Women leaving prison will now have more support for housing security, financial independence and improved employment prospects.
The Andrews Labor Government has expanded the services provided by registered housing provider Women’s Housing Limited at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre to include a $2.8 million program to divert women on short sentences and remand into housing and support programs.
The program will assist women leaving prison find accommodation and referrals to services such as legal assistance.
The program is complemented by a new service that seeks to improve women’s access to employment when they return to life in the community. Women’s Employment Specialists are now working across the prison system to improve job prospects for women in preparation for their release.
This includes providing pathways for women to employer groups that match industry needs, and providing better access to non-traditional industries, such as trades, logistics, engineering and construction.
The employment program is part of a wider $5.8 million initiative that includes family engagement workers and a family therapy service which highlights the key role family plays in rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
The Government is also securing training and education needs of prisoners with two Vocational Education and Training Centres of Excellence (COE) to be established at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in the coming financial year.
The COE will provide employment services, such as referrals and links to employers and industry groups, and will include a 12-week intensive hospitality and catering program and an intensive civil construction program.
Three additional Aboriginal women’s support workers have also been engaged to expand the legal and transition support service that Djirra provides Aboriginal women in prison.
The Government is also pleased to announce the appointment of the Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison as the Chair of the Women’s Correctional Services Advisory Committee – a two-year voluntary position.
Established in 2003, the committee provides independent advice to the Minister for Corrections to inform gender- responsive approaches to policies, programs and services for women in the corrections system.
Ms Addison is replacing previous Chair, Ingrid Stitt MP, who became a Minister in late 2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins
“Helping women leaving prison turn their lives around with suitable housing, employment and training provides future security, and will help reduce their chances of re-offending.”
“Julianna brings together her passion and experience in health and employment for vulnerable Victorians to this new role, and I congratulate her on her appointment.”
Quote attributable to Women’s Correctional Services Advisory Committee Chair Juliana Addison
“I welcome the opportunity to work with diverse and expert stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing women offenders and to provide strategic advice to the Minister about our correctional services and programs.”
Women leaving prison will now have more support for housing security, financial independence and improved employment prospects.
The Andrews Labor Government has expanded the services provided by registered housing provider Women’s Housing Limited at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre to include a $2.8 million program to divert women on short sentences and remand into housing and support programs.
The program will assist women leaving prison find accommodation and referrals to services such as legal assistance.
The program is complemented by a new service that seeks to improve women’s access to employment when they return to life in the community. Women’s Employment Specialists are now working across the prison system to improve job prospects for women in preparation for their release.
This includes providing pathways for women to employer groups that match industry needs, and providing better access to non-traditional industries, such as trades, logistics, engineering and construction.
The employment program is part of a wider $5.8 million initiative that includes family engagement workers and a family therapy service which highlights the key role family plays in rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
The Government is also securing training and education needs of prisoners with two Vocational Education and Training Centres of Excellence (COE) to be established at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in the coming financial year.
The COE will provide employment services, such as referrals and links to employers and industry groups, and will include a 12-week intensive hospitality and catering program and an intensive civil construction program.
Three additional Aboriginal women’s support workers have also been engaged to expand the legal and transition support service that Djirra provides Aboriginal women in prison.
The Government is also pleased to announce the appointment of the Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison as the Chair of the Women’s Correctional Services Advisory Committee – a two-year voluntary position.
Established in 2003, the committee provides independent advice to the Minister for Corrections to inform gender- responsive approaches to policies, programs and services for women in the corrections system.
Ms Addison is replacing previous Chair, Ingrid Stitt MP, who became a Minister in late 2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins
“Helping women leaving prison turn their lives around with suitable housing, employment and training provides future security, and will help reduce their chances of re-offending.”
“Julianna brings together her passion and experience in health and employment for vulnerable Victorians to this new role, and I congratulate her on her appointment.”
Quote attributable to Women’s Correctional Services Advisory Committee Chair Juliana Addison
“I welcome the opportunity to work with diverse and expert stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing women offenders and to provide strategic advice to the Minister about our correctional services and programs.”
The Andrews Labor Government is creating new jobs in 13 key community organisations which will help people most affected by the pandemic, including women, young people, people with disability and Aboriginal Victorians.
As part of the Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria fund, a further 178 jobs are being created across metropolitan and regional communities including eight jobs at McCallum Disability Services in Ballarat.
People with disabilities have been unable to participate in their everyday lives during coronavirus and the new jobs with McCallum Disability Services will help them and their families return to their daily activities, work and access disability support services in a safe way.
These roles will also help to support more people with disability and their families access services through an app that will help them to chat directly with the service and get information on programs and services offered.
The roles will also create job opportunities for people with disabilities by working with Ballarat and St Arnaud businesses.
In communities across the state, the jobs will help organisations manage the surge in demand for services due to the effects of coronavirus. This includes additional workers allowing community organisations to provide food relief to vulnerable people, outreach to multicultural communities and direct support to young people and their families.
Save the Children will be able to expand services to young people, children and families who have experienced increased levels of anxiety and family and domestic violence concerns. They will also be able to expand their in-school psychosocial program to children and young people impacted by bushfires and coronavirus.
Sustain: The Australian Food Network will provide training and work to people with disability, newly arrived migrants and refugees to fast-track the expansion of the Melbourne Food Hub and the Cardina Community Food Hub to source produce directly from small local producers.
Working for Victoria has already partnered with more than 80 community organisations to create more than 1,500 jobs in organisations providing critical community services across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Since launching last April, Working for Victoria has created more than 12,000 jobs, including supporting people who have lost their jobs due to the impacts of coronavirus. For more information or to register for Working for Victoria go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“Working for Victoria is a great program that supports people back into work and delivers for the community by backing organisations that provide vital services.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“McCallum Disability Services is a real Ballarat success story and it’s fantastic that this funding will provide more opportunities for people with a disability to find rewarding work.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“These new jobs will create local work opportunities for people in the Ballarat community giving people the chance to get back on their feet and help some of our most vulnerable community members.”
The Andrews Labor Government is creating new jobs in 13 key community organisations which will help people most affected by the pandemic, including women, young people, people with disability and Aboriginal Victorians.
As part of the Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria fund, a further 178 jobs are being created across metropolitan and regional communities including eight jobs at McCallum Disability Services in Ballarat.
People with disabilities have been unable to participate in their everyday lives during coronavirus and the new jobs with McCallum Disability Services will help them and their families return to their daily activities, work and access disability support services in a safe way.
These roles will also help to support more people with disability and their families access services through an app that will help them to chat directly with the service and get information on programs and services offered.
The roles will also create job opportunities for people with disabilities by working with Ballarat and St Arnaud businesses.
In communities across the state, the jobs will help organisations manage the surge in demand for services due to the effects of coronavirus. This includes additional workers allowing community organisations to provide food relief to vulnerable people, outreach to multicultural communities and direct support to young people and their families.
Save the Children will be able to expand services to young people, children and families who have experienced increased levels of anxiety and family and domestic violence concerns. They will also be able to expand their in-school psychosocial program to children and young people impacted by bushfires and coronavirus.
Sustain: The Australian Food Network will provide training and work to people with disability, newly arrived migrants and refugees to fast-track the expansion of the Melbourne Food Hub and the Cardina Community Food Hub to source produce directly from small local producers.
Working for Victoria has already partnered with more than 80 community organisations to create more than 1,500 jobs in organisations providing critical community services across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Since launching last April, Working for Victoria has created more than 12,000 jobs, including supporting people who have lost their jobs due to the impacts of coronavirus. For more information or to register for Working for Victoria go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“Working for Victoria is a great program that supports people back into work and delivers for the community by backing organisations that provide vital services.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“McCallum Disability Services is a real Ballarat success story and it’s fantastic that this funding will provide more opportunities for people with a disability to find rewarding work.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“These new jobs will create local work opportunities for people in the Ballarat community giving people the chance to get back on their feet and help some of our most vulnerable community members.”
The Andrews Labor Government has launched a new effort to drive gender equality across Victoria’s 79 councils.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced the formation of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee, which will be co-chaired by Labor MPs Juliana Addison and Kat Theophanous.
The committee will draw on the experience of women from across the sector to ensure the local government sector can harness the benefits of equality for all Victorians
Expressions of Interest are now open for ten places on the committee, open for mayors, councillors, chief executives, or senior council officers and sector leaders will be encouraged to put forward suitable people to serve.
The committee will advise the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams, on how to deliver the Government’s target of 50 per cent female mayors and councillors by 2025.
In addition, the committee will drive implementation of the Australian-first Gender Equality Act across local government. Its work will complement the newly established Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Dr Niki Vincent.
The committee will also include representatives from the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, the Australian Services Union, the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, Local Government Professionals and Reconciliation Victoria.
Following the 2020 local government elections, 272 women were elected to council – representing 43.8 per cent of councillors. While a new high for both Victoria and the nation, there is still some way to go to achieve the 50 per cent target by 2025.
Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“Victoria has made tremendous progress on gender equality in local government. This new committee will focus on gender equality across the sector and build collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to the issues.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams
“Victoria is leading the way in pursuit of gender equality. I’m looking forward to working with the committee to ensure we meet our goals – because gender equality benefits all of us.”
Quote attributable to Kat Theophanous MP
“I’m delighted to be appointed co-chair of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee. This is a great opportunity for us to make a real difference for women in local government.”
Quote attributable to Juliana Addison MP
“This is an exciting time for local government, with record numbers of female councillors. I’m excited to have this opportunity to contribute to breaking down barriers in the workplace and making sure all Victorians benefit from gender equality.”
The Andrews Labor Government has launched a new effort to drive gender equality across Victoria’s 79 councils.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced the formation of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee, which will be co-chaired by Labor MPs Juliana Addison and Kat Theophanous.
The committee will draw on the experience of women from across the sector to ensure the local government sector can harness the benefits of equality for all Victorians
Expressions of Interest are now open for ten places on the committee, open for mayors, councillors, chief executives, or senior council officers and sector leaders will be encouraged to put forward suitable people to serve.
The committee will advise the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams, on how to deliver the Government’s target of 50 per cent female mayors and councillors by 2025.
In addition, the committee will drive implementation of the Australian-first Gender Equality Act across local government. Its work will complement the newly established Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Dr Niki Vincent.
The committee will also include representatives from the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, the Australian Services Union, the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, Local Government Professionals and Reconciliation Victoria.
Following the 2020 local government elections, 272 women were elected to council – representing 43.8 per cent of councillors. While a new high for both Victoria and the nation, there is still some way to go to achieve the 50 per cent target by 2025.
Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“Victoria has made tremendous progress on gender equality in local government. This new committee will focus on gender equality across the sector and build collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to the issues.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams
“Victoria is leading the way in pursuit of gender equality. I’m looking forward to working with the committee to ensure we meet our goals – because gender equality benefits all of us.”
Quote attributable to Kat Theophanous MP
“I’m delighted to be appointed co-chair of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee. This is a great opportunity for us to make a real difference for women in local government.”
Quote attributable to Juliana Addison MP
“This is an exciting time for local government, with record numbers of female councillors. I’m excited to have this opportunity to contribute to breaking down barriers in the workplace and making sure all Victorians benefit from gender equality.”
Hundreds of students and families will have a safer journey to and from school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s investment in new pedestrian lights at a busy intersection on Sturt Street.
Works have started on the installation of new pedestrian-operated traffic lights at the intersection of Sturt, Russell and Morrison streets.
The work is funded as part of the Government’s $4.8 million investment in improving connections between Ballarat’s CBD and the city’s rapidly expanding western suburbs.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said with traffic volumes increasing on the western end of Sturt Street as the city grows, the new lights will make it easier and safer for students to cross the busy road.
Installation of the lights follows a series of upgrades in the area, including extending the east-bound right turning lane from Sturt Street into Russell Street.
A left-turn lane from Russell Street into Sturt Street has also been built and will be opened to traffic once the new pedestrian lights are complete.
The school crossing near Loreto College will be removed and students will use the new signalised intersection to cross Sturt Street instead.
As well as improving safety, these upgrades will improve the flow of traffic, particularly during peak work and school times.
Other works delivered as part of the Sturt Street West Improvements package include upgrades to the intersections of Sturt Street and Wanliss, Vale and Longley streets, as well as improvements on service roads around Ballarat High School and Ballarat Clarendon College.
Installation of the new traffic lights is expected to take about six weeks to complete.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“These changes are all about making sure everyone travelling along the busy western end of Sturt Street can get to where they need to go safely and efficiently.”
“Once they’re installed, the new traffic lights will make it safer for everyone to cross the street – including the hundreds of students who walk to and from schools in the area each day.”
Hundreds of students and families will have a safer journey to and from school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s investment in new pedestrian lights at a busy intersection on Sturt Street.
Works have started on the installation of new pedestrian-operated traffic lights at the intersection of Sturt, Russell and Morrison streets.
The work is funded as part of the Government’s $4.8 million investment in improving connections between Ballarat’s CBD and the city’s rapidly expanding western suburbs.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said with traffic volumes increasing on the western end of Sturt Street as the city grows, the new lights will make it easier and safer for students to cross the busy road.
Installation of the lights follows a series of upgrades in the area, including extending the east-bound right turning lane from Sturt Street into Russell Street.
A left-turn lane from Russell Street into Sturt Street has also been built and will be opened to traffic once the new pedestrian lights are complete.
The school crossing near Loreto College will be removed and students will use the new signalised intersection to cross Sturt Street instead.
As well as improving safety, these upgrades will improve the flow of traffic, particularly during peak work and school times.
Other works delivered as part of the Sturt Street West Improvements package include upgrades to the intersections of Sturt Street and Wanliss, Vale and Longley streets, as well as improvements on service roads around Ballarat High School and Ballarat Clarendon College.
Installation of the new traffic lights is expected to take about six weeks to complete.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“These changes are all about making sure everyone travelling along the busy western end of Sturt Street can get to where they need to go safely and efficiently.”
“Once they’re installed, the new traffic lights will make it safer for everyone to cross the street – including the hundreds of students who walk to and from schools in the area each day.”
Ballarat will be the home of a new state-of-the-art business centre, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited the site of the new Federation University Business Centre of Excellence on Lydiard Street, which is expected to open in late 2022.
She said the project was made possible through a $9.5 million government grant and would boost regional education, skills and innovation as well as kickstart the University Town Precinct in the Ballarat CBD.
Federation University will modernise its existing Business School by enhancing the SMB campus through the refurbishment of the former School of Mines heritage building and the former Carlton United Breweries site.
IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT) will provide in-kind support through technology and expertise to help establish the facility, which will provide access to cutting-edge technology, research and learning.
The facility will feature a range of learning and teaching spaces, facilities for researchers and spaces for community and industry engagement.
The project is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
The unprecedented $350 million fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“We are proud to be investing in this exciting project that will boost local jobs, grow the economy and strengthen Ballarat’s profile as a leading innovative city.”
“The creation of the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence is a great example of universities working with government and industry to ensure regional areas have highly skilled workers to fill high value jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley
“Over the past 150 years, Federation University and our regional communities have shown incredible ability to adapt to change and seize opportunities during times of upheaval –and the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence will build on this foundation.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The new Business Centre of Excellence will further enhance the vibrancy of Ballarat, boost the local economy and create more jobs and will be most welcomed by students and local business.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This is a really important investment that will help deliver a leading-edge Business Centre of Excellence in the heart of Ballarat that will kickstart the University Town Precinct.”
Ballarat will be the home of a new state-of-the-art business centre, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited the site of the new Federation University Business Centre of Excellence on Lydiard Street, which is expected to open in late 2022.
She said the project was made possible through a $9.5 million government grant and would boost regional education, skills and innovation as well as kickstart the University Town Precinct in the Ballarat CBD.
Federation University will modernise its existing Business School by enhancing the SMB campus through the refurbishment of the former School of Mines heritage building and the former Carlton United Breweries site.
IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT) will provide in-kind support through technology and expertise to help establish the facility, which will provide access to cutting-edge technology, research and learning.
The facility will feature a range of learning and teaching spaces, facilities for researchers and spaces for community and industry engagement.
The project is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
The unprecedented $350 million fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“We are proud to be investing in this exciting project that will boost local jobs, grow the economy and strengthen Ballarat’s profile as a leading innovative city.”
“The creation of the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence is a great example of universities working with government and industry to ensure regional areas have highly skilled workers to fill high value jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley
“Over the past 150 years, Federation University and our regional communities have shown incredible ability to adapt to change and seize opportunities during times of upheaval –and the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence will build on this foundation.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The new Business Centre of Excellence will further enhance the vibrancy of Ballarat, boost the local economy and create more jobs and will be most welcomed by students and local business.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This is a really important investment that will help deliver a leading-edge Business Centre of Excellence in the heart of Ballarat that will kickstart the University Town Precinct.”
More than 300 V/Line train drivers are learning to drive on new infrastructure, in preparation for dozens of extra services to run on the Ballarat line.
Drivers are familiarising themselves with key improvements delivered as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, including additional tracks, updated signalling and new platforms.
V/Line’s 46 Ballarat depot drivers and a further 274 Melbourne-based drivers are completing training in the classroom and in the driving simulator, as well as on-track training along the line.
Practical Driver Trainers are guiding staff through the new infrastructure, which includes second platforms at Wendouree, Ballan and Bacchus Marsh stations and new passing loops at Ballan and Millbrook.
The drivers are familiarising themselves with the locations of signals, allowed speeds, platform stopping locations and braking points on the upgraded line.
The training program involves trains running along the Ballarat line both during the day and at night, so pedestrians and drivers are reminded to obey the warning signs at level crossings.
V/Line has recruited more than 100 trainee drivers over the past three years to support its growing network and help deliver more services.
The final phase of works on the Victorian and Australian governments’ Ballarat Line Upgrade is drawing to a close, with the vital commissioning work ensuring the new signalling system and infrastructure is ready for trains to use.
More than 250 crew have worked around the clock since 28 December to integrate the new track and infrastructure into the existing rail line – with all resurfacing and track duplication work completed at seven level crossings in the first nine days of the disruption, minimising disruption for communities along the line in Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and Ballan.
Coaches will continue to replace trains on sections of the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines until Saturday 30 January 2021 for final works, before passenger trains return to the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines on Sunday 31 January, when and commuters will enjoy 125 new weekly services as part of a new timetable.
Passengers can view the new timetable at vline.com.au/timetables.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“I’m so excited to see Ballarat passengers benefiting from the Ballarat Line Upgrade and it’s crucial we give drivers and staff the right training to use this great new infrastructure.”
“The drivers on the Ballarat line are committed to delivering safe and reliable services and I thank them for their hard work during this training program.”
More than 300 V/Line train drivers are learning to drive on new infrastructure, in preparation for dozens of extra services to run on the Ballarat line.
Drivers are familiarising themselves with key improvements delivered as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, including additional tracks, updated signalling and new platforms.
V/Line’s 46 Ballarat depot drivers and a further 274 Melbourne-based drivers are completing training in the classroom and in the driving simulator, as well as on-track training along the line.
Practical Driver Trainers are guiding staff through the new infrastructure, which includes second platforms at Wendouree, Ballan and Bacchus Marsh stations and new passing loops at Ballan and Millbrook.
The drivers are familiarising themselves with the locations of signals, allowed speeds, platform stopping locations and braking points on the upgraded line.
The training program involves trains running along the Ballarat line both during the day and at night, so pedestrians and drivers are reminded to obey the warning signs at level crossings.
V/Line has recruited more than 100 trainee drivers over the past three years to support its growing network and help deliver more services.
The final phase of works on the Victorian and Australian governments’ Ballarat Line Upgrade is drawing to a close, with the vital commissioning work ensuring the new signalling system and infrastructure is ready for trains to use.
More than 250 crew have worked around the clock since 28 December to integrate the new track and infrastructure into the existing rail line – with all resurfacing and track duplication work completed at seven level crossings in the first nine days of the disruption, minimising disruption for communities along the line in Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and Ballan.
Coaches will continue to replace trains on sections of the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines until Saturday 30 January 2021 for final works, before passenger trains return to the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines on Sunday 31 January, when and commuters will enjoy 125 new weekly services as part of a new timetable.
Passengers can view the new timetable at vline.com.au/timetables.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“I’m so excited to see Ballarat passengers benefiting from the Ballarat Line Upgrade and it’s crucial we give drivers and staff the right training to use this great new infrastructure.”
“The drivers on the Ballarat line are committed to delivering safe and reliable services and I thank them for their hard work during this training program.”
The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to back veterans and ensure they have the support they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison welcomed Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane at the Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre today to announce a recent grant.
The Centre has received $7,400 through the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund to develop a new website to keep veterans informed and ensure they stay connected wherever they are.
There are an estimated 5,000 veterans living in the Ballarat region and about double that across the whole of the Western District.
The Centre opened in 2019 and was established to provide a one-stop-shop for veterans to seek support, find information and connect with one another.
It’s a partnership between the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia – Ballarat sub-branch, the
Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club and the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association of Victoria.
It is also supported by the City of Ballarat and the Ballarat RSL branch.
The new grant will help the Centre continue their good work, with further funding currently up for grabs for similar ex-service organisations across Victoria.
It includes the second round of the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund which supports organisations providing direct assistance to veterans.
The Victoria Remembers Grants Program offers grants of up to $30,000 for projects that honour and commemorate the service of veterans or educate Victorians about the contributions of servicemen and women.
The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program supports projects to restore or improve war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour with grants of up to $30,000.
Ex-service organisations, local government authorities, not-for-profits and educational institutions working to support veterans and their families in Ballarat and surrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/support-veterans.
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring veterans living in Victoria are provided the best opportunities to lead full and successful lives.”
“This year, more than ever, we’ve seen the vital importance of staying connected – the new Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre website will ensure veterans remain informed and in touch.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Victoria would not be what it is today without the great sacrifice of our servicemen and women and it is vital we continue to stand behind them.”
“Ballarat’s veteran community is significant and BVAC has already made quite an impact – this extra funding will ensure that good work continues into the future.”
The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to back veterans and ensure they have the support they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison welcomed Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane at the Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre today to announce a recent grant.
The Centre has received $7,400 through the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund to develop a new website to keep veterans informed and ensure they stay connected wherever they are.
There are an estimated 5,000 veterans living in the Ballarat region and about double that across the whole of the Western District.
The Centre opened in 2019 and was established to provide a one-stop-shop for veterans to seek support, find information and connect with one another.
It’s a partnership between the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia – Ballarat sub-branch, the
Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club and the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association of Victoria.
It is also supported by the City of Ballarat and the Ballarat RSL branch.
The new grant will help the Centre continue their good work, with further funding currently up for grabs for similar ex-service organisations across Victoria.
It includes the second round of the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund which supports organisations providing direct assistance to veterans.
The Victoria Remembers Grants Program offers grants of up to $30,000 for projects that honour and commemorate the service of veterans or educate Victorians about the contributions of servicemen and women.
The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program supports projects to restore or improve war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour with grants of up to $30,000.
Ex-service organisations, local government authorities, not-for-profits and educational institutions working to support veterans and their families in Ballarat and surrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/support-veterans.
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring veterans living in Victoria are provided the best opportunities to lead full and successful lives.”
“This year, more than ever, we’ve seen the vital importance of staying connected – the new Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre website will ensure veterans remain informed and in touch.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Victoria would not be what it is today without the great sacrifice of our servicemen and women and it is vital we continue to stand behind them.”
“Ballarat’s veteran community is significant and BVAC has already made quite an impact – this extra funding will ensure that good work continues into the future.”
Ballarat residents now have the chance to see firsthand the improvements the new Lake Wendouree lighting system will have on their lives, thanks to an investment from the Victorian Government.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today viewed two trial lights installed at the Steve Moneghetti Track and encourage the community to visit and provide feedback over summer, through the formal planning application process.
The $2.5 million lighting investment was a 2018 election commitment, as part of the plan to make Ballarat a better place to live, work, invest and visit.
The project includes lighting around the Steve Moneghetti Track and a lighting link through to Victoria Park, which will improve accessibility and safety so locals can enjoy the precinct more hours of the day and evening all year round. The Lake Wendouree lighting project was identified through the Lake Wendouree Master plan and includes three community consultation phases.
The project will be delivered in two stages. stage one includes building lighting around the Steve Moneghetti Track in consultation with the community and with environmental protection at front-of-mind to design the proposed lighting solution.
The two trial lights have been erected to test the luminaries and provide an opportunity for the community to see what the full set of lights will look like, while the next stage of the project will be the planning application process and will allow for community feedback.
In the interim, interested parties can gain detailed information from the City of Ballarat’s website, via https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/
Release of the tender documentation for construction of the lights will follow once the planning application process is complete.
Stage two of the project will include the installation of lighting to safely connect the Steve Moneghetti Track and Victoria Park. These works will be finalised following a consultation process.
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The new lighting system at Lake Wendouree will improve safety and enable expanded use of this area for the community. It will also support growth of night-time events and tourism opportunities around our iconic lake.”
Ballarat residents now have the chance to see firsthand the improvements the new Lake Wendouree lighting system will have on their lives, thanks to an investment from the Victorian Government.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today viewed two trial lights installed at the Steve Moneghetti Track and encourage the community to visit and provide feedback over summer, through the formal planning application process.
The $2.5 million lighting investment was a 2018 election commitment, as part of the plan to make Ballarat a better place to live, work, invest and visit.
The project includes lighting around the Steve Moneghetti Track and a lighting link through to Victoria Park, which will improve accessibility and safety so locals can enjoy the precinct more hours of the day and evening all year round. The Lake Wendouree lighting project was identified through the Lake Wendouree Master plan and includes three community consultation phases.
The project will be delivered in two stages. stage one includes building lighting around the Steve Moneghetti Track in consultation with the community and with environmental protection at front-of-mind to design the proposed lighting solution.
The two trial lights have been erected to test the luminaries and provide an opportunity for the community to see what the full set of lights will look like, while the next stage of the project will be the planning application process and will allow for community feedback.
In the interim, interested parties can gain detailed information from the City of Ballarat’s website, via https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/
Release of the tender documentation for construction of the lights will follow once the planning application process is complete.
Stage two of the project will include the installation of lighting to safely connect the Steve Moneghetti Track and Victoria Park. These works will be finalised following a consultation process.
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“The new lighting system at Lake Wendouree will improve safety and enable expanded use of this area for the community. It will also support growth of night-time events and tourism opportunities around our iconic lake.”