Kat Theophanous MP | Politician
Kat Theophanous MP
Phone: 9481 5777
Reviews
to load big map
25.01.2022 As community sport starts resuming across the state for children and adults, there's some good news for cricket clubs Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $13.5 million Community Cricket Program to build or upgrade cricket facilities! Being at the Women’s ICC World Cup earlier this year at the MCG was inspiring - especially seeing so many budding young female players cheering on their team!... This is a great chance for clubs to apply for things like female friendly change rooms and other upgrades. Local Councils need to apply for these grants - so get in touch with my office if your club needs assistance. For more info visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-fun//community-cricket-program.
24.01.2022 Labor has delivered some remarkable reforms over the last two years to address climate change. There’s heaps going on so this week in Parliament of Victoria, I asked Minister Lily D'Ambrosio MP if she would join me in holding a forum in Northcote to discuss all things energy, environment and climate change. Our community is proudly home to many climate activists from primary schoolers to retirees. I’ve been right there alongside them raising the issues that matter in Parli...ament and with Lily. As we take even more bold steps towards a cleaner future, I want to give our community a chance to be part of the work we’re doing which will have benefits for generations to come. Look out for more details about how you can get involved in this forum!
24.01.2022 We’ve all been missing catching up with friends and family. From now, up to five people from two separate households can meet up together outside. Kids under 12 months are not counted in the total. With Melbourne seeing warmer days and later nights, now is the time to pack the picnic rug (or yoga mat!) and get out to enjoy our wonderful parklands.... You can keep supporting local too there’s amazing picnic hampers from places like SUTSA Cake Bar Studio or Pallino which are too good to miss!
23.01.2022 Over the last few months, I’ve spoken to countless residents about how much they value our local libraries and how much they have been missing them in lockdown. Thankfully, we are now under Step 2 on our roadmap which means libraries can operate click and collect - I know this will be a relief to many! Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shaun Leane and State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney about the incredible work they’ve ...been doing to help people through the pandemic. It’s hard to substitute the feeling of sitting in a quiet library enjoying a book, browsing through endless choices, or joining in rhyme time with a group of mums and bubs. But libraries have still been here supporting our communities throughout COVID. Libraries have pivoted to many online programs including those that combat social isolation, helping people access training, running forums and writing courses. Thank you to the wonderful staff who make our libraries the community sanctuaries that they are. Find out more here: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on
23.01.2022 Check out this exciting fly-through video of Alphington Primary School's planned upgrades! A couple of weeks ago I was thrilled to announce Plan group as the builders who will bring to life the stunning designs from Baumgart Clark Architects. This $14.1 million upgrade means more spaces for Alphington kids to learn and grow and discover. I can’t wait to see it happen!
23.01.2022 , 600. , 20% . .... , , . . --- Since the last Parliament sitting week, the number of deaths in Victorian aged care has surpassed 600. At the time, over 20% of those deaths were members of Victoria’s Greek community. I stand in solidarity and sympathy with every Victorian who has lost a loved one to this virus. This week, the aged care royal commission released a special report, finding the federal government had no plan for COVID-19 in aged care. Meanwhile, our hearts grieve.
22.01.2022 Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $100 million Sole Trader Support Fund. Making sure our sole traders are supported has been a priority for me since the start of the pandemic Northcote is home to many of you! This will provide an important lifeline for eligible sole traders working in sectors of the economy that will continue to be impacted by restrictions, such as media and film production, creative studios, outdoor entertainment and in private museu...ms and galleries, as well as gym owners. Here are all the supports available to our sole traders and you can find more info about them here: https://www.business.vic.gov.au///sole-trader-support-fund
21.01.2022 Croxton Special School is just getting better and better! It was a beautiful moment to be able to give Principal Bev Fegan the call on Budget Day to let her know that Labor will invest $7.99 million to continue our upgrades to Croxton. We've been on an amazing journey with Croxton over the last few years. Earlier in the year Minister James Merlino joined me to cut the ribbon on the initial $5 million upgrade with brand new classrooms, therapy areas and sensory play areas.... We also surprised the school with an additional $10,000 for a Permaculture Food Forest, and secured another $198,000 for their outdoor inclusive play spaces. Now, this new funding will deliver even more incredible facilities for the students, teachers, therapists and support staff who make up the Croxton family. Could not be happier for this incredible school!
20.01.2022 Sometimes it’s hard to take time out for our mental wellbeing. But it’s so important. It was great to spend time with Dr Stephen Carbone from Prevention United last week, answering questions from constituents about how best to take care of ourselves and support loved ones. We covered a heap of topics, from parental guilt to the role of employers in promoting wellbeing. Stephen had great advice and practical tips including challenging your inner critic. ... We are all doing the best we can in difficult circumstances. Many of us are much harder on ourselves than we would be on anyone else. Stephen’s tip? Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend with compassion and empathy. If you missed out on the night, check out the full event below. (You can also access the video - and a full list of services for support through my website - https://www.kattheophanous.com.au/covid19-mental-health)
19.01.2022 Caught up with the wonderful Sheena Watt in Parliament this week She is going to be such an important part of the future of the north. We couldn’t wait to get cracking working together on everything from community health, to schools, to opportunities for young people, to making the most of the economic recovery - the list goes on! #WetheNorth
19.01.2022 On 25 March 1821, Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. As we look forward to marking the 200th anniversary, the Andrews Labor Government is pleased to announce the $200,000 Greek Bicentennial Celebration Fund. This fund offers grants of up to $50,000 to support organisations to hold COVIDSafe digital and face-to-face events as part of the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.... Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Greek community and we’re delighted to recognise community members’ rich contributions to our cultural, social and economic fabric with this special one-off fund to mark the significant occasion. Applications are open until 3pm on Wednesday 3 February 2021. For more information or to apply please visit bit.ly/3nloFxJ
17.01.2022 Young people have been doing it really tough during lockdown. With COVID impacting heavily on opportunities for work and education, it’s really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That’s why we’ve got to focus on the little things to see this through. ... Our Victorian Youth Congress has put together videos with tips for coping during COVID, including this video from Northcote Local and Youth Congress Member, Kergen. His tip: Try something new!
17.01.2022 More supports for our LGBTIQ+ communities Our government is committed to shifting the dial on the disadvantage and discrimination experienced by our LGBTIQ+ communities. Here’s a couple of great initiatives we’ve started:... The Victorian Government Pride Events and Festivals Fund has opened. Orgs can apply for up to $10,000 for events and projects run online up to mid next year. Applications are open until 23 October 2020. Info here: vic.gov.au/pride-events-and-festivals-fund The 'Rainbow Door' has launched - a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Open 7 days a week between 10am-6pm. Call 1800 729 367, text 0480 017 246 or email [email protected].
17.01.2022 LIVE - COVID-19 Update with Premier, Daniel Andrews.
17.01.2022 Let’s keep talking recycling. The Parliamentary Budget Office released some interesting stats about glass recycling last year. It found the recycling process damages or contaminates around one third of the glass in our mixed bins to the point that it is unsuitable for recycling, ultimately going to landfill. ... It’s been estimated that separating glass recycling at the kerb would make it possible to get up to 90 per cent glass recovery. It’s why we’re rolling out a four bin system across the state as part of our statewide circular economy plan - alongside a Container Deposit Scheme. Having both gives us the best possible chance of getting the most out of our recyclables - since we know most people will continue to recycle at the kerb. City of Yarra are already rolling out the four bin system - and seeing great results! At this stage, Darebin will be one of the last Councils to roll out. I’ve called on Darebin to get on board, so less of our mixed recycling ends up in landfill.
16.01.2022 Minister James Merlino, I might sound like a bit of a pest. But I won't stop working to deliver the upgrades that every school deserves so that we can give more opportunities to our young people!
16.01.2022 Good numbers today. Stay safe. Get tested. Let’s beat this thing. P.S. Bonus points if you can say where this local street art lives
16.01.2022 With local students heading back to school this week, we’re making sure they get there safely Safety along Normanby Avenue in Thornbury has been raised with me a number of times - with concerns about drivers speeding through the 40km speed zone in this area. Road incident data backs this up - so next month we'll be installing new solar powered flashing speed limit signs along this stretch.... Works are set to commence in early May and will make the school zone more effective for children, families and road users. There will be some temporary road closures so make sure to allow for a few extra minutes when travelling through. Details here: www.kattheophanous.com.au/newsandmediablog/normanbyavenue
15.01.2022 First day back at childcare for these two It’s been many long weeks and they were so excited to get back to their friends and educators, they started off down the street holding hands to get there! Had to wrangle them back to the car, but not before snapping this sweet picture
14.01.2022 The impact of eating disorders is profound, for the person experiencing the disorder, their families and carers. Eating disorders are a serious mental illness that have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. We also know that there has been an increase in eating disorder presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... That’s why we’re providing an extra $2 million in funding for more beds, more specialists and more dedicated programs to ensure Victorians get the care, support and treatment they need.
14.01.2022 Take that, coronavirus!
13.01.2022 Where is Darebin Council when we need them most? Outdoor dining will be possible soon but traders are still in the dark about how this will work or whether they’ll even get the permits they need in time. City of Melbourne has led the way and given certainty to their businesses. ... Darebin is once again lagging behind and businesses are at risk of being left to scramble to get things in order once restrictions lift. Watch the news report to hear it first hand from them. I’ve spoken to so many business owners with great ideas about how to activate our outdoor spaces but their proposals have been met with silence by Council. Not even an acknowledgement. Earlier in the week I wrote to Council asking for a meeting so we can work together to make sure our local economy has every chance of recovery. I’m determined to make sure Northcote gets all the support, investment and jobs creation available to thrive. But every level of government has a role to play in this.
13.01.2022 Thanks to all the kids at the Annie Dennis Children’s Centre for showing James Merlino, Ingrid Stitt MP and myself their play-doh kitchen this morning! Our visit today marked the next exciting phase of the Victorian Government’s rollout of funded Three-Year-Old Kinder and the opening of enrolments for 2022. From next year, 3-year-olds across the state will have access to at least 5 hours of a funded kindergarten program each week.... The almost $5 billion decade-long reform will mean that by 2029, there will be 15 hours a week of funded kindergarten programs for all Victorian three and four-year-olds, as well as 6,000 new early childhood education jobs! This is a landmark reform that will give Victorian children the best start in life. So happy to see it underway! Parents, carers and anyone interested in becoming an early childhood educator check out the details: https://www.vic.gov.au/kinder
12.01.2022 Congratulations to the amazing climbers at Climbing QTs on receiving close to $9,000 to develop a series of workshops to help their LGBTQ+ community connect to one another and participate in more activities! The Climbing QT’s is an LGBTIQ+ Friendly Social Club and Advocacy Group, where climbers have the opportunity to mix and socialize. They climb frequently just around the corner from my office at Northside Boulders. Check them at www.climbingqts.com
12.01.2022 Anyone else have the Presidential Debate on in the background? This man has caused so much chaos, destruction and misery - undoing progress at every opportunity. For the sake of our world, please let him be given his marching orders on 3 November.
10.01.2022 Introducing The Burning Bridges trio. A family band from Thornbury, consisting of Peter Somerville, Fran Martin and 11 year-old Tom Somerville! The larger Burning Bridges band had been unable to rehearse together since COVID19 restrictions, so the family members living together developed their music to work as a trio, to pass the time. Their music 'reaches back to the bedrock of American country music and includes country blues, bluegrass, old time, original songs and tun...es and a little contemporary material reworked for a classic sound.' I love that they have actually taken up the hobby of baking sourdough during our lockdown restrictions. Like so many other musicians featured, they too, 'look forward to catching some live music, and performing for a live audience!' To hear some of The Burning Bridges Trio music, head to their facebook page. You can also read their full bio here: www.kattheophanous.com.au/northsidemu/theburningbridgestrio
08.01.2022 Did you hear? Melbourne’s Arts Precinct is going to be transformed with a landmark new gallery, NGV Contemporary! It will be built behind the existing NGV and include a new public garden and creative space right in the heart of our city. The gardens will be vibrant, immersive and ever-changing, not only with the seasons but week-by-week as new plants bloom and cycle.... Plus it will have spaces for performances, installations and festivals and breathe new life into this part of Southbank!
08.01.2022 Today on National Police Remembrance Day, we honour our Victorian Police officers. This year has been incredibly sad with the tragic loss of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Josh Prestney on 22 April. We honour their service and their sacrifice. We grieve with their families, loved ones and the Victoria Police family - a part of our local community. ... The pain of loss is felt deeply. But I know they have been heartened by the many messages of kindness and warmth earlier in the year. Thank you.
08.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS Thanks to the amazing work and sacrifice of all Victorians, the Premier has announced that we’re moving to Step 2 for Metropolitan Melbourne from tonight at 11:59pm. And because we’ve exceeding our targets, there are even more changes coming into effect.... Social overview Curfew lifted from 5am tomorrow morning Shopping for essential goods - no limits on number of people or times Face masks remain face shields, scarves and bandanas no longer acceptable Meet your whole household outdoors, or 5 people from 2 households In-home child minding permitted for everyone one minder per household. Exercise Can exercise 5km from your workplace Outdoor pools to open Outdoor personal training to resume - 2 people plus personal trainer Outdoor activities where facilities are not required can occur within 5km e.g. fishing and hiking. Education Childcare and kinder reopening with no permit needed All primary school and specialist school students returning from week beginning 12 October VCE and VCAL students return for assessments from 5 October and onsite learning from 12 October Healthcare More face to face services like allied health, social work and speech pathology. Dental care will resume for non urgent services Visitations for patients or residents over 18 extended to one visitor, once per day, maximum of 2 hours Visitations for patients or residents under 18 extended to two parents or carers at the same time with no time limit Note: Hospitals may have individualised restrictions. Funerals and Weddings People may attend the resting place of a deceased relative to mark a key date (beyond 5km). Compassionate grounds for terminally ill persons to seek an exemption from the CHO to hold events outdoors with up to ten people Weddings can go ahead outdoors with 5 attendees, not including celebrant Industry restrictions 127,000 workers to resume across industries Private inspections can now resume in real estate The workforce limits for some industries will be expanded Supermarkets and food distribution centres will return to full capacity Abattoirs, seafood and meat processing plants will increase Manufacturing can return with up to 90 per cent of its workforce Sole traders doing outside gardening and landscaping can return Retail pet grooming will resume As we ease restrictions, we also need to stay vigilant about the restrictions that remain. The fine for gatherings having visitors over to your home, meeting outdoors in big groups will increase to the same penalty for travelling into regional Victoria without a valid reason. That is, almost $5000. Our strategy is working, we have even made more progress than we have hoped to have made. Now we need to bed down these gains and so we can open safely and for good. Keep up the good work Victoria.
08.01.2022 With much more time at home this year, and a lot more online ordering, we’ve seen a big increase in packaging waste. Last week, Labor announced that 17 organisations will share in more than $560,000 through the Investment Support Grants Packaging Program to reduce packaging waste in their business operations. Among the grant recipients is family-owned business Happy Planet Toys who manufacture a fully recyclable toy product made from recycled milk bottles (They’re stocked at... our very own local gift store, Kiozwi in Thornbury!) On top of this we’ve also announced $1.7 million in grants to 12 projects to improve the collection, storage and reprocessing of e-waste across the state. This will create 37 new jobs, divert 6,600 tonnes of e-plastics from landfill per year and increase e-waste reprocessing capacity by an additional 13,250 tonnes annually the equivalent to over 900,000 LCV TVs!
08.01.2022 One year ago four police officers tragically lost their lives on the Eastern Freeway. Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor Senior Constable Kevin King Constable Glen Humphris... Constable Josh Prestney Today our city honours these officers by lighting our landmarks in blue - and we think of their families, friends and colleagues on this difficult day. Rest in peace.
07.01.2022 Across Victoria, more than 736,000 carers give their time to look after a family member or friend who needs them. Sometimes, they need a little care too. Applications for these grants are still open until 24 April giving local community organisations access to funds to support the health and wellbeing of our carers. Find out more here: www.vic.gov.au//supporting-carers-locally-grants-program-2
07.01.2022 Today I’m wearing orange. Orange for a world free from violence against women and girls. Orange to shine a light on the need for action.... Orange to mark International Day of Action to End Violence Against Women. Gendered violence is preventable. And it starts with respect. Every woman deserves to feel safe, respected and equal. That’s why we won’t stop working to make it a reality.
07.01.2022 Great news for our young Victorians who will be able to get back to school quicker than expected and a welcome relief for many parents working from home! All primary school students, specialist school students, VCE and VCAL students will be able to resume on site learning in term 4. VCE and VCAL students will return on site for assessments from October 5.... Primary and specialist school students will return from week beginning 12 October. This will be a crucial term for our year 6 students before they head off to high school and it gives teachers a chance to get them ready for that big adjustment. Remote learning continues to play a significant role in reducing the movement of people across the state. That’s why a decision has not yet been made on the return of secondary students in years 7 to 10. As always, that will be guided by our health experts and the state’s coronavirus numbers. Thank you to all our parents, teachers and school staff who will make this possible and who have put the hard yards in to support our students this year. You are absolute legends!
07.01.2022 Delighted to co-chair the Andrews Labor Government’s first meeting of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee this afternoon with Juliana Addison MP . This committee is a powerhouse of skills, experience and knowledge. Women across the local government sector will advise on how to deliver the Government’s target of 50 per cent female mayors and councillors by 2025.... I want to thank Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane MP and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams MP for their work in establishing this vital Advisory Committee. I’m looking forward to working together to make a real impact on gender equality in local government.
07.01.2022 The Victorian Government’s $60 million Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund is currently open for applications. The hardship fund will provide grants of up to $3,000 per tenancy for eligible small commercial landlords providing rent relief to their tenants under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS). This fund will be open for applications until 16 October or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first - so get yours in!... Commercial landlords may also be eligible for an increased land tax discount now up to 50 per cent doubled from the earlier 25 per cent. Apply here: https://www.business.vic.gov.au//commercial-landlord-hards
06.01.2022 What better way to mark PANDA Action Week than sitting down to read this important report by my Parliamentary Intern, Tess Meaden Tess has spent the last semester working with my office to investigate access to perinatal mental health services in the inner north. She made some key findings including that paid parental leave is linked with positive perinatal mental health outcomes, that seeking out care is harder for people facing socio-economic disadvantage in our suburb...s, and that the inner north is expected to experience increased demand for services as our population grows. I’ve made it a priority to push for more mental health services for the inner north but I want to give a BIG thank you to Tess for doing the research that will back up our efforts. If you want to get a hold of her full report let me know. It’s worth the read!
06.01.2022 The wonderful team at Doing it Tough and Sleeping Rough have partnered with Northern Community Careworks Op-Shop to support our local community by providing essentials for many in need. They are giving out warm takeaway meals, non-perishable food items, daily essentials, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, cat and dog food and personal hygiene products FREE of cost for those facing hardship or homelessness. You can find them at Northern Community Careworks at 81 High Str...eet, Preston from 4pm-5pm every Tuesday. Thank you for all that you’re doing!
05.01.2022 Can’t argue with this messaging #meltawaytrump #burgertime Artwork by @lushsux on display behind @300.grams in @highstnorthcote
05.01.2022 The Platypus is a global icon for Australia’s unique wildlife. The Andrews Government is taking urgent action to protect the platypus as it is now officially a threatened species and listed as vulnerable in Victoria. An initial cash injection of $250,000 will go immediately towards restoration works at key habitat sites while a further $50,000 will be used to develop a long-term action plan to ensure the future of the unique mammal.... Victoria’s biodiversity and our native wildlife are so important and we are stepping in early to ensure the platypus continues to call Victoria home for a long time to come.
02.01.2022 This week I’ve written to the CEO of Darebin Council about supporting our local cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs with the move to outdoor dining. Darebin will be receiving $500,000 from the State Government to help fast-track the approvals, set ups and processes to make it possible. I’ve asked Darebin Council to meet and work with me on this so we can start getting things in place to activate outdoor spaces and create as much opportunity as we can for outdoor dining and ent...ertainment. Already I’ve heard some great ideas from some of our local businesses tell me yours by emailing [email protected].
01.01.2022 Only 5 new cases today an incredible outcome and a testament to the hard work and determination of Victorians! We’re now firmly on Step 2 of our road to reopening with some really important changes announced yesterday. One of the big shifts is that we’ll no longer be using dates as trigger points. Instead, the public health team have advised that we can use the case number thresholds instead meaning that the sooner we get our case numbers down, the sooner we will move to ...Step 3. The roadmap is working. And new modelling released yesterday indicates that Melbourne is beating the initial projections! Like any marathon, I know we’re all tired. But these next few weeks are going to be critical. We’re cautiously easing some restrictions, but we must keep doing the simple things we’ve been doing to keep each other safe mask wearing, social distancing, staying home if we can. I know there will be plenty of questions about the changes my office is still open (albeit remotely) and we’re here to help. Get in touch on 9481 5777 or [email protected]. Let’s do this Victoria.
