The Victorian Government is announcing a child safety overhaul.

It will immediate action to strengthen the Working With Children Check and child safety in early childhood education and care settings with a $42 million boost to the sector, by:

• Accepting and implementing all 22 recommendations of the independent Rapid Child Safety Review
• Bringing legislation to the next sitting week to allow for the immediate suspension of individual Working with Children Checks (WWCC)
• Establishing a new, nation-leading regulator that will more than double the frequency of compliance checks
• Beefing up the Social Services Regulator (SSR) by bringing the WWCC, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards under the one roof by the end of the year, giving it new powers, removing silos and weeding out predators
• Introducing mandatory child safety training and expanding professional support programs, including through changes to the National Law, to build a greater culture of speaking up, and
• Calling on the Federal Government to prioritise quality and safety in the national childcare system.

The work has already started and will continue in the coming weeks and months to restore trust in the sector.

The  Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is transforming public libraries across the state – with the next round of funding now open for applications.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos and Victorian Public Library Ambassador Andrea Rowe have opened the new round of grants at the recently upgraded Emerald Library, to coincide with Children’s Book Week celebrations.

Successful applicants are set to receive between $10,000 and $1 million to upgrade libraries across Victoria.

The program provides councils with grant funding to improve their libraries, provide free access to information and technology, create safe community spaces, and provide opportunities for social connection.

Funding can be used to support a range of library upgrades and services, including refurbishments, expansion of children’s areas, installation of technology hubs, and improvements to access and engagement for local communities.

The state government is delivering more than 150 library infrastructure projects across the state, supporting libraries across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria and enriching their communities. These projects have a combined total project cost of almost $400 million.

Grant applications for the 2025–26 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program are now open and will close on 19 September 2025.

For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and application process, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

Waterways, vegetation, and habitats for some of the Gisborne area’s most vulnerable wildlife are set to benefit from a significant grant-funded restoration over the next three years.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell MP, Mayor Dom Bonanno and CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, visited Jacksons Creek earlier this year to celebrate the successful grant of $838,295, funded by the Australian Government’s National Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
The project aims to improve the ecological health of the headwaters of the Maribyrnong catchment in and around the Gisborne and Macedon townships, benefitting native species including the Gang-gang Cockatoo, platypus, and various grassland and creek-line species.
It will involve site preparation works, revegetation, and management of threats to successful establishment (including targeting high-threat weeds, pest animal impacts, fire management, and monitoring works).
The objective of the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program is to conserve native and threatened plant and animal species and waterways in urban, outer urban/peri-urban, and regional centres.
The project aligns with Council’s environmental strategic plans including the Biodiversity Strategy 2018, Macedon Ranges Strategic Environmental Works Plan 2021, Environmental Management Plans for Bunjil and Howey Creek, and the Djirri Djirri Waterway Reserve – Revegetation Plan 2024.
The project is due to commence this month and will be completed in 2028.

The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) is calling for applications for $4.7M in Growing Healthy Communities Grants, aimed at supporting community organisations to deliver health promotion initiatives that break down barriers to good health among young people and their families across Victoria.
The ‘Growing Healthy Communities’ initiative can fund local projects such as community markets, initiatives that get young people moving more and feeling connected, or ideas that push the boundaries of local spaces for movement and connection – the grants aim to promote mental wellbeing and social connection encourage greater inclusion and reduce the impacts of chronic disease.
Sporting, community, cultural, recreational, creative, local government and other not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for funding of up to $150,000.
As part of the program, VicHealth will also build the capability of community partners by connecting them with like-minded leaders, and provide tools to embed sustainable, local health solutions.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon and Minister for Health announced the Growing Healthy Communities grant round in Macedon recently, encouraging local organisations to apply.
“The Growing Healthy Communities grants provide an opportunity for community-led organisations to build more active, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods” Ms Thomas said.
“Community organisations play a critical role in driving positive health outcomes and we look forward to supporting their important work in Macedon.”
VicHealth CEO, Prof. Anna Peeters AM, said that the Growing Healthy Communities initiative is an opportunity for community-led organisations to play a key role in shaping a healthier, fairer Victoria.
“By investing in local solutions that tackle the social and environmental drivers of poor health, we’re supporting generational change, particularly for communities that have historically been left behind.”
“Community organisations are uniquely placed to lead local change. Together, we can create healthier neighbourhoods, reduce preventable disease, and build a more connected, inclusive Victoria.” Prof. Peeters said.
Projects must be delivered within the period from March 2026 to March 2028.
Applications are now open – funding guidelines are available at vichealth.au/GHCR2MP

A confronting new exhibit has popped up in Central Melbourne, the centrepiece of a Transport Accident Commission (TAC) initiative aimed at changing relaxed attitudes to the deadly consequences of speeding.

Australia’s Deadliest Predator takes a novel approach to highlight the vastly higher number of speeding-related fatalities in Australia, compared with deaths caused by commonly feared wildlife – and leaves no doubt over what poses more risk to our health and safety.

Speeding is the leading factor in around one third of fatalities in Victoria and nationally, claiming 400 lives across the country last year and 4,100 in the past decade. By comparison, according to the most current available data, there were an average of six deaths a year caused by sharks, crocodiles and snakes in Australia between 2001 and 2021.

Despite this disparity, a survey of more than 1000 Australians conducted as part of the new TAC initiative, revealed that the majority of respondents perceive dangerous wildlife as more life-threatening than speeding.

When asked what they found to be ‘extremely dangerous’, 74.5% of respondents said venomous snakes, followed by crocodiles (68.8%) and sharks (61.8%). In comparison, only 11.2% of respondents felt that driving 5 km/h over the speed limit was extremely dangerous. That figure rose to 29.8% when considering driving 10 km/h over the limit.

The exhibit at the heart of the initiative, situated on the plaza between Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Centre, replicates a dangerous zoo animal enclosure to challenge common perceptions of danger, and prompt visitors to reflect on their own driving behaviour.

Behind the enclosure’s ominous black fence and jungle façade lies a powerful reenactment of a car that has crashed after losing control due to traveling over the speed limit. Signage highlights the speed limit, and a digital display shows the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash, alongside other sights and sounds synonymous with an accident scene.

TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said TAC research showed that too many people continued to have a casual attitude to speeding, despite hundreds of speeding-related deaths and many more injuries every year.

“Australia’s Deadliest Predator unapologetically calls out the social acceptance of speeding in a novel way, which we hope will encourage road users to slow down and stay within speed limits,” Ms Slatter said

“The data and research are clear – speed kills, and the only way we can prevent the tragic loss of life is to drive within the speed limit every time we use our roads.

“We will continue to use thought-provoking initiatives such as Australia’s Deadliest Predator to drive home the dangers of speeding until we realise a future where no one dies or is injured on our roads,” Ms Slatter said.

It has been a tragic year on Victoria’s roads, with 186 lives lost, compared with 180 at the same time last year. Speeding has continued to be a contributing factor in around a third of fatalities in Victoria this year, and the state’s road safety partners are urging all road users to play their part in preventing further tragedy by slowing down.

Going 5 km/h above the speed limit won’t save much time, but it will double the risk of a crash. Simple actions such as setting cruise control, regularly checking speed signs and allowing extra travel time can all contribute to safer driving behaviours on our roads.

Australia’s Deadliest Predator is open to the public for free between 11am and 7pm from tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20 until Sunday, August 24.

Tickets for next Thursday night’s magic and music as a fund-raiser for the Phoenix@The Rex Cinema have been selling quickly.

Cath Jamison brings a unique brings a unique combination of fun, engaging roving magic and mentalism to this evening at Frangos. Guests at this dinner will be treated to up-close interaction, moving from one group to another in an entertaining and magical way.

With local legend, actor-director Megan Jones as emcee, guests are in for an unforgettable night.  Cherie Bridges and friends will bring their Late Night Radio trio to serve jazz, bossa nova and more.

Tickets at $65 per person include a two-course dinner donated by Frangos at one long table, plus a raffle with outstanding prizes.  

The date is Thursday August 28, with  doors opening at 6.30pm

Bookings close on August 24 and may be made, with any dietary needs, anytime by phone on 0427 447 645 or in person at Koukla.

The state government is making sure schools across Victoria are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season by providing grants to clear vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll has announced 345 campuses across 330 government schools would share in $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP).

The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around the school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.

Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR). These schools are required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to reduce the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.

The Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program also includes a School Support Program, providing two school visits to each participating schools by an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant who develops a Vegetation Management Plan.

Schools can also engage additional bushfire related professional services – such as a Bushfire Attack Level expert – to provide further advice and support in reducing their bushfire risk.

Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world – that’s why everyone should have a bushfire plan and the VicEmergency app downloaded on their phone. For more information on bushfire preparedness and to create your fire plan, visit fireplanner.vic.gov.au.

For a list of schools receiving funding under the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program, visit www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-risk-register-barr.

Leading mental health experts and groups have teamed up with the insurance industry to draw attention to a major drag on Australia’s productivity; mental ill-health.

In an open letter to the Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the signatories have called for bold reform which will target the root causes of mental ill-health in Australia to avoid needless misery and financial hardship.

The signatories include:

• Former Australian of the Year Professor Pat McGorry
• Co-Director of the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre Ian Hickie
• Former chair of the National Mental Health Commission Allan Fels
• Mental Health Australia
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• Australians for Mental Health
• the Council of Australian Life Insurers and more

“The Productivity Commission has previously found mental ill-health is costing the economy up to $220 billion a year. That’s an economic drag the federal government cannot ignore. Our economy can only ever be as good as our people,” Executive Director of Australians for Mental Health Chris Gambian said.

Almost 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and mental ill-health was one of the leading causes of temporary and permanent disability for workers under the age of 30, with young people being disproportionately affected by mental health conditions.

“We must do more to support Australians’ wellbeing from the get-go, not when they reach a crisis point and can no longer contribute to their communities and workplaces because they are too unwell to work,” Chris Gambian said.

The coalition of signatories is urging the federal government to consider how mental ill-health is holding the nation’s productivity back, and to consider the following recommendations:

1. Coordinate a whole-of-government response to the mental health crisis, including national mental health targets, to make every department accountable
2. Guarantee timely and affordable access to mental health care by boosting funding and training for community-based services
3. Bolster education and training within the mental health workforce to combat workforce shortages.

“Taking steps to stop people from becoming so mentally unwell to the point they can no longer work will be a major boost for the economy, communities, families and most importantly the person who got the support they need before a crisis takes hold.

“We know working and contributing to society is good for our mental health, but not when working hours and demands are unsustainable, contributing to burn out and psychological injury.

“We can’t treat our way out of rising rates of mental ill-health. We need bold reform to embed wellbeing in our policies. It will be better for Australians, and our economy too.”

More dentistry and oral health students living in and around Bendigo can now access the very best equipment and education closer to home – thanks to major facility upgrades at La Trobe University.

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan today joined students and staff to open La Trobe University’s Rural Dentistry and Oral Health Clinical School in the heart of Bendigo.

The new facility features 82 simulation workstations and 16 dental chairs, as well as new advanced radiology and digital denture-making equipment – ensuring more students have the best facilities and lab spaces they need to learn in before they graduate.

Last year, nearly 80 per cent of La Trobe’s dentistry students were from regional Victoria, compared to just 13 per cent in 2019.

Regional enrolments are set to grow even further, with La Trobe expecting a 58 per cent  increase in dentistry and oral health enrolments in Bendigo by 2030 – an additional 50 to 55 dentistry and oral health students are set to graduate annually from 2030.

The redevelopment is part of the University’s $170 million health innovation investment across all Victorian campuses to strengthen health education facilities and deliver high-quality care to communities.

An unexpected guest has been found in a Melbourne motel room – and it wasn’t on the booking list.
Agriculture Victoria is urging travellers to thoroughly check their luggage for unwanted stowaways after an Asian black-spined toad was recently discovered at a city motel.
Meanwhile, accommodation providers are also being asked to remain vigilant and report any unusual sightings, as these invasive pests may escape from travellers’ belongings and pose a threat to local wildlife and the environment.
These toads, along with geckos and other exotic species, are increasingly arriving in Victoria by hiding in shoes, bags and boxes.
‘Asian black-spined toads are not native to Australia and have the potential to carry diseases, compete with native species and become a threat to local biodiversity,’ Agriculture Victoria Director Plants, Chemicals and Invasives Sharyn Williams said.
‘We’re asking travellers and motel staff to be alert. A quick check of your luggage could help stop an invasive species from spreading.’
Travellers can help by checking shoes, bags and boxes before and after travel and reporting any unusual sightings.
If you suspect you’ve found an Asian black-spined toad, do not touch it with your bare hands, contain it safely if possible and report it immediately to Agriculture Victoria by calling 136 186 or emailing highrisk.invasiveanimals@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
‘Sometimes the Asian black spined toad can be confused with native frog species like the Pobblebonk frog. If you’re not sure, head to our website where you can find pictures and detailed descriptions of different frog species,’ Ms Williams said.
For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals/exotic-pest-animal-species/asian-blackspined-toad

Two of Macedon Ranges’ local sporting grounds are set to benefit from a focus on improved facilities, thanks to successful grant funding secured by Council.
Dixon Field in Gisborne and Romsey Park Recreation Reserve’s Oval 2 will see master plan outcomes progressed to improve safety and year-round use, through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund aiming to deliver high-quality, accessible facilities.
Dixon Field will receive $200,000 towards the installation of new LED lighting, up to 150 lux, to its second soccer pitch, complementing the already-lit main pitch and significantly enhancing evening training and match capabilities.
‘Romsey Oval 2’ will receive $40,000 towards detailed planning of a major redevelopment – an essential first step to later seek construction funding. This includes planning for an upgrade on the turf playing surface, improving drainage and irrigation systems, and installing LED lighting.
Mayor Dom Bonanno welcomed the announcement and praised the benefits that the upgrades will bring to the shire.
“Sport is at the heart of our communities, and these upgrades will support the growing townships of Gisborne and Romsey with facilities they need, for more users to play the games they love,” he said.
“We thank all involved for their support and recognition in supporting these much-needed upgrades, which Council will also be contributing funding towards to make them a reality.”
Council is committed to maintaining existing recreational facilities and facilitating upgrades where practical, in both planning and delivery, emphasised by the $1.17 million on recreation-focused initiatives included in the Budget 2025-26.
Updates on these projects will be made available on Council’s projects page at mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Projects-and-works/Projects

More affordable housing in regional Victoria will make it easier for workers to live near their jobs while helping local businesses keep skilled staff in the industries that need them most.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes has announced 23 new successful recipients from Round 2 of the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.

The projects will unlock more than $120 million in public and private investment in new worker housing, delivering more than 750 bedrooms for workers across regional Victoria.

Each accommodation project will bolster workforces in key regional industries including health, agriculture, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing – supporting local employers and strengthening the industries that keep regional communities thriving.

More than 40 projects are now being supported by the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund across two rounds, unlocking around $370 million  in new housing investment for thousands of regional workers. 

Under Round 2, Nestd Developments in Wangaratta is making use of vacant land – transforming a former secondary school site into a healthcare worker accommodation hub to support critical provider Northeast Health to attract more staff. The hub will feature 34 dwellings capable of housing more than 100 workers including family members.

The government’s support for new worker housing also extends to drought affected areas of the state, including Warrnambool, where Midfield Meats will construct 88 dwellings for up to 300 meat processing workers.

Elsewhere in south-west Victoria, the old Noorat Butter Factory will be redeveloped into a worker housing destination for workers and their family members, with 13 new dwellings to support the agriculture industry.

Riviera Fresh in Lindenow, Gippsland will construct new worker accommodation for up to 18 of its vegetable processing workers. In Phillip Island, Moda will deliver accommodation to house more than 100 key workers in Cowes across the healthcare, food and beverage, retail and tourism industries.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett have announced $600,000 in joint funding for Central Highlands Water’s Forest Hill Water Supply Connection project.

This funding will enable Central Highlands Water to investigate an opportunity to connect Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount to the Ballarat water supply network.

The six towns currently source their water supply from groundwater. This supply is subject to restrictions during dry periods, which poses a risk to these communities as they face the threat of climate change and hot, dry summer periods.

Additionally, the local groundwater resource is heavily developed and in strong demand from both urban water users and agricultural irrigators.

Connecting to the Ballarat system would provide a more secure and climate resilient drinking water supply to 1,200 residents and enable the existing groundwater resource to be considered for agriculture, environment and Traditional Owner self-determined uses.

Central Highlands Water will use this funding to develop a business case over the next 12 months to provide clear, comprehensive evidence that can be used to inform future decisions.

Ms King said this business case was the first step in ensuring that water supply is more reliable and resilient for both the people living in these communities and the farms and industry operating in the area. 

“It’s critically important that we safeguard our water resources for future generations and this work Central Highlands Water is undertaking will do just that.” 

CHW Infrastructure Planning & Operations general banager Paul Donohue said the project had the potential to provide Forest Hill’s urban water customers with a reliable water supply that creates sufficient capacity for long-term growth and unlocks other local opportunities.

“We are excited to explore this opportunity and look forward to engaging with our communities and key stakeholders as we define the social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits associated with this project.”

Campgrounds and hiking trails from the Alpine region to Central Victoria are being upgraded so visitors can experience the very best of Victoria’s great outdoors.

Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos has announced the completion of upgrades to walking trails in Hepburn Regional Park and a campground upgrade in the Alpine National Park through a $1.4 million investment.

Visitors to Hepburn in Central Victoria can now enjoy upgraded trails in the park, enhancing opportunities for people to connect with both Dja Dja Wurrung culture and nature.

The Argyle Spring Walk has been upgraded, including resurfacing, replanting, weed control, and installing interpretive signage, sculptures by Dja Dja Wurrung artists and seating at pause points along the walk.

These pause points allow visitors to stop and reflect on the environment of the park and its relationship to culture. Other tracks across the park have also been improved.

In the Alpine National Park at Talbotville Camping Area, a new toilet, fire pits and picnic tables have been installed. This will help people enjoy the spectacular high country campground and use it as a base to explore nearby areas.

Minor upgrades will also be completed in coming months at Eaglevale and Horseyard Flat campgrounds in the Alpine National Park.

Mr Dimopolous said the projects give people the opportunity to see the very best Victoria’s Great Outdoors has to offer.

“These are some of the many Victora’s Great Outdoors funded projects being delivered and planned for future to improve camping areas, tracks and trails in parks around the state.

The Birrarung Riverfest is back this September school holidays, with over 60 events across 23 days, stretching along the entire Yarra, Birrarung River. 

In just three years, the festival has grown into one of Melbourne’s major cultural and environmental events, inspiring connection to Country, action for the river, and collaboration across communities.

Kicking off Saturday 6th September and closing on World Rivers Day, Sunday 28th September, the festival is hosting events from platypus spotting and sunset paddles, to gig nights and art-led sensory walks, plus a variety of family-friendly activities.

“After a cold Melbourne winter, Riverfest comes at the perfect time to spring us back to life,” says Janet Bolitho, President of the YRKA. “From educational and cultural events to outdoor adventures, the Riverfest program has something for everyone”.

Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), a major community voice for the Yarra, Birrarung for the past 20 years. Now in its third year, the Birrarung Riverfest has doubled in scale and tripled in attendance. In 2025, the YRKA has convened over 200+ event hosts and volunteers across diverse sectors and is expecting more than 2,000 participants. 

By supporting education and stewardship along the river, Birrarung Riverfest is helping to create a more liveable, climate-ready city. Events include:

• Numerous Wurundjeri led events centering First Nations knowledge and culture around the Birrarung, such as ‘Bushfood and Bush medicine’ in  Abbotsford.
• A sensory sunrise walk over the Birrarung, led by artist Kate Gorringe-Smith at Dights Falls.
• Planting habitat for Victoria’s critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and the Lowland Leadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area.
• A morning gathering at the Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area, including morning tea and guided walk to learn the history, native revegetation, biodiversity and management of the land.
• World Rivers Day Finale. A major community celebration at Federation Square, with a flotilla of boats along the river, music, art, ceremony and culture. 

This year, the festival aims to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and its threat to the health of the river. “Birrarung is under pressure from city growth, climate change, and stormwater pollution. Now more than ever, it needs our care,” says Janet Bolitho. “With everything that washes down our street drains ending up in a local waterway, it’s important that we understand and reduce the impact of litter and pollution on our beloved river.” 

Major partners for the 2025 Birrarung Riverfest are the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water, sharing YRKA’s vision for a healthy, protected and loved river. 

Together, they are helping protect the single living entity and amplify the community voice for the Birrarung. “Everyone can be a Riverkeeper,” says Janet Bolitho “and it’s up to all of us to help the Yarra.”