The Andrews Labor Government is getting behind Victoria’s brewers, winemakers and distillers with a new program aimed at getting more locally produced drinks into bars and restaurants. Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $1.5 million of funding for the Drink Victorian..

Ballarat’s keen walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders have access to a new nature trail in Woowookarung Regional Park, made possible through key funding from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today joined Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and representatives of..

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring food aid is accessible for all Victorians in need during the coronavirus pandemic with the establishment of a specialist Food Relief Taskforce. Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced that senior representatives of the food relief..

Aboriginal Victorians in Ballarat will help guide the development of a new plan to boost training and job opportunities, thanks to an Aboriginal employment round table being held today. The meeting in Ballarat is one of nine happening across the state, which bring together each..

A new Expression of Interest process will be offered to provide another opportunity for non-government schools to take part in the Andrews Labor Government’s Respectful Relationships program. Respectful Relationships is a whole-school approach, supporting schools to embed respect and gender equality in all aspects of..

The Central Highlights Orange Door network has helped more than 6000 people including more than 2000 children and young people since opening six months ago. The Orange Door in Central Highlands was one of two Orange Door Networks to open in October last year during..

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the return of AFL to Mars Stadium, one of the state’s premier regional stadiums, for the first time today since 2019. Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Mary-Anne Thomas acknowledged a sold-out crowd of 7000 for the..

The Andrews Labor Government is stimulating investment in towns and cities across the state by helping local councils unblock or fast-track planning projects and speed up the delivery of residential land. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced $2.7 million in grants have been provided..

The Andrews Labor Government is investing nearly $12 million in culturally specific services and programs to help change the lives of Aboriginal young people and children. The funding boost will provide essential services and support for Aboriginal children and young people in contact with the..

The Andrews Labor Government will support the Ballarat community to pay tribute to Victorians who have lost their lives at work – while continuing to improve workplace safety and keep more families together. Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt joined..

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting regional courtroom capacity, enabling criminal jury trials to resume – keeping the justice system moving while improving the safety of communities. The Victorian Budget 2020-21 provided nearly $6 million to modify courtrooms across seven sites to better accommodate COVIDSafe..

Women elected to their first term on council will have the chance to develop skills and learn from experienced and capable mentors over the next three years, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane this week welcomed participants to the..

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will lead the response to child protection reports from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, as part of an Australian-first pilot led by the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan announced at today’s Aboriginal Children’s..

The Andrews Labor Government is working with the Commonwealth to ramp up its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program across regional Victoria with the launch of hospital vaccination hubs in Bendigo and Ballarat. Minister for Health Martin Foley today visited Bendigo Health to thank local frontline health..

Senior Victorians and Carer Card holders will be able to enjoy free public transport from 21 to 28 March 2021. Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan and Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today visited Southern Cross Station to announce the eight days..

The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for parents and carers to find quality kindergarten programs. Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt today visited Federation Children’s Centre in Ballarat to launch the Kinder Tick initiative. The new initiative being rolled out across Victoria makes..

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..

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian hospitals, community health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations with $320 million in funding to upgrade vital health infrastructure. Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced submissions for the new $200 million Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF)..