Russell Northe MP | Politician

Russell Northe MP

Phone: 03 5133 9088

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24.01.2022 National Mental Health Month begins today and see below some comments from myself and information on the events, activities and purpose of Mental Health Month. ...Member for Morwell Russell Northe is pleased to get behind Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to raise awareness of Mental Health. It is an important time for the community to come together and raise awareness especially after what has been a very difficult year. After the success of previous years National Mental Health Month Awareness Campaign in Victoria, the MHFA has extended the program to all state and territories for the month of October for 2020. The National Mental Health Month program is aimed at reaching out and educating as many as possible to help reduce the stigma and encourage open discussions on Mental Health Mr Northe said. The theme for this year’s Awareness campaign is Mental Health Matters, this theme is to highlight the gravity of mental health and how important it is to address it within the community. Raising awareness for Mental Health helps educate and engage communities in important discussions to further fight for Mental Health support said Mr Northe. Events including forums on Youth Mental Health, Mental Wellness Workshops, musical events can be accessed links to access these events can be found on the National Mental Health Month Calendar. I encourage everyone to join any of the events where possible, due to the pandemic situation MHFA have launched a walktober app that allows everyone to participate in the highly popular walk for mental health Mr Northe said. Mr Northe said he also wished to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of those who work within the mental health sector and provide services in the local community. There is a Royal Commission currently underway into Victoria’s mental health system for a reason, and that is because the system is broken, yet there are so many incredible people and organisations who do their absolute best in such challenging environments said Mr Northe. Remember that #MentalHealthMatters talk to your friends and family, don’t be afraid to speak out Mr Northe concluded.

22.01.2022 ‘MY VALLEY, MY HOME’ LAUNCHES TUES NOV 24 @ 11AM The excitement is building for the launch tomorrow of our virtual video project of our ‘My Valley, My Home’ wo...rld premiere, with music and lyrics by award winning conductor, singer and composer Dr Jonathon Welch AM! Even the Traralgon Lions and Rotary Clubs and the students from Morwell Central Primary School are getting their on to celebrate. We are her sons and daughters, we sing with love and pride. ________________________________ The My Valley, My Home project is proudly supported by Latrobe Health Assembly, working together within the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone. #myvalleymyhome Traralgon Rotary Club Traralgon Lions Club Inc Morwell Central Primary School Latrobe Health Assembly We Are Latrobe Play It Forward

22.01.2022 https://www.gippswater.com.au//s/financial-support-program

22.01.2022 MEDIA RELEASE - Community Food Relief Fund applications open and Status of Morwell Foodbank Hub Member for Morwell Russell Northe has today noted the launch o...f the State Governments $5 million Community Food Relief Fund that will help support local community organisations in supplying food to Victorians in need. One-off grants of up to $75,000 are available to enable organisations to increase capacity to deliver and store food, whilst supporting COVID safe business operations said Mr Northe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, community organisations have experienced increased demand for emergency food relief services, with many families now finding themselves in financial hardship due to reduced working hours or even the loss of employment. It is very pleasing to see that organisations can apply for much-needed funding to allow them to continue providing such crucial services such as emergency food relief support to community members in need Mr Northe said. Funding can be used to purchase infrastructure, such as updated IT and management software, refrigerated vans and support COVID safe practices or to attract new volunteers to support the delivery of food programs. I encourage local eligible community organisations to apply for funding through this program which will ultimately make a positive difference to individuals and families in the Latrobe Valley Mr Northe added. Grants are open to all Victorian community food relief organisations including those that are in partnerships with local councils. Applications are open now and will close at 2:00pm Monday 26 October 2020. Mr Northe also said it was important the State Government provided detail of when the promised Foodbank Morwell Hub would be delivered. Prior to the 2018 State election, the Government committed to the establishment of a Foodbank Hub in Morwell which was very much welcomed. Foodbank is such an incredibly respected and valued organisation and their support of those in need well understood Mr Northe said. Two years on it is still unclear when this important and worthy project will be delivered and as demand for emergency food relief has risen markedly, it’s imperative to understand how, where and when this service will be operational Mr Northe concluded. Information on on the community Food Relief Fund and applications can be found here

20.01.2022 Some of the latest COVID information including case locations and where to get tested. CASE LOCATIONS. The website below contains specific information and localities on where active cases have been in recent days including in East Gippsland and on a V/Line service that travelled through the Latrobe Valley on 30/12/2020. ... https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks This V/Line service was as follows: Bairnsdale V/Line train - Bairnsdale to Melbourne 30/12/20 12:45pm-4:30pm Case caught train from Bairnsdale to Caulfield If you did happen to travel on this service DHHS has stated that you should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result. In terms of testing the website below contains information on when and where one can get tested. Please note that Latrobe Regional Hospital has a drive through facility operating between 9:00am-4:00pm to help manage returning NSW travellers. I know waiting times had been quite long; however hopefully this has eased off somewhat now. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

20.01.2022 An update on the Covid-19 situation across the State. No changes to the number of cases for the Gippsland region. Gippsland numbers are currently still sitting... at 1 for the entire region. Latrobe now has zero active cases!!!! Let's keep up the good work!! Regional Victoria are currently in step 3 of the Regional Roadmap. For more information on step 3 please see link below: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/third-step-restrictions-regiona Remember face masks are mandatory every time you leave the house.

20.01.2022 An update on the Covid-19 situation across the State. The Gippsland region is now Covid-19 free!!!!! Let's stay safe and keep up the good work!! ... Regional Victoria are currently in step 3 of the Regional Roadmap. For more information on step 3 please see link below: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/third-step-restrictions-regiona Remember face masks are mandatory every time you leave the house

20.01.2022 An update on the Covid-19 situation across the State. No changes again to the number of cases for the Gippsland region. Gippsland numbers are currently still s...itting at 1 for the entire region. Latrobe still has zero active cases!!!! Let's keep up the good work!! Regional Victoria are currently in step 3 of the Regional Roadmap. For more information on step 3 please see link below: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/third-step-restrictions-regiona Remember face masks are mandatory every time you leave the house.

20.01.2022 Media Release - Photographers capture the moment Member for Morwell Russell Northe has today welcomed clarification that face-coverings can be removed where pr...acticable for professional photography shoots. Mr Northe had previously sought guidance from the State Government after being contacted by numerous photographers who had received mixed messages on what was allowable or not when performing professional photography services. Of course, those businesses were wanting to obey the rules, but that it was difficult when the rules were so ambiguous said Mr Northe. With that being said Mr Northe was extremely pleased to see that the ruling on face-coverings as part of the Directions from the Chief Health Officer - Stay Safe Directions Part 2 has now been clarified to include. Subclause (11)(a) does not apply if: (s) the person is receiving a service form a facility which is permitted to operate under, and in accordance with, the Restricted Activity Directions (Non-Melbourne) (No.7), to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable to receive that service wearing a face covering or Example: when having your photo taken by a professional photographer. As is well and truly known, many businesses have suffered the impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions and on that basis I am pleased that some common-sense has applied in this instance Mr Northe said. Unfortunately the banning of professional photographers from performing their services in Victorian schools still remains. Whilst one hurdle has been overcome, the issue of professional photographers being prohibited from working within our schools at such an important time of the year is still unresolved. This decision requires urgent review and reconsideration and is something I will be taking up in Parliament this week Mr Northe concluded.

19.01.2022 MEDIA RELEASE - REGIONAL ROADMAP GOING IN WRONG DIRECTION Member for Morwell Russell Northe will today in Parliament call upon the Premier to urgently review ...the thresholds that apply to the Last Step within the reopening roadmap for Regional Victoria. Regional Victoria is currently operating within the Third Step of the Governments roadmap but before moving to the Last Step there has to be no new COVID cases across all of Victoria. Mr Northe said My office has been inundated with calls and contact from angry and frustrated persons right across the community who are concerned that it could be weeks and weeks if not months before that threshold is met. For Regional Victoria to have to wait until there are no new cases across all of Victoria for 14 days before any further steps can be taken, is virtually unfathomable and the arbitrary nature of the threshold requires urgent reviewing Mr Northe said. Gippsland like so many other parts of Regional Victoria has not had a new COVID case for the past 14 days yet it seems like we have to wait for Melbourne to catch up which is ridiculous Mr Northe continued. Rhetorically speaking, and under the Governments current rules, what would happen if Victoria got to 13 days without a new case and then on the 14th day one new case was discovered would we have to all start again? Mr Northe lamented. Communities have worked damn hard to do the right thing, yet we are being stifled by a threshold, that really doesn’t make any logical sense Mr Northe said. The business community have proven that they can and will comply with all COVID-Safe measures, but it’s fair to say that many are at breaking point given they are only able to operate at limited capacity or not even open their doors at all said Mr Northe. Whether it’s entertainment, food and hospitality, indoor sport and recreation, travel, weddings, funerals or religious services and more, the livelihoods, health and mental health and well-being of so many has been tested Mr Northe said. It’s ironic that the Last Step under the roadmap is not actually the last step with COVID Normal and Normal still to come. It seems illogical to me that school classes have resumed and that 25 kids or more can be in a classroom at the same time for the majority of the day, yet a handful of those same children can’t participate in a karate, gymnastics, ballet, gym or dance class or even take a swimming lesson for one hour of the day. And to rub salt into the wound, photographers are not even able to take school photos under the current rules Mr Northe said. With no end in sight to these arbitrary conditions, I’ve called upon the Premier to urgently review the Last Step criteria this decision and give Regional Victorians some hope within his Government’s reopening roadmap policy Mr Northe continued. The profound effects of this crisis on people’s freedoms, their jobs and income, their mental, physical health and wellbeing, is extraordinary and a better balance has to be found and that means the Premier having the courage to amend the stringent threshold under his Last Step roadmap to allow Regional communities to reopen further and safely Mr Northe concluded.

17.01.2022 Below is a quote from the Premier today which was taken from his statement about COVID-19 changes pertaining to Melbourne residents. Please note other than the reference below there are no other changes or further easing of restrictions for Regional Victorians. Victorians will now be required to wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth. Some of the concessions we made as we adjusted to this new normal things like wearing a scarf or a bandana or a face shield will no longer apply. As I’ve said before, wearing a face covering is a small sacrifice but it makes a huge difference in keeping all of us safe. Because fundamentally, that’s what all of this comes down to. - quote from Premier. For the full press statement please see the link below.

16.01.2022 It’s been a long wait but school returns for some year levels today in Regional Victoria which I’m sure will be welcomed by many. It hasn’t been easy these past months for School Principals, teachers, staff, students and parents but we wish everyone all the very best for Term 4. And a reminder to take care on the roads in and around our local schools as students return.

15.01.2022 As most will be aware, the Government has requested that Victorian residents should return from NSW by 11:59pm tonight. For those returning yesterday and today the Government has also stipulated those persons must receive a COVID test. So today, I have been conversing with Government officials in making the point that there has to be adequate local testing capacity given the number of Latrobe Valley residents who are in NSW at this time of the year.... The problem being is that current local testing sites state that only persons with COVID symptoms or persons with a referral will be tested. Yet you could be returning from NSW without symptoms and without a referral and this could be problematic. I have received a note to say that given this is the case then Hospitals will test people returning from NSW. Hopefully the criteria at other local testing clinics will also be amended to include this same cohort of people. For more information on where to get tested please see the website below:

15.01.2022 Media Statement - Mixed bag budget for the Valley. Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today’s budget handed down by the Victorian Treasurer was a mixed bag... for the Latrobe Valley community. Mr Northe said this year’s budget was one of the most important in a generation given the economic damage attributable to COVID-19 and the costs to the State’s coffers. The fact that net debt will reach $87 billion this year and growing to $155 billion by June 2024 is a real concern as is the operating deficit of $23 billion this year Mr Northe commenced. There is no doubt that the Government needed to spend big to ensure our economy and the business community were able to endure the impacts of COVID-19 but nonetheless these are big deficits that will take a long time to remedy Mr Northe said. Mr Northe said he was pleased that some long overdue projects had been committed to in this budget which was some positive news. I am thrilled that funding has finally been allocated towards a new Newborough Fire Station to which the dedicated volunteers of this brigade had waited so long for. To say they have outgrown their existing station is an understatement and we look forward to a new build occurring sooner than later Mr Northe said. It was also good news for Hazelwood North Primary School, Kurnai College and Traralgon College senior campus given these schools have been included in the Regional school upgrade program. These schools are well overdue for an upgrade and this announcement will be most welcomed by principals, teachers, staff, students and families of these wonderful local schools Mr Northe continued. The commitment within the budget to duplicate Princes Highway East between Traralgon and Sale will also be embraced by travellers and transport companies who are regular users of this important road network Mr Northe said. There were a number of economic and business-related initiatives announced that hopefully provide some confidence to the business sector. Changes to certain aspects of the regional first home owner grant program, land tax discount for build to rent projects, stamp duty provisions, stamp duty concessions, wage subsidies, land transfer duty concessions and pay roll tax thresholds hopefully relieves some of the financial burden many local businesses are encountering at present, and at the same time provide some form of stimulus Mr Northe said. It seems the Latrobe Valley Authority will continue its operations as part of the Rural and Regional Victoria group, but it still remains unclear what role they will continue to play and what programs will exist under their remit Mr Northe said. As I have mentioned many times, if we have such an Authority in our local community then why do they not have the capacity or powers to enable already approved projects to commence. It makes no sense that we continually hear of proposals that will be bought to the Valley and fall over, yet we have long approved projects in our community sitting idle which is ridiculous Mr Northe continued. I do commend the Government for their continued support and investment for the Latrobe Youth Space program which has played a key role in ensuring young local persons have a voice and feel included within the local community Mr Northe said. Mr Northe said he was disappointed that a specific local jobs program had not been announced, nor funding for a number of worthy organisations. The Government had announced within the budget a massive program that supports the transition to clean energy, yet the Latrobe Valley who will be most impacted by such a program is not even mentioned in the budget. It’s staggering that the Government has announced many policies that directly affect the future life of our local power stations, our local businesses and suppliers and our local community yet there is no commitment to support and assistance to the Valley on any transition plans or otherwise Mr Northe said. There is a reference to an electric vehicle fast charging network to be established but disappointingly no reference to the seemingly failed electric vehicle manufacturing facility that was promised for Morwell. It’s difficult to fathom that the Government speaks so fondly of its big battery proposal in Geelong, yet it is silent on the Latrobe Valley community in its transition to clean energy Mr Northe continued. It’s well known our community for some time has experienced relatively high unemployment rates and my fear is this will continue unless local specific initiatives are introduced or re-introduced including the Latrobe Valley Back to Work scheme which ceased as of 30 June 2020 Mr Northe said. We have many wonderful service and charitable organisations who continue to deliver critical and important services in our community and the calls for additional funding for Lifeline Gippsland, Barrier Breakers and Gippsland Carers Association will have to continue as unfortunately these and other worthy groups have not been supported in this budget Mr Northe said. It’s also imperative the Government provide some timelines as to when previous budgeted projects such as Morwell and Moe ambulance stations and the proposed youth drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility earmarked for Traralgon will actually be delivered Mr Northe concluded. For further information on the Victorian 20/21 budget please see the following link:

15.01.2022 Today is National Police Remembrance Day/Blue Ribbon Day and an opportunity to recognise and say thank you to all our police members and staff who work so hard ...to help serve and protect our communities. In many respects policing can be dangerous yet thankless; but please know you are valued and respected for the important role you undertake. Thinking of all police officers and personnel today. Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

15.01.2022 Want to learn more about Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) ? A webinar on how the Latrobe Valley can play a role in Australia's hydrogen future is being held ...Wednesday 25th November. Two sessions will held online - To register for the 10am session click here -https://dan.zoom.us/webi/register/WN_tuRZ_9dtQgeMtshoEiHgrg To register for the 6pm session click here - https://dan.zoom.us//38160506049/WN_IZwPhebcS7ixUJyuXBZZuw Fro more information on HESC please go to the website below - https://hydrogenenergysupplychain.com/lvwebinar/

14.01.2022 Further to my post on 21 September with regards to driver licence testing, we have another announcement from the Minister for Roads and Road Safety today that notes the following New appointments for light vehicle drive tests, learner permit and hazard perception tests can be booked by regional customers from Tuesday 29 September for appointments that are available from Monday 5 October. Having spoken to some persons today who had their driver tests previously cancelled it does appears generally that re-appointments are being made relatively easily - which is positive news. By the same token I do hope the backlog is not too excessive as many people have already been waiting months. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-licence-appointments-ope

13.01.2022 Local Men’s Sheds provide an important service in many regional communities and with COVID-19 restrictions in place it’s been an exceptionally tough time for those who are regular attendees and for Men’s Sheds themselves. The Newborough Men’s Shed has come up with an innovative way to assist with fundraising in these challenging times by way of a virtual sausage sizzle. Well done to the Newborough team and to all our local Men’s Sheds who do a fabulous job in their support of men whilst providing a terrific community service.

12.01.2022 Note some changes to Gippsland V/Line services over the next couple of days.

12.01.2022 Note the following comments from the Acting Premier. We're encouraging anyone who was at the cricket and who was seated in the Great Southern Stand, Zone 5, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm to go and get tested and isolate until they receive a result," Ms Allan said. "A COVID-safe plan was in place at the MCG for this cricket event and excellent ticketing allocation system was put in place by the MCG."... Anyone who was seated within the Zone 5 bubble will receive a text message in the next couple of hours, advising them of the confirmed case and requesting they get tested.

11.01.2022 Thanks to Janine for the kind words within her post and to the Express for the compassionate manner in which they conveyed Dayne’s story. Tragically Dayne passed away after being struck by a vehicle on the Princes Highway in Traralgon and subsequently Dayne’s parents Angela and Colin contacted myself and Gary Blackwood and raised legitimate concerns relating to poor visibility and lack of lighting in the area. With the help and support of Gary, Victoria Police, Latrobe Region...al Hospital. Latrobe City Council and Regional Roads Victoria a number of initiatives were instigated including the installation of solar lighting in the area where Dayne’s accident occurred. Maybe a small outcome in the bigger scheme of things but nonetheless an important one for Angela and Colin along with Dayne’s family and wide network of friends. Angela has also been involved in road safety campaigns with Victoria Police. I have come to know Angela and Colin quite well since Dayne’s accident and am in awe of their resilience, advocacy and positivity in such a tragic circumstance. Dayne would be so proud and rightly so. See more

11.01.2022 MEDIA STATEMENT FROM PREMIER TODAY 11th Oct 2020 Extra Testing Requirements As We Move To COVID Normal...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Below is a snapshot of the Federal Governments Budget handed down this evening. Federal Budget 2020: What it means for you - Yahoo Finance If you’re a taxpayer...Continue reading

10.01.2022 To all Sole Traders out there, please be advised that the Victorian Governments Sole Trader Support Fund has been extended. Applications for the Fund will remain open until funds are exhausted or 11.59pm on 30 December 2020, whichever is earlier.

09.01.2022 Some updated information on face coverings that are in effect from today. What is changing Face shields, bandanas, or scarves or loose snoods, loose buffs or loose gaiters on their own will no longer be considered a sufficient face covering. ...Continue reading

08.01.2022 Applications now open Support for Men’s Sheds payments Through the 2020 Men’s Shed Funding Program Support for Men’s Sheds, payments of $2,300 are available to men’s sheds across Victoria. These payments will assist men’s sheds to meet their most urgent expenses, so that shedders can sustainably reopen as strong and connected community organisations when Victoria’s restrictions ease. ... Applications close 30 November 2020. To apply, please complete the online application form on the Smarty Grants platform. A tip sheet about the Men’s Shed Funding Program is available to guide you through the process (see Related Resources on this page). If you have any questions about the Men’s Shed Funding Program, please email [email protected].

07.01.2022 A statement from the Premier today. Some important measures include that from 11:59pm on 13 December you’ll be able to host up to 30 people in your home which of course includes Christmas Day. Babies under 12 months won’t count towards the cap. From 11:59pm tonight, the number of visitors to your home will increase from two to 15 per day. That can be split across different times ten for lunch, and five for dinner as long as people are sticking to a total of 15. Outdoor ga...Continue reading

05.01.2022 Unfortunately a number of local residents have been waiting 5 days or longer for their COVID test results and you can well understand their frustration. It appears an IT issue at Dorevitch has been the problem which we understand has now been rectified. Nonetheless the reality is in contrast to the expectation that people should receive their result within 2 days as is noted on the Coronavirus website. You should get your test results within 2 days of being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19). You will usually receive a text message or phone call about your results. Sometimes there are delays and it can take longer. If you have not received your results within two days, contact the location where you had the test.

04.01.2022 Please note that from 11:59pm 11 October some changes come into effect in regards to the wearing of face coverings. Primarily the main changes are that face shields, bandanas and scarves on their own will no longer be considered as appropriate face coverings. Further information on these changes and face coverings more generally can be found below. What is changing *Face shields, bandanas, or scarves on their own will no longer be considered a sufficient face covering....Continue reading

03.01.2022 The LRH Virtual Fun Run & Walk weekend of Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2020. With restrictions in place so many community events have had to adapt. You ...can be part of a great event while you support our local health service team. Let's see how much ground we can cover for the hospital & how much we can raise to support our Emergency Department team. Run your own race, at your own pace The LRH Virtual Fun Run & Walk is all about creating a fun race and you choose the finish line! Sign up solo or get a team together and kick start your health and well-being goals while raising money for the hospital’s Emergency Department. Register online either individually or as part of a team for a 10km run, a 5km run or a 5km walk. Complete your race at any time over the weekend of Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2020. You can compete from any location you choose. Run, jog or walk on the road, on a beach, on a trail or track. The event will be professionally timed by the Sportsplits Tracker and you will be able to compare a side-by-side view of your own route versus our actual course route. https://www.mycause.com.au/events/lrhvirtualfunrunwalk

02.01.2022 An update on the Covid-19 situation across the State. Gippsland numbers are currently sitting at 1 for the entire region. Latrobe now has zero active cases!!!!... Let's keep up the good work!! Regional Victoria are currently in step 3 of the Regional Roadmap. For more information on step 3 please see link below: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/third-step-restrictions... Remember face masks are mandatory every time you leave the house.

01.01.2022 The Australian Paper Tyers Art Festival - Online Exhibition 2020 is always a terrific event and one that many of us look forward to attending in person each and... every year. Given COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions it's been determined that the Festival will be held as an online exhibition in 2020. Whilst this maybe a little different than normal, I'm sure the quality and breath of artworks across various mediums will be as strong as ever. We have some incredibly talented local artists and I'm constantly blown away by the quality of works that are submitted each year. I understand that two major Awards and five encouragement awards will be on offer, whilst as a popular vote will be cast by the general public for their favourite piece. Entries for the Tyers Art Festival Online Exhibition are now open and will close on Friday 23rd October 2020. Entry forms, conditions, how to submit and other information can be found online via the Tyers Art Festival website.