #auslaw

02.01.2022 Every student will be back in the classroom by October 26. Year 7 students in metropolitan Melbourne will go back to face-to-face learning from Monday 12 October, followed by years 8 to 10 from Monday 26 October. And primary school students, VCE, VCAL, and specialist school students in metropolitan Melbourne will go back from Monday 12 October.... We've seen a phenomenal effort from everyone to make learning from home work and to keep people safe. It's paid off and now the rest of the school year will be as normal as possible. ---------------------------------------------------------------- More info on today’s announcement here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/roadmap-all-students-return- Mental health resources for students and teachers are also available here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au//mental-health-support.as

02.01.2022 Here's the latest update on coronavirus cases today. There were 15 new coronavirus cases reported and more than 2,709,668 tests have been performed since January 1st. I’m very sad to say that 2 more people have died from this virus and my thoughts are with all their families and loved ones. There are 289 active cases in Victoria. In Wyndham there are currently 44 active cases and Hobsons Bay has 12 active cases.... More information here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-victoria-01- We all have a part to play in fighting against coronavirus and if we all do right by each other, then we’ll all come through this together. ---------------------------------------------- Please keep up to date with the latest data and information for Victoria here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus And if you need information about coronavirus you can call the Department of Health and Human Services’ 24-hour hotline on: 1800 675 398 Not everyone can just head down to a testing site when they need to and so, to help these people, DHHS have set up Call-to-Test to bring testing to the home. For more information and to check your eligibility, call the hotline on 1800 675 398 Or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/call-to-test-covid-19 A one-off payment of $1,500 is available to workers who are unable to work during their isolation, have no income during this period, and are not entitled to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support. That payment has now been expanded to include a $300 support payment for people as soon as they’ve been tested as long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme. For more information and to apply follow the link or call the number above. A reminder that if you are leaving your house for one of the four reasons, you should wear a mask. This is now mandatory, with a $200 non-compliance penalty, except for: If you have a legitimate medical reason for not doing so. When it’s just impractical, like when you’re out running. Children under 12. If English isn’t your first language, or isn’t the first language of someone you know then please find and share translated materials here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronaviru If you need an interpreter during this time, then you can also call TIS National on 131 450 Pop-up and drive-through testing sites in the Western Suburbs include: Wootten Road Reserve Tarneit Highpoint Shopping Centre Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre West Footscray Bunnings Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale Hansen Reserve, Roberts Street, West Footscray But if you’re still unsure where to get tested, then there’s a helpful map of testing sites here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covi

01.01.2022 I'm not sure if these past 10 weeks for term 3 were slow or fast, but school holidays are here again. Before we all start worrying about how we're going to fill the days with activities, take a look here for some ideas: https://www.together.vic.gov.au/school-holidays-activities The site is full of ideas and programs to keep everyone busy and entertained including:... Kid’s Home Publishing: https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/event/kids-home-publishing/ The At Home Art Club: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au//ngv-kids-at-home-art-club-wit/ And of course, at home activities from Scienceworks: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/at-home/play/ It’s been a tough school year for the kids and they’ve certainly earned their break. But for some quiet time over the next two weeks, I recommend the penguin livestream: https://www.together.vic.gov.au/live-penguin-tv ---------------------------------------------- More information here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/keeping-young-minds-active-a

01.01.2022 Here’s the latest update on coronavirus business support and on stage 4 restrictions from midnight tonight. We are seeing the results of all the hard work of every Victorian. As we keep working towards COVID Normal, we’ve got to do everything we can to support people’s jobs so that we can come through this pandemic is strong as possible. And as we see the hard work paying off, it also gives us an opportunity to change the way we’re living in safe and cautious steps....Continue reading