A mobile therapy bus based in Ballarat and Moorabool Shire is helping children and young people recover from family violence as part of a $21 million investment in therapeutic interventions for victim survivors.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said the Van Go Therapy bus was staffed by therapists and travelled to schools and other locations to offer tailored therapeutic support including art, music and play therapy to infants, children and young people.
Thanks to ongoing investment from the Andrews Labor Government almost 100 adults, children and young people in the Central Highlands will be supported by the therapeutic interventions each year, with 40 per cent of the funding dedicated to children and young people.
The Van Go Therapy bus, which will be expanded to Golden Plains (Meredith) and Hepburn (Creswick) during the first year and across other LGA’s in the Central Highlands over time, provides individual creative therapy.
It also offers group therapy for children and young people to address issues such as social isolation, including a ‘Little Picasso’ group for children aged under five and a ‘Da Vinci’ group for primary school children.
Group therapy sessions for parents and carers provide support for parenting and attachment issues while sessions for carers teach them how to use play therapies at school or at home with children.
The Family Violence – Creative and Therapeutic Services Consortium formed by support group WRISC, Ballarat Community Health and Berry Street is one of 13 mainstream organisations across Victoria to receive a share of the funding for therapeutic interventions.
This includes $5 million for therapeutic interventions for Aboriginal communities, with Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative funded to provide services for Aboriginal families in the Central Highlands.
The Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the need for therapeutic interventions that are well-tailored to the diverse identities of Victorians and focused on the needs of children and young people.
Quote attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“The Royal Commission told us that children and young people need tailored interventions to help them recover from the trauma of family violence and we’re funding innovative ideas that help them do this.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This delightful idea uses play, art and music to help infants, children and young people undergo creative therapy to help them on their journey of recovery after surviving family violence.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The Van Go Therapy bus is one of a number of great ideas bringing children and young people the treatment they need to work through the aftermath of family violence and rebuild their lives.”
A mobile therapy bus based in Ballarat and Moorabool Shire is helping children and young people recover from family violence as part of a $21 million investment in therapeutic interventions for victim survivors.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said the Van Go Therapy bus was staffed by therapists and travelled to schools and other locations to offer tailored therapeutic support including art, music and play therapy to infants, children and young people.
Thanks to ongoing investment from the Andrews Labor Government almost 100 adults, children and young people in the Central Highlands will be supported by the therapeutic interventions each year, with 40 per cent of the funding dedicated to children and young people.
The Van Go Therapy bus, which will be expanded to Golden Plains (Meredith) and Hepburn (Creswick) during the first year and across other LGA’s in the Central Highlands over time, provides individual creative therapy.
It also offers group therapy for children and young people to address issues such as social isolation, including a ‘Little Picasso’ group for children aged under five and a ‘Da Vinci’ group for primary school children.
Group therapy sessions for parents and carers provide support for parenting and attachment issues while sessions for carers teach them how to use play therapies at school or at home with children.
The Family Violence – Creative and Therapeutic Services Consortium formed by support group WRISC, Ballarat Community Health and Berry Street is one of 13 mainstream organisations across Victoria to receive a share of the funding for therapeutic interventions.
This includes $5 million for therapeutic interventions for Aboriginal communities, with Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative funded to provide services for Aboriginal families in the Central Highlands.
The Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the need for therapeutic interventions that are well-tailored to the diverse identities of Victorians and focused on the needs of children and young people.
Quote attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“The Royal Commission told us that children and young people need tailored interventions to help them recover from the trauma of family violence and we’re funding innovative ideas that help them do this.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This delightful idea uses play, art and music to help infants, children and young people undergo creative therapy to help them on their journey of recovery after surviving family violence.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The Van Go Therapy bus is one of a number of great ideas bringing children and young people the treatment they need to work through the aftermath of family violence and rebuild their lives.”
The Orange Door in Ballarat is another step closer to opening its doors, helping women, children and families in Central Highlands to escape family violence and get the help and support they need.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said senior staff have been recruited and a site chosen in central Ballarat, with redevelopment and refurbishment works due to commence early next year.
The Orange Door is a free service that makes it easier for victim survivors of family violence to get help by bringing together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services.
The Andrews Labor Government is joining with three partner agencies – Berry Street Victoria, Child & Family Services Ballarat and the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-Operative to develop this vital new facility.
Partner agencies are working collaboratively on recruitment and have appointed an Integrated Practice Leader, Advanced Family Violence Practice Leader and Aboriginal Practice Leader. Recruitment for other staff is ongoing.
The Orange Door site in Central Highlands will be the sixth Orange Door to open in Victoria – with 17 being rolled out across the state.
Across Victoria over 69,000 people have been referred to or directly sought help from The Orange Door since operations began, including more than 26,000 children.
To ensure The Orange Door is accessible to people across the whole of the Central Highlands, an Orange Door Access Point will be established in Bacchus Marsh staffed by family violence, child and family, and men’s services workers, and people will be able to walk in, call or be referred to the Ballarat service.
The Orange Door is funded by a $448 million investment by the Labor Government, as part of its record $2.9 billion efforts to address family violence.
Quote attributed to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“The Orange Door in Ballarat will offer a streamlined way for women, children, young people and families to get the help they need in a secure and compassionate environment.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“This is another significant step towards greater safety for women, children and their families in Ballarat, with The Orange Door offering safe refuge and quick help for victim survivors of family violence.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“When it opens next year The Orange Door in Ballarat will form part of a state-wide family violence response keeping women, children and families across Victoria safer.”
The Orange Door in Ballarat is another step closer to opening its doors, helping women, children and families in Central Highlands to escape family violence and get the help and support they need.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said senior staff have been recruited and a site chosen in central Ballarat, with redevelopment and refurbishment works due to commence early next year.
The Orange Door is a free service that makes it easier for victim survivors of family violence to get help by bringing together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services.
The Andrews Labor Government is joining with three partner agencies – Berry Street Victoria, Child & Family Services Ballarat and the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-Operative to develop this vital new facility.
Partner agencies are working collaboratively on recruitment and have appointed an Integrated Practice Leader, Advanced Family Violence Practice Leader and Aboriginal Practice Leader. Recruitment for other staff is ongoing.
The Orange Door site in Central Highlands will be the sixth Orange Door to open in Victoria – with 17 being rolled out across the state.
Across Victoria over 69,000 people have been referred to or directly sought help from The Orange Door since operations began, including more than 26,000 children.
To ensure The Orange Door is accessible to people across the whole of the Central Highlands, an Orange Door Access Point will be established in Bacchus Marsh staffed by family violence, child and family, and men’s services workers, and people will be able to walk in, call or be referred to the Ballarat service.
The Orange Door is funded by a $448 million investment by the Labor Government, as part of its record $2.9 billion efforts to address family violence.
Quote attributed to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“The Orange Door in Ballarat will offer a streamlined way for women, children, young people and families to get the help they need in a secure and compassionate environment.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“This is another significant step towards greater safety for women, children and their families in Ballarat, with The Orange Door offering safe refuge and quick help for victim survivors of family violence.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“When it opens next year The Orange Door in Ballarat will form part of a state-wide family violence response keeping women, children and families across Victoria safer.”
Baking students are gaining hands-on experience in an industry-standard environment and world-class facilities following an investment by the Labor Government.
Labor Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited Federation University’s SMB campus in Ballarat today to officially open the new Baking Training Centre.
The Government invested almost $840,000 in funding towards the new facility to support Federation University to purchase and install commercial-grade equipment so students can train in world-class facilities.
Federation University also contributed more than $700,000 to refurbish their training facilities.
Recent changes to the Certificate III in Bread Baking means apprentices will further expand their skills and improve their long-term job outcomes.
Ms Addison said the Baking Training Centre has established Federation University as a specialist training provider in this field and allows students to gain the experience they need to work in a commercial baking environment.
“These facilities will train Ballarat’s next generation of bakers. It means apprentices can build new skills to start their career right here in Ballarat,” Ms Addison said.
“We’re investing in TAFEs right across Victoria and what we are seeing on the ground is a revived sector that is delivering the training Victorians need in facilities that are world class,” she said.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the new centre has exceeded all expectations.
“The new Baking Training Centre will allow students to learn new skills in artisan bread making, croissants and other fine pastries that require specialist equipment and training,” Ms Bartlett said.
“The new centre will see Federation TAFE in Ballarat become the training hub for baking apprentices across Victoria,” she said.
The project is funded under the Regional and Specialist Training Fund, part of the Labor Government’s Skills First initiative, which is delivering training to respond to industry-led demand for specific skills in regions and specialist areas that are not being adequately met in the current training market.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE and training system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Baking students are gaining hands-on experience in an industry-standard environment and world-class facilities following an investment by the Labor Government.
Labor Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited Federation University’s SMB campus in Ballarat today to officially open the new Baking Training Centre.
The Government invested almost $840,000 in funding towards the new facility to support Federation University to purchase and install commercial-grade equipment so students can train in world-class facilities.
Federation University also contributed more than $700,000 to refurbish their training facilities.
Recent changes to the Certificate III in Bread Baking means apprentices will further expand their skills and improve their long-term job outcomes.
Ms Addison said the Baking Training Centre has established Federation University as a specialist training provider in this field and allows students to gain the experience they need to work in a commercial baking environment.
“These facilities will train Ballarat’s next generation of bakers. It means apprentices can build new skills to start their career right here in Ballarat,” Ms Addison said.
“We’re investing in TAFEs right across Victoria and what we are seeing on the ground is a revived sector that is delivering the training Victorians need in facilities that are world class,” she said.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the new centre has exceeded all expectations.
“The new Baking Training Centre will allow students to learn new skills in artisan bread making, croissants and other fine pastries that require specialist equipment and training,” Ms Bartlett said.
“The new centre will see Federation TAFE in Ballarat become the training hub for baking apprentices across Victoria,” she said.
The project is funded under the Regional and Specialist Training Fund, part of the Labor Government’s Skills First initiative, which is delivering training to respond to industry-led demand for specific skills in regions and specialist areas that are not being adequately met in the current training market.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE and training system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Works to construct a new roundabout at a high-risk Mt Rowan intersection are now complete, giving people driving through the area a safer journey thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said the new roundabout will boost safety for the 3800 vehicles that travel through the intersection every day.
The Labor Government has invested $1 million through the Fixing Country Roads Program to enable the City of Ballarat to build the new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Kennedys Road and Gillies Road at Mt Rowan.
The intersection is the meeting point of two high-speed roads and has been the site of seven crashes since 2013, resulting in three serious injuries. New LED lights have also been installed – enhancing visibility for drivers travelling through the roundabout.
The City of Ballarat also received a further $1.4 million under round two of the Fixing Country Roads Program to reconstruct a 480-metre section of the Ring Road between Learmonth Road and Gillies Street, and a 1.6km section of Gillies Road between Jubilee Road and Millers Road at Bald Hills.
Across Ballarat, pre-construction work has also begun at the intersection of Sturt Street and Raglan and Ascot streets before the installation of new traffic lights gets underway this week. Further safety upgrades at the remaining four intersections – Talbot, Errard, Lyons and Windermere streets – will be rolled out along Sturt Street in 2020.
Regional Roads Victoria is also currently reviewing feedback from the community regarding a proposed shared user path in the city’s CBD as it progresses towards the release of more detailed designs as part of the Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections project.
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“This new roundabout will make this busy intersection safer for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Ben Taylor
“The completion of the new roundabout at Gillies and Kennedy’s Road represents a huge reduction in risk for motorists using the intersection and a major improvement in road safety in the area.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Whether it’s the new roundabout at the Kennedys and Gillies road intersections or our upgrades to Sturt Street – we’re boosting safety for drivers right across Ballarat.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“Regional roads link our communities – it’s always great to see road improvements underway and works completed that will boost safety for people driving, cycling or walking around Ballarat.”
Works to construct a new roundabout at a high-risk Mt Rowan intersection are now complete, giving people driving through the area a safer journey thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said the new roundabout will boost safety for the 3800 vehicles that travel through the intersection every day.
The Labor Government has invested $1 million through the Fixing Country Roads Program to enable the City of Ballarat to build the new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Kennedys Road and Gillies Road at Mt Rowan.
The intersection is the meeting point of two high-speed roads and has been the site of seven crashes since 2013, resulting in three serious injuries. New LED lights have also been installed – enhancing visibility for drivers travelling through the roundabout.
The City of Ballarat also received a further $1.4 million under round two of the Fixing Country Roads Program to reconstruct a 480-metre section of the Ring Road between Learmonth Road and Gillies Street, and a 1.6km section of Gillies Road between Jubilee Road and Millers Road at Bald Hills.
Across Ballarat, pre-construction work has also begun at the intersection of Sturt Street and Raglan and Ascot streets before the installation of new traffic lights gets underway this week. Further safety upgrades at the remaining four intersections – Talbot, Errard, Lyons and Windermere streets – will be rolled out along Sturt Street in 2020.
Regional Roads Victoria is also currently reviewing feedback from the community regarding a proposed shared user path in the city’s CBD as it progresses towards the release of more detailed designs as part of the Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections project.
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“This new roundabout will make this busy intersection safer for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Ben Taylor
“The completion of the new roundabout at Gillies and Kennedy’s Road represents a huge reduction in risk for motorists using the intersection and a major improvement in road safety in the area.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Whether it’s the new roundabout at the Kennedys and Gillies road intersections or our upgrades to Sturt Street – we’re boosting safety for drivers right across Ballarat.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“Regional roads link our communities – it’s always great to see road improvements underway and works completed that will boost safety for people driving, cycling or walking around Ballarat.”
The Victorian Government has delivered on its promise to ban lightweight plastic shopping bags to reduce plastic pollution and help protect the environment.
The Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said from today, all lightweight plastic shopping bags are banned from local retailers including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores, and service stations and more.
The ban includes all lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less and includes bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
The Government has listened to the community and the overwhelming number of responses during community consultation indicated people are concerned by the impacts of plastic on our environment and in support for a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags.
Information about the bag ban has been made available for retailers, suppliers, local councils and community through media, websites, hotline services and visits to retail precincts across Victoria.
Ms Addison said the Government is taking action to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
“Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental problem because it breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces over time, becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” Ms Addison said.
“Everyone in Ballarat can do their bit to help reduce the impact of plastic pollution on our local environment by remembering to take reusable bags when shopping. It’s a small but important step in the right direction,” she said.
There is growing evidence of the damage caused to the environment by plastic bags. They can end up in our waterways, lakes and oceans posing a significant hazard to marine life and contaminating our recycling systems.
For more information on the banning of lightweight plastic shopping bags visit: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/plastic-pollution
The Victorian Government has delivered on its promise to ban lightweight plastic shopping bags to reduce plastic pollution and help protect the environment.
The Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said from today, all lightweight plastic shopping bags are banned from local retailers including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores, and service stations and more.
The ban includes all lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less and includes bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
The Government has listened to the community and the overwhelming number of responses during community consultation indicated people are concerned by the impacts of plastic on our environment and in support for a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags.
Information about the bag ban has been made available for retailers, suppliers, local councils and community through media, websites, hotline services and visits to retail precincts across Victoria.
Ms Addison said the Government is taking action to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
“Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental problem because it breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces over time, becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” Ms Addison said.
“Everyone in Ballarat can do their bit to help reduce the impact of plastic pollution on our local environment by remembering to take reusable bags when shopping. It’s a small but important step in the right direction,” she said.
There is growing evidence of the damage caused to the environment by plastic bags. They can end up in our waterways, lakes and oceans posing a significant hazard to marine life and contaminating our recycling systems.
For more information on the banning of lightweight plastic shopping bags visit: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/plastic-pollution
Students across Ballarat’s north-eastern suburbs now have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities, thanks to investment by the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison at Woodmans Hill Secondary College today to inspect the new VCE centre, performing arts spaces, food technology spaces and canteen completed as part of stage one of the Labor Government’s $6 million upgrade.
Construction is well underway on the second and final stage of the project, which will deliver an integrated learning centre.
The Labor Government has invested $6.1 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting over 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school and get a great start in life. This includes Lucas Primary in Ballarat’s booming west, which is set to open in 2020.
The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and get a great education.
The final stage of Woodmans Hill Secondary’s upgrade is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Families in Ballarat deserve the very best school facilities – that’s why we’re rebuilding Woodmans Hill Secondary to give each child every chance to succeed.”
“Woodmans Hill Secondary already has some of the best teachers, students and staff – soon they’ll have the best classrooms and facilities to match.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“I share the passion and excitement of everyone who has helped to turn Woodmans Hill Secondary College’s vision into a reality. These new buildings will give local students the facilities they need to grow and prosper.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Whether it’s rebuilding and upgrading our schools or investing in early childhood services, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering the support students across Ballarat need to thrive.”
Students across Ballarat’s north-eastern suburbs now have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities, thanks to investment by the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison at Woodmans Hill Secondary College today to inspect the new VCE centre, performing arts spaces, food technology spaces and canteen completed as part of stage one of the Labor Government’s $6 million upgrade.
Construction is well underway on the second and final stage of the project, which will deliver an integrated learning centre.
The Labor Government has invested $6.1 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting over 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school and get a great start in life. This includes Lucas Primary in Ballarat’s booming west, which is set to open in 2020.
The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and get a great education.
The final stage of Woodmans Hill Secondary’s upgrade is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Families in Ballarat deserve the very best school facilities – that’s why we’re rebuilding Woodmans Hill Secondary to give each child every chance to succeed.”
“Woodmans Hill Secondary already has some of the best teachers, students and staff – soon they’ll have the best classrooms and facilities to match.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“I share the passion and excitement of everyone who has helped to turn Woodmans Hill Secondary College’s vision into a reality. These new buildings will give local students the facilities they need to grow and prosper.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Whether it’s rebuilding and upgrading our schools or investing in early childhood services, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering the support students across Ballarat need to thrive.”
More regional Victorians will be able to get the world-class care they need closer to home with grants now open for the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Premier Daniel Andrews officially launched the latest round of the RHIF today – made possible by a $100 million boost in this year’s Victorian Budget – at the opening of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub, which was built thanks to this fund.
The new $6 million health hub means Aboriginal Victorians living in the Ballarat region have better access to GPs, specialist consultants, mental health supports, and alcohol and drug services alongside cultural meeting spaces.
The Labor Government is supporting rural and regional health and aged care services to expand capacity, improve safety, quality and efficiency and deliver better care to patients no matter where they live.
This year’s boost takes the fund’s total to $350 million, helping deliver vital upgrades for rural and regional health and aged care services to ensure all Victorians can access the world-class care they need.
Over the past three years, the RHIF has funded 284 projects across regional Victoria, creating more than 430 construction jobs along the way.
Health services are encouraged to apply for grants for construction and refurbishment projects, technology upgrades and state-of-the-art medical and engineering equipment.
The Labor Government is also getting on with delivering a massive $3.8 billion pipeline of hospital projects to ensure patients get the very best care, when they need it most.
Rural and regional hospitals, health services and agencies can make submissions at https://dhhs.smartygrants.com.au/RHIFR4 from 9am Friday, 1 November, 2019.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I know how important local health services are to local communities. We’re making sure more regional patients can get the world class care they need with this landmark infrastructure fund.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We’re backing regional doctors and nurses to do what they do best, in upgraded facilities right across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Local patients deserve the very best care, in a comfortable environment, closer to home and loved ones – this new facility will give our Aboriginal community the dedicated facilities they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This new medical and regional health hub means our local Aboriginal community will have better access to GPs, specialist consultations and other important culturally-sensitive services.”
More regional Victorians will be able to get the world-class care they need closer to home with grants now open for the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Premier Daniel Andrews officially launched the latest round of the RHIF today – made possible by a $100 million boost in this year’s Victorian Budget – at the opening of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub, which was built thanks to this fund.
The new $6 million health hub means Aboriginal Victorians living in the Ballarat region have better access to GPs, specialist consultants, mental health supports, and alcohol and drug services alongside cultural meeting spaces.
The Labor Government is supporting rural and regional health and aged care services to expand capacity, improve safety, quality and efficiency and deliver better care to patients no matter where they live.
This year’s boost takes the fund’s total to $350 million, helping deliver vital upgrades for rural and regional health and aged care services to ensure all Victorians can access the world-class care they need.
Over the past three years, the RHIF has funded 284 projects across regional Victoria, creating more than 430 construction jobs along the way.
Health services are encouraged to apply for grants for construction and refurbishment projects, technology upgrades and state-of-the-art medical and engineering equipment.
The Labor Government is also getting on with delivering a massive $3.8 billion pipeline of hospital projects to ensure patients get the very best care, when they need it most.
Rural and regional hospitals, health services and agencies can make submissions at https://dhhs.smartygrants.com.au/RHIFR4 from 9am Friday, 1 November, 2019.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I know how important local health services are to local communities. We’re making sure more regional patients can get the world class care they need with this landmark infrastructure fund.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We’re backing regional doctors and nurses to do what they do best, in upgraded facilities right across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Local patients deserve the very best care, in a comfortable environment, closer to home and loved ones – this new facility will give our Aboriginal community the dedicated facilities they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This new medical and regional health hub means our local Aboriginal community will have better access to GPs, specialist consultations and other important culturally-sensitive services.”
The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program is continuing to drive Victoria’s transition to more affordable household energy, with 46,000 installations of solar PV, solar hot water and solar batteries completed across Victoria since the program’s launch.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today visited the home of 85-year-old Dulcie Corbett to release new data showing that over 1,700 households in Ballarat and district have had solar systems installed.
Solar Homes is delivering a pipeline of cleaner, cheaper energy in every corner of the state, with over 62,000 applications for solar panels, solar hot water and solar batteries so far secured by Victorian households.
Victorians living in regional and rural Victoria are embracing the transition to renewables, with figures showing 42% of rebate applications secured by households outside of Melbourne.
In the wider Ballarat region, there have been 1,751 installations across the Wendouree, Buninyong and Ripon electorates.
Ms Addison said Solar Homes is reducing energy bills for families most in need of relief, with 69 per cent of solar rebates going to households with incomes of less than $104,000.
“Solar Homes is helping local families in Ballarat and Western Victoria to take control of their energy bills and save hundreds each year,” she said.
“The latest figures show that Solar Homes has been very popular in Ballarat, which also means our region is playing a part in Victoria’s efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change,” Ms Addison said.
Ms Corbett said the installation of solar has led to big savings for her household budget.
“I’m so pleased with my solar panels. They’ve made a read difference to my power bills and I also feel like I’m doing something positive for the environment,” Ms Corbett said.
Since July 1st, the Solar Homes program has been speedily converting solar PV rebate applications into installations with most applications approved and installations completed within the month they are allocated to the customer.
Solar Homes is driving a 46% increase in the uptake of solar PV across the state, with residential installations in 2019 on track to deliver solar panels to 60,000 households, compared to about 41,000 installations in 2018.
Electorates in Western Victoria have all embraced the program including:
Wendouree 726.
Buninyong 524
Ripon 501.
South West Coast 424.
Polwarth 366.
Lowan 337.
The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program is continuing to drive Victoria’s transition to more affordable household energy, with 46,000 installations of solar PV, solar hot water and solar batteries completed across Victoria since the program’s launch.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today visited the home of 85-year-old Dulcie Corbett to release new data showing that over 1,700 households in Ballarat and district have had solar systems installed.
Solar Homes is delivering a pipeline of cleaner, cheaper energy in every corner of the state, with over 62,000 applications for solar panels, solar hot water and solar batteries so far secured by Victorian households.
Victorians living in regional and rural Victoria are embracing the transition to renewables, with figures showing 42% of rebate applications secured by households outside of Melbourne.
In the wider Ballarat region, there have been 1,751 installations across the Wendouree, Buninyong and Ripon electorates.
Ms Addison said Solar Homes is reducing energy bills for families most in need of relief, with 69 per cent of solar rebates going to households with incomes of less than $104,000.
“Solar Homes is helping local families in Ballarat and Western Victoria to take control of their energy bills and save hundreds each year,” she said.
“The latest figures show that Solar Homes has been very popular in Ballarat, which also means our region is playing a part in Victoria’s efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change,” Ms Addison said.
Ms Corbett said the installation of solar has led to big savings for her household budget.
“I’m so pleased with my solar panels. They’ve made a read difference to my power bills and I also feel like I’m doing something positive for the environment,” Ms Corbett said.
Since July 1st, the Solar Homes program has been speedily converting solar PV rebate applications into installations with most applications approved and installations completed within the month they are allocated to the customer.
Solar Homes is driving a 46% increase in the uptake of solar PV across the state, with residential installations in 2019 on track to deliver solar panels to 60,000 households, compared to about 41,000 installations in 2018.
Electorates in Western Victoria have all embraced the program including:
Wendouree 726.
Buninyong 524
Ripon 501.
South West Coast 424.
Polwarth 366.
Lowan 337.