Natalie Hutchins MP | Politician

Natalie Hutchins MP

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25.01.2022 The Andrews Labor Government will spend $120.9 million over three years on the new Better At Home program to meet growing demand for healthcare through increased delivery of hospital services in patients’ homes. Better at Home will give more patients the opportunity to recover from illness or surgery at home in the comfort and familiarity of family and friends. This investment will include:... $102.6 million to provide a range of different types of care at home, including clinic appointments, chemotherapy, post-surgical care and rehabilitation making a real difference to people’s lives. $12.5 million for virtual care technology to sustain the high rates of tele-health we have achieved during the pandemic, and support the development of innovative new models of 21st century care. A further $5.8 million will help health services to engage the clinical workforce in this transformation of care in Victoria, through training, support, and clinical redesign which will provide more options to receive care at home.

25.01.2022 From 1 January 2021, the Victorian Default Offer will fall by 10% for households and 14% for small businesses. This means average yearly savings on electricity bills of $159 for households and $916 for small businesses on the VDO delivering fairer energy and putting downward pressure on prices for all Victorians. As part of our Energy Fairness Plan, we’re investing $797 million in the budget to help those struggling to pay their bills and make homes across the state more e...nergy efficient. Victoria’s Payment Difficulty Framework also protects energy consumers from being disconnected for not paying a bill while they are engaging with their energy company. To learn more about the VDO visit: www.energy.vic.gov.au/victoriandefaultoffer

23.01.2022 Applications are now open for the First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund. The program provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Aboriginal businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to help them get back on their feet. Applicants must be certified as an Aboriginal business by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at business.vic.gov.au/firstpeoplesbusinessfund

22.01.2022 Well done Victoria We currently have one active case and 23 days in a row with 0 new cases. In recognition of this amazing effort, the Premier has announced some changes (please see the attached graphics for more information): From midnight tonight... 15 visitors in your home per day (includes dependents). This will only work if everyone observes and takes this seriously. Outdoors gathering increase to 50 people Masks will be required inside not required when you are outside. Carry the mask with you as you will need to wear your mask if you can’t social distance. From December 13th (so people can start planning for their Christmas celebrations): 30 visitors in a day (dependents are counted in that 30 - babies under 1 not counted in that number) From 30th November: 25% of staff can be in the office. Public Sector will not be coming back to allow for private sector. The Premier expects to announce further changes on the 6th December so we can lock in covid safe summer. We need to work towards covid normal and everything must be covid safe. We need to keep working hard to keep these numbers low. This virus is not gone, and it is wildly infectious virus, it could come back and come back quickly! https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-premier-82

22.01.2022 CALD Taskforce funding for Sydenham! The Victorian government has provided over $1.6 million to local organisations to support the critical needs of the multicultural communities in Sydenham, Taylors Hill, Delahey, Taylors Lakes and Hillside. Located at Brimbank City Council and City of Melton, the taskforces will work with the community in developing local solutions for local challenges. Bicultural workers will be employed to deliver culturally safe support, by assisting community members to access emergency food relief and other services.

22.01.2022 Libraries in Brimbank and Melton will receive a combined $2,288,032 from the Government’s record $45.8 million funding for new books, equipment and programs for all of us to enjoy. Brimbank City Council, City of Melton

22.01.2022 The stores are busy at this time of year and tasks may take a little longer than usual. Please be patient with retail and hospitality workers. Be kind to one another.

21.01.2022 With the State Budget just a few days away, we have already announced nine key projects to make Victoria fairer. From free kinder to thousands of new homes and support for regional tourism, these initiatives will make all the difference for Victorian families and businesses. And there’s more to come...

21.01.2022 Have Your Say! Western Victorian Transmission Project. AusNet Services is hosting, face-to-face, drop-in sessions for the Melton community to seek feedback: Tuesday 24 November and Wednesday 25 November between 3.00pm - 7:30pm at Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton.... All sessions will have a Covid-19 Safe plan in place. You can email [email protected] or phone 03 9021 0674.

20.01.2022 Today’s Victorian budget is about fairness & job creation

19.01.2022 Face to face visits have resumed in Victorian prisons. This is good news for prisoners and their loved ones, and in time for Christmas. Strict visitor rules still apply, so for families and friends wanting to visit, please go to corrections.vic.gov.au/covid19 for details. Video visits, which became a crucial way for prisoners to keep in contact with loved ones during the suspension of personal visits, will continue to be available.

19.01.2022 In response to the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia, the Victorian Government is taking decisive action to protect the incredible achievement of Victorians in delivering zero cases for 20 days and will implement temporary border controls from tonight. The Victorian Government will continue to monitor the SA outbreak and take whatever action is necessary to keep Victorians safe. Our Victorian Public Health team is also supporting SA contact tracers as they continue to track and trace the spread of the virus. For more information about Victoria’s response or where to get tested visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusor by calling 1800 675 398.

19.01.2022 $7.5 MILLION PLUS FOR UPGRADE TO TAYLORS LAKES PRIMARY SCHOOL Families all over my electorate have done a fantastic job in supporting students to learn from home. Students have now returned to their classrooms and we want to make Taylors Lakes Primary School even better than before!... It was wonderful to be able to share some exciting news today that the school will receive $7.526 million to upgrade the south oval, deliver a new competition-grade gym and plan for a future upgrade at the school. The Andrews Labor Government has built and upgraded more schools than any government in our state's history. Thank you to Principal Chris Sevior, school captains Zac and Rafaela, staff and students at Taylors Lakes Primary School.

19.01.2022 Victoria has zero active confirmed cases for the first time in 10 months! The extraordinary efforts of Victorians have got us to this point. And although we have made huge gains in recent weeks, including three weeks with zero cases, we must remain vigilant in ensuring we follow the safety precautions that have become so familiar to us, we must not let the joy of seeing those we have missed undermine our safeguards against this virus. In the coming days and weeks, cases may ...crop up again, there may be outbreaks in particular settings or due to national travel as borders ease. We should not be dismayed by this, but assured that we stand ready to respond to any new case that crops up, but also that we are relying on every Victorian to continue to do the right thing stay safe, and get tested and we can continue to move through the next steps of our roadmap for Victoria’s safe and steady reopening. See more

19.01.2022 We are rolling out the Orange Door Network across Victoria to ensure every family has the specialist support they need. Regardless of where you live, if you are experiencing family violence support is available to help you. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or visit www.safesteps.org.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

19.01.2022 We’re making it easy to report graffiti with a new website and app. The Victorian Graffiti Register will enable the public to report graffiti as soon as they see it and while they’re on the move I got to launch the tool today in Heidelberg with Anthony Carbines MP and Cr Tom Melican - Ibbott Ward at another project we funded to help tackle graffiti. We gave $11,500 to Banyule City Council as part of the Graffiti Prevention Grants for local artists to paint this bea...utiful mural. It will help instil a sense of community pride and deter graffiti vandalism. You can find the website at https://vicgr.com.au/ and the app on the Apple and Android App stores.

18.01.2022 We’re building three new lifts at Watergardens Station, to make it easier for people to move around the station precinct and catch the train. We’ve already completed works to install one of the new lift shafts and brand-new stairs on the centre island platform of the station. The new lifts will feature more space, better CCTV to improve safety and a new separate back-up power generator.... All works will be completed at the station on the three new lifts in late 2021.

18.01.2022 Clearways are meant to be just that clear. Turning all clearways into tow-away zones will improve traffic flow and allow emergency vehicles to reach their destinations faster during peak times. These changes will have no adverse impact on businesses, residents or the community as it has always been illegal to park in a clearway they will, however, reduce congestion and improve safety for everyone. All clearways within 20km of the CBD will (from 1 December) become tow-away... zones as the Victorian Government works to reduce congestion on Melbourne’s busiest roads. The change will result in 221 new tow-away zones, increasing the total to 326 across 19 metropolitan council areas, including Brimbank in the west. While it is illegal to leave a car in either a clearway or a tow-away zone, vehicles were previously only able to be removed if they were parked in a tow-away zone. The change will reduce congestion on Melbourne’s arterial roads, improving traffic flow and allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations faster during busy periods.

18.01.2022 Today we convened the second of our Building Safer Communities Forum this time in Craigieburn and I was joined by Ros Spence MP. Today’s forum brought together the local community, Hume City Council, VicPol, Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Stoppers Victoria. It is part of our new $11 million Building Safer Communities grants program, which is tackling the root causes of crime through innovative, community-based projects. The insights from the forum were extremely valuable a...nd I was particularly inspired by the contributions of the youth reps. Too often their voices are not heard when we discuss how to prevent crime and I was pleased to hear directly from them about what we should do to help them stay safe and keep their lives on track. More detail about the program can be found on the Victorian Government’s Crime Prevention website - https://www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au Hume City Council, Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc.

17.01.2022 Passengers on the Sunbury line will have more travel options with 15 extra services a week, with a redesigned timetable to take effect from 31st January as Victorians get back onto the public transport network. To make it easier for metropolitan passengers to travel during quieter times and physically distance as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, off-peak fares will be discounted for three months. From 31 January 2021, anyone using myki money between 9.30am a...nd 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays will receive a 30 per cent discount. To make sure Victorians can better access their local train stations, local bus services will gradually be brought in line with the new trains in February and April next year with new timetables for 320 bus routes across the city. To keep passengers safe, extra cleaning of all public transport facilities will continue across the network and hand sanitising facilities will stay at key stations and stops. Victorians are reminded to play their part in keeping our state safe by always wearing a mask on public transport, practising good hygiene and never travelling when unwell. The new timetables will be available at ptv.vic.gov.au from 8 January 2021.

17.01.2022 Minister for Education James Merlino launched the Autism Education Strategy as part of the Labor Government’s nearly $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion investment to transform funding and support for students with a disability in Victorian government schools. This strategy will deliver the individual attention and support students with autism need to succeed at school. The strategy together with the new Disability Inclusion reforms will guide our work to develop more inclusive schools where all students get a great education. It’s so important that our education system is able to build greater understanding and inclusion for Victorian autistic students and this strategy will support this.

17.01.2022 Recently $492 million was announced in the State Budget to deliver 120 mental health beds across Melbourne and Geelong with Sunshine Hospital receiving 52 beds. This is an addition to the 24 Hospital in the home beds announced earlier this year. An additional $18.9 million is provided for 35 acute treatments beds for public mental health patients in private health services. We are delivering on the interim report recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. While the Commission recommended 144 beds, we are delivering 170 - to support Victorians who need it most.

17.01.2022 The summer holidays can often be a risky time for at-risk young people’s contact with the criminal justice system. The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to keep at-risk young people engaged during the summer holidays as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Lisa Neville MP, Ros Spence MP and myself have overseen action to keep young people on the right path throughout this time. As well as support from Victoria Police, the Government has funded youth-focused summer holiday activities and programs that are in place to proactively keep young people away from crime.

16.01.2022 In response to the recent COVID outbreak in NSW, the Victorian Government has put in place a permit system for travellers from NSW wishing to enter Victoria to minimise the risk to our state.

16.01.2022 Following the decision of National Cabinet to declare Queensland a national hotspot after the discovery of a UK COVID-19 variant, and in response to the Greater Brisbane lockdown from 6pm tonight, the following announcement has been made by our public health team: Anyone who has been in, visited or travelled through the local government areas of Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Redland, Ipswich or Logan city councils since 2 January should not leave those... areas until at least Monday. All Victorians in these areas are advised to follow the guidance of the Queensland Government and any Victorian with plans to travel to these areas should cancel them. Those who have arrived in Victoria from these areas since 2 January should get tested immediately, and remain at home or place of accommodation until Monday, when a further assessment will be made. We are working with our counterparts in other jurisdictions to address this matter of national concern. The department is working through the implications for our current permit system and will provide more information on this shortly.

16.01.2022 A quick update for our young residents - there have been confirmed sightings of Santa Claus over Victoria!

16.01.2022 We need to do more to support young Aboriginal Victorians to strengthen their connections with community and family. We know this will help them make the most of their lives, away from the justice system. This is why the 2020/21 Victorian Budget commits $11.8 million to implement an Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy. An important aim of the Strategy will be addressing the overrepresentation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.... To make sure that we are accountable for this and the actions needed actions to reduce young people in custody, we have introduced a new performance measure to report on the number of Aboriginal children and young people aged 10-17 years in custody on an average day. For this financial year it has been set at 16-20 and it will be reported on and updated annually. This image is the relevant commitment from the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework.

16.01.2022 Do you know someone who is struggling during this holiday season? The Mental Health Foundation Australia is offering free meal pickup from Tuesday 15 December to Friday 15 January. Meals are available for collection between 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street.... No registration required, you can come and collect during the specified time. You can also support this initiative by making a donation. Note: All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. For more information, contact [email protected] or call on (03) 9826 1422. https://www.mhfa.org.au/Default.aspx

16.01.2022 Every year the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge gives Brimbank and Melton kids the chance to discover the world of books. Since the Challenge first began in 2005, more than 3 million students across Victoria have read nearly 50 million books. Libraries in Brimbank and Melton need funding to buy the books that will be on the 2021 challenge reading list, so that no kids miss out. ... That’s why they will get a combined $48,946 share of $1.1 million from the Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Fund. James Merlino, Shaun Leane MP, Dan Andrews

16.01.2022 Building a rail link to the airport is something that's been talked about for over 60 years. And it's something that generations of travellers have dreamt about... while stuck in freeway traffic. We've always known that airport rail needed to be as fast, as convenient and as affordable for Victorian families as possible. That's why today we announced that trains to the airport will run through the Metro Tunnel and we'll be providing $5 billion to get the project off the ground. That means if you live on the Pakenham or Cranbourne lines, you'll be able to go straight to the terminal no changes. And nearly everyone else will only have to change trains once - including those coming from regional Victoria. It will mean you can get to the city from Tullamarine in less than 30 minutes. Trains will depart every 10 minutes and drop travellers off exactly where they need to be whether you're here for work, travel or just coming home. But this project isn't just about building the best airport rail for Victoria. It'll create 8,000 local jobs too. All with the tap of a Myki.

15.01.2022 New laws around conversion therapy send a strong message that LGBT people are not broken and they do not need to be fixed. We consulted closely with survivors, LGBTIQ+ organisations and religious organisations on the legislation to make sure it is effective in stamping out abhorrent change and suppression practices once and for all. The new laws strike the right balance between protecting people from the serious harm caused by change or suppression practices, while respecting the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

15.01.2022 Find out how you can support the wellbeing and mental health needs of your local business community by taking part in our free accredited training course run by St John Ambulance. Register by 18 December at: https://www.business.vic.gov.au//st-john-ambulance-mental- Training is available to staff from local councils and nominated members of chambers of commerce, business associations and business networks. The course provides participants with knowledge and skills to sup...port local small business owners and operators who may be experiencing wellbeing and mental health challenges. Jaala Pulford MP, St John Ambulance Victoria

15.01.2022 See below for the latest information regarding entry into Victoria.

15.01.2022 Today I caught up with Alan Thorpe, the Director of Dardi Munwurro - Strong Spirit. Recently Dardi Munwurro have received funding to deliver cultural supports through Elder mentoring for Aboriginal young people in Youth Justice centres. These important supports will be further strengthened through the Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy. We will also invest $11.8 million over four years to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in the youth just...ice system, including delivery of the Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy. This strategy will be released next year and aims to further embed self-determination in how the justice system supports young Aboriginal Victorians, including reducing the risk of re-offending and diversion. It was great to hear about how Dardi Munwurro have continued to deliver vital programs for the Aboriginal community, including the Brother to Brother Helpline, Mens Healing and Behaviour Change Program, and several other cultural support and rehabilitation initiatives.

14.01.2022 Public transport is free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve so Victorians can travel safely to celebrate with family and friends. Trains, trams and buses will run to a Sunday timetable. To plan your trip, visit https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/

14.01.2022 Great news for the West in yesterday's budget, Martin Foley MP announced another step closer in delivering a much-needed hospital for Melton with a $75M investment to purchase land. Only the Andrews Labor Government will deliver a hospital that the West need and deserve.

14.01.2022 The Andrews Labor Government will overhaul Victoria’s school-based vocational education with a new integrated end-of-school certificate ensuring wherever they go to school, every student will be able to do both academic and vocational subjects. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invests $38 million to develop a new single VCE integrated senior secondary certificate meaning students no longer have to choose between doing VCE or VCAL and fund new Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coord...inators in government secondary schools. The investment will also create a new Foundation Pathways Certificate to support students in all settings to successfully transition after finishing school, particularly students with a disability and additional needs. The integrated certificate will be implemented progressively from 2023 and will be fully implemented by 2025.

14.01.2022 Applications are also now open for the next round of the early childhood Building Blocks grants program which offers early childhood providers funding towards building, expanding, improving and creating more inclusive early learning facilities. Grants are available for major works of up to $500,000 minor works of up to $50,000 as well as grants of up to $200,000 to make kinder more accessible for children of all abilities. Applications are open until 28 February 2021.... www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Building-Blocks

13.01.2022 Old heaters cost heaps more to run and use a lot more energy, but it can be too expensive to upgrade. The Andrews Labor Government have a solution. We will help 250,000 low-income households replace their old heater with an energy-efficient electric heater and cooling system saving them up to $900 a year. It's all part of the biggest household energy efficiency package of any state, ever supporting thousands of jobs all up, saving Victorians hundreds every year and helping to drive emissions down.

13.01.2022 We’re committing $136 million to Victoria’s thriving startup sector over the next four years to drive innovation and accelerate jobs growth across the state for years to come. The $60.5m Victorian Startup Capital Fund, will deliver much needed capital into our startup ecosystem. A $40m boost to our startup agency @LaunchVic which has played a key role in building the success of our startup ecosystem since 2016. LaunchVic will focus on supporting entrepreneurs, including wom...en, to start high-growth companies. $10m will be provided to the Women’s Angel Sidecar Fund to help female founders raise capital to grow their startups and create jobs. And $25.7m will be invested into a Venture Growth Fund that will provide capital to later stage high growth startup firms via #InvestVic This investment will help position Victoria as a leading startup destination, create thousands of new jobs across the state over the next decade and accelerate Victoria’s economic recovery.

12.01.2022 This Andrews Labor Government is helping keep our community safe by tackling the root causes of crime. We’ve funded wrap-around services for at-risk young people that will help keep them away from prison. Our investment of $7 million will fund the Youth Support Service program through the Youth Support and Advocacy Service and the Les Twentyman Foundation. These services support young people, like those who have already come to the attention of the police, to stop offending ...by connecting them to education and supports keeping us all safer. It was funded as part of my work in Crime Prevention and Youth Justice. These programs will help additional 1,400 children and young people over four years and provide local jobs in our communities. Most importantly, it will help young people before they end up in the criminal justice system.

12.01.2022 If you're hitting the shops for some post-Christmas bargains, remember: - keep 1.5 metres of distance -observe customer limits -consider taking your shopping trip outside peak time -bring a mask... -pack hand sanitiser. More: dhhs.vic.gov.au/how-stay-safe- #COVID19Vic See more

12.01.2022 As part of the 20/21 Victorian State Budget’s record investment in Jobs Victoria, a new network of Jobs Victoria Advocates will be established. Jobs Victoria Advocates will support jobseekers in their communities and help them find the information, advice and additional support they need. Advocates will connect with jobseekers in libraries, community centres, public housing foyers and shopping centres. They may also go to people’s homes in some locations to ensure everyone ...is aware of the support available. The Victorian Government wishes to partner with local councils and other organisations with strong networks and understanding of their communities to host Jobs Victoria Advocates. Joint proposals from organisations in a region are encouraged. Applications now open, closing 24 December 2020 at 5pm. For guidelines and application details: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/about-jobs-v/our-programs/advocates

12.01.2022 The Victorian Government provides support services for those who are victim-survivors or are the family of deceased victims. The Helpline can be accessed by phone, text or email from 8am-11pm, 7 days a week. Calls are answered within 7 seconds on average. This is part of the work we are undertaking to reform both the Financial Assistance system and the Victim Services system that victims of crime and their families access.

11.01.2022 Round 9 applications are open now and will close 12 December. Animal shelters, foster carers, not-for-profit and community vet clinics are encouraged to apply for funding. Grants of up to $150,000 are available to support the establishment of new low-cost veterinary clinics and grants of up to $50,000 are available to existing not-for-profit and community veterinary clinics to purchase equipment or expand their facilities or services. Not-for-profit animal welfare organisa...tions can apply for large grants of up to $50,000 and small grants of up to $10,000. For more information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au//animal-welfare-fund-grants

10.01.2022 In a visit to Port Phillip Prison today I announced the completion of a $20 million upgrade and expansion of the hospitals unit. It has added 20 medical beds to the maximum security prison. The expansion doubles the prison’s hospital capacity to 40 beds, providing care for Port Phillip’s total capacity of 1,117 prisoners, as well as fulfilling the prison’s role caring for prisoners with chronic and terminal illness across the correctional system. This will enable a higher level of care to be provided on site, reducing the number of prisoners that require escort to hospital and reliance on resources in community-based hospitals.

09.01.2022 There are new restrictions in place from 5pm today; Limits on gatherings in private homes will be reduced to 15 people Masks are to worn indoors There are also changes to Victorians returning from NSW - please see details on the DHHS website ... All other restrictions remain in force We’ve all been through so much in 2020 Let’s ensure we’re all safe as we go into 2021

09.01.2022 World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

09.01.2022 Yesterday colleague and friend Jill Hennessy MP announced that she's stepping away from the Ministry as the Victoria Attorney General. Her list of achievements as a Minister are outstanding, here’s some highlights - voluntary assisted dying laws... -workplace manslaughter -Wage theft - safe access zones for women’s health services - nurse and midwife to patient ratios -Improving Ambulance response times - holding perpetrators of child sexual abuse to account -legalising medicinal cannabis -the laws to abolish public drunkenness, to introduce a spent convictions scheme Jill thanks for your leadership as a Minister, I’m sure your contribution in parliament will continue to be filled with much hard work, policy input and more good outcomes for your electorate.

08.01.2022 Today many members of our Serbian, Macedonian, Russian, Ukrainian and Ethiopian communities will be celebrating Christmas. I'd like to wish all our Orthodox communities a very Merry Orthodox Christmas. But please remember - as special as it is - and as much as we have to celebrate - we also need to stay safe. That means things like limiting visitors to 15 people, celebrating outside, wearing a mask while attending a Christmas service - all of these remain important to keeping... our community safe. I know it’s difficult to be apart from our communities on these important days, but we must keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information: Russian www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/russian Serbian www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/serbian Macedonian www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/macedonian Amharic www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/amharic Oromo www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/oromo

08.01.2022 This year more than ever, residents have been accessing our great outdoor spaces for exercise and picnicking. On Friday, I met with Ben Carroll MP, Cr. Ranka Rasic - Mayor of Brimbank City and representatives from Parks Victoria to announce that Organ Pipes National Park will receiving funding under a $52 million parks upgrade package. I'm looking forward to the upgrades that will enable our residents to have greater access and better facilities so that we can continue enjoy this beautiful local outdoor space.

08.01.2022 Great news for the Sydenham electorate out of the State Budget today: Melton Highway/Sunshine Avenue/Old Calder Highway - we will convert two existing, closely spaced roundabouts to traffic signals. Organ Pipes National Park - upgrade visitor facilities to ensure safe and equitable access.... Taylors Lakes Secondary College - upgrades Taylors Lakes Primary School - upgrade the south oval, deliver a new competition-grade gym and plan for a future upgrade at the school. Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program to build and upgrade community sports facilities across the state, partnering with local communities. $200 vouchers for up to 100,000 kids, helping local families cover the costs of sports equipment, uniforms or memberships Plus new jobs initiatives, support for small business, support for public libraries, investment in early childhood and health.

08.01.2022 Yesterday on the International Day of People with Disability, Parliament of Victoria launched a Disability Action and Inclusion Plan to make Victorian Parliament more accessible to and inclusion of people with disability.

08.01.2022 The Andrews Labor Government is getting to the root causes of crime with the new $11 million Building Safer Communities Program. At the first Building Safer Communities forum in Brimbank today I announced new grants as part of the program will be available for communities to invest into innovative crime prevention projects. This builds on the $5.5 million in infrastructure grants for 14 community organisations and 17 councils which were provided as part of the government’s $2....7 billion Building Works package. Councils and Community Groups will be able to apply for funding in January. Natalie Suleyman MP, Brimbank City Council

07.01.2022 During this year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we are asking Victorians to talk about what respect and equality looks like at home, in relationships, in families, and to call out disrespect when they see it. The campaign aims to support Victorian communities to understand what respect means, what it looks like and how to put it into practice in everyday life. Gender inequality is one of the biggest drivers of violence against women and the research tel...ls us that calling out disrespect towards women can prevent violence. #RespectIs #16DaysCampaign #CallItOut

06.01.2022 Our job in Youth Justice is to help young people turn their lives around. The Sweet Justice beekeeping program does just that giving young people the opportunity to learn commercial bee keeping skills so they can leave here with a skill that helps them get a job. https://www.abc.net.au//malmsbury-beekeeping-prog/12899432

06.01.2022 We recently signed the major construction contract to complete the Chisholm Road Prison Project underway at Lara. As you can see in the recent photo, it’s a big project. The site is the size of five MCGs and the prison will provide 1248 new maximum-security beds. It’s a big investment delivering $279 million in economic benefit to Greater Geelong during construction, and over 1,000 construction jobs, with a further 650+ jobs once it begins operating in 2022. ... And it’s important supporting a safe community and secure corrections system into the future.

06.01.2022 A young local resident has busily collecting, fixing and cleaning old bicycles and scooters for children and families in need. Such a kind and caring gesture that displays maturity beyond his young years, well done Jacob - we are all very proud of your hard work!

06.01.2022 This year, the global pandemic has shone a bright light on some of the darkest cracks in our nation’s economy and our society none more so than insecure work. Too often, workers are being forced to choose between a day’s pay and their health and the health of every Victorian. Over the past eight months, we’ve seen just how dangerous, and unfair, that can be. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government will do what no other government has develop a new Secure Work Pilot Sche...me, 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. Once up and running, the two-year pilot will afford these workers sick pay when they’re unwell, and carer’s pay when they need to take time to look after someone they love. Importantly, it will mean Victorians aren’t being forced to choose between the safety of their co-workers and putting food on the table for their family.

06.01.2022 Wishing you Merry Christmas

06.01.2022 The Victorian Government have enacted new measures to protect our state from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on the most up-to-date information available, the current outbreak in New South Wales is linked to a returned traveler in that state's Hotel Quarantine program. However, concerningly, there remain missing links in the chains of transmission and case numbers and exposure sites continue to grow. Without mandatory mask rules and stay at home orders across Sydn...Continue reading

05.01.2022 Pleased to have been part of the Brimbank Building Safer Communities Forum today, the first in a series of community forums to be held across Victoria. The Brimbank forum was delivered online in partnership with Youth Junction a local youth-focused community organisation Brimbank City Council, and New York University; making the most of an international expert partnership. Attendees included young people, community agencies supporting young people, school leaders, the st...ate government, @Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc. The contributions of all participants especially our young people, will help as we work together to implement our Building Safer Communities program and get to the root causes of crime. Natalie Suleyman MP https://www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/

04.01.2022 The Youth Parole Board Annual Report has been tabled today in Parliament. The report provides an overview of the youth justice system and how we are going helping young people keep their lives on right track. It shows a decline in the number of new sentences over the short and medium term. This reflects the effectiveness of our diversion programs along with other interventions and supports offered to young people. The report also shows a decrease in the number of young Aborig...inal people in custody, a trend we aim to continue as shown in the Victorian Budget 2020/21. Victoria also has the lowest rate in of young people under Youth Justice supervision both in the community and custodial supervision in the nation. This data highlights the importance of our Youth Justice Strategic Plan, a properly resourced plan that is informed by the experts. To see the report visit https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au//search-/details/3/10174

04.01.2022 - Statement from the Premier - 2020 has seen us embrace a new vocabulary. We've become experts on "Reff rates" and "roadmaps" on following the rules and sticking to restrictions....Continue reading

04.01.2022 Rail Projects Victoria is launching feedback in two virtual formats at http://consultationspace.com/MAR/ - accessible to communities right across Victoria, whether they work, live or frequently travel along the project route. An interactive information room provides key information on the project’s benefits, timelines and route in an online, interactive format accessible in several languages, and an online survey will allow people to provide feedback that will help the proj...ect team better understand the community’s views and needs as the project progresses. Both the information session and survey will be open until February 2021, giving everyone plenty of time to get involved. Construction will begin in 2022, with a target opening date for Melbourne Airport Rail services of 2029 subject to relevant Victorian and Federal planning, environmental and other government approvals. Visit airportrail.vic.gov.au for more information and to sign up for email updates.

03.01.2022 We know that the best way to prevent crime is to tackle the root causes of it. When young people have support and connections they can see a future for themselves and make positive choices that steer them away from crime. The Andrews Labor Government is helping young people do just that. Today we are investing $18 million in programs that will help prevent crime before it occurs. ... I met with the Youth Support + Advocacy Service to discuss the $6.5 million for Youth Support Services, which works closely with our Police to steer young people away from the criminal justice system for a program that will support about 1,400 young people over 4 years. We’ll see the benefits of that round here they focus their work on the Western Suburbs. There’s also $500,000 funding for after-hours services run by the Jesuit Social Services to support young people in the evening and on the weekends and help prevent crime. On top of that we are investing $11 million in crime prevention programs, including a new grants program which will help communities lead crime prevention efforts in their suburbs.

03.01.2022 Round 6 of the Andrews Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund, for schools to create inclusive spaces is now open. The Inclusive Schools Fund is helping government schools better cater for the social and educational needs of young people with a disability and additional needs. A total of 53 projects were funded in Round 5, including an all abilities playground for Mackellar Primary School in Delahey.... Parkwood Green Primary School, Taylors Lakes Primary School, Taylors Hill Primary School, Sydenham Hillside Primary School (Sydenham Campus), Sydenham-Hillside Primary School (Hillside Campus), Springside Primary School, Mackellar Primary School, Copperfield College, Taylors Lakes SecondaryCollege, Springside West Secondary College

02.01.2022 One of the exciting budget announcements last week for the residents of Sydenham was the conversion of two roundabouts on Melton Highway/Sunshine Avenue/Old Calder Highway to traffic signals. The signalisation of these intersections will not only improve traffic flow in the area but will also provide safer crossing facilities. I recently met with Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll MP and Cr. Ranka Rasic - Mayor of Brimbank City to discuss how this much needed imp...rovement will benefit our drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. #sydenham #meltonhighway #brimbank

02.01.2022 Looking for Christmas gift ideas? Visit https://thetorch.org.au/ to order your presents by Thursday 10 December. The Torch delivers an Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program, assisting rehabilitation for emerging Aboriginal artists in prison and following their release.

01.01.2022 For the latest information on the current Covid situation in Victoria, please follow the DHHS Facebook page. If you have been exposed or you have symptoms, please get tested.