‘LET’S go far – together.’
There’s an African proverb that resonates across our local towns.
“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
It is heart-wrenching to know that people in my own community and across neighbouring regions are at risk, vulnerable, hungry and homeless. Single parents, children, people of all ages and backgrounds sleeping in their cars. Some in tents.
Some are elderly. Cold in their homes, afraid of the power bills and vulnerable in their rental properties. Many are having to choose between paying rent and paying for fuel and food. Many are falling through the cracks.
Right now, in the heart of winter in one of the coldest areas in Victoria, people are sleeping in the forest. Some at camping grounds and some more remotely. One finding an old tin shed that he now calls home. Restrictions and regulations mean some are moved on from camping grounds with at least some facilities, every few weeks. These aren’t just anecdotes. Some I have been told about. Some I have reached out to – to help in any way, to connect them to groups and clubs they aren’t aware of and to see first-hand the extent of their hardships, in a hope to give them a voice.
To date, the Daylesford region alone has 200 people on the location preference social housing waiting list, and there are 207 in Woodend.
Over the coming editions, The Local will share their stories in an attempt to raise awareness. In truth, each of us is only an illness, a separation, a domestic violence situation, a mortgage default or a loss of a rental property away from homelessness.
This story won’t change or solve the homelessness situation by itself. But it can at least continue the conversation among us all. Long-term residents or new, we have all chosen to call the region home. That comes with a responsibility to look beneath the veneer of everyday life and understand what life is like for the more vulnerable in our community, whatever that may look like.
These conversations began long ago. Groups including the Daylesford Foundation, local neighbourhood houses, safe place houses, local church groups and individual advocates have been working tirelessly and passionately to find solutions for our most vulnerable. Because when it comes to passionate people, this region would have to be up there with the best of them.
Equally fervent are the many community organisations in the Hepburn Shire who regularly meet with council officers to seek solutions to work collaboratively on issues of homelessness, at-risk residents and those who have simply fallen through the cracks.
For now, we are not using individual names. Some group members are partly state or local government funded. Most are nervous about the repercussions for their group for future funding opportunities if they speak up. Quite simply, funding is now political.
Hepburn Shire Council says it is working, with many other organisations, on the issue of homelessness but the reply to a series of questions about homelessness in the shire had little detail. “Council is aware of the homelessness issue facing some vulnerable people in our community. We are currently convening a working group of service providers and stakeholders in our shire, including Cafs (Child and Family Services) who is the funded agency, to discuss support and access to services. We encourage anyone experiencing homelessness to contact and register with Cafs.”
This statement, from council CEO Bradley Thomas, was provided in response to specific questions about support for and provision of safe and accessible toilet and shower facilities for people living rough. While plans are being finalised for such facilities at the Daylesford Neighbourhood House – it’s been four years since the issue was first raised with the council.
When the state government announced recently that a number of council areas in Victoria could apply to get portable homes to assist with homelessness, I was initially relieved thinking Hepburn Shire would no doubt be included. But while neighbouring regions were granted homes, Hepburn Shire missed out.
The response from Mr Thomas was Hepburn Shire Council “wasn’t approached to participate in the program”.
However my conversations with the Premier’s department and media advisers across a number of departments all confirmed no invitation is needed. It’s up to local government areas to apply for grants, to lobby and to advocate.
One member of the working group said one of the biggest issues was that lack of information and communication.
“Council recently got a government funded agency to the table. Before then we weren’t connected to them. While so many groups, clubs and individuals work to fill in the gaps for those that have fallen through the cracks, government agencies need to be held accountable when they aren’t doing their bit. And information needs to be shared, because when we are all connected then we can work cohesively, from funded agencies through to local organisations and community groups.”
Over the past few months, I’ve met with a number of homeless people in the shire. Two waited over a month to get an appointment with Cafs. When they finally had a meeting, one was asked if they had heard of a local charity group and told to seek help from them instead.
Surprisingly, one woman said that Cafs did not mention any of the individuals, clubs and groups providing food, pantry staples, and warm meals across the region, despite her need to access meals for her children.
(Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess told The Local she could not comment on individual cases. “At this time there is significant demand as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and a significant lack of affordable housing in the local area. The Cafs Housing and Homelessness team in Daylesford do not and have not had a waiting list for intake and assessment.”)
One homeless man I’ve spent many hours chatting with wasn’t aware of the support available around food either. Despite visiting local doctors and government agencies, he had not been made aware of the services and support available to him. Services outside government parameters.
One member whose group has helped literally hundreds of people in the shire said sadly there is a NIMBY effect but is confident we as a community can turn that around and conversations must continue.
“Not in my backyard is real. Many want to ease their conscience by donating to charities but it’s a different story when it comes to actually helping people in our own town. Our neighbours, our local kids, our colleagues – when it is in front of us it’s an issue many don’t want to think about or feel they can’t get involved. And when there is a visible homeless person, that’s when real feelings are heard,” he said.
“For many, judgment overrides empathy. Let’s all come together to bring empathy to the forefront. Let’s get back to basics. Let’s talk to our neighbours, talk to friends, talk to strangers. Reach out if someone is in need. It’s amazing what can be achieved if we all come together collectively and care.”

Do you have a story or experience to share on this issue?
Email news@tlnews.com.au

All signs:

The month of August is a bit of a mixed bag, with the start of the month feeling a little crispier and the second half offering us a bit of a reprieve from the crunchiness. Beneficial Venus and Jupiter make a lovely and harmonious aspect on the 18^th, showering us with opportunities for unity, warmth, and a better ability to rise to a challenge.

Action-oriented Mars moves into the sign of Gemini, where he will hang out until March of 2023. Owing to a retrograde cycle that takes place for this stimulating fiery planet, a typical 6-week journey through a zodiac sign is extended out to 7 months! Mars in Gemini generally speaking can mean that we are talking faster, consuming information at a blistering pace and wanting to multi-task at every opportunity. This might also indicate a time when our social filters are diminished, we are more likely to wound with our words. We might feel restless and fidgety, or we might feel the relief of Mars moving out of Taurus, when it might have felt like driving with the hand break on.

The Sun shifts into the observant, analytical and diligent sign of Virgo nearing the end of the month. Virgo is a sign associated with health, cleanliness, precision, and modesty. While the Sun lights up topics within our astrology charts that are unique to us, on the whole the archetypal attributes of the current Sun sign are a bit more prominent for us all. The Sun in Virgo might also be asking us where we can be more reserved, and how we might be of service to others, after traversing the more self centred sign of Leo. I think of it as a great time to be a quiet achiever, to put the trumpet down and just get the work done. Read on to see how you might harness the power of the planets in your life, if you know your rising sign, start there first.

Aries:

You will especially need to be mindful of a quicksilver tongue with Mars moving into the part of your chart that governs communication. The opportunity for tense exchanges with siblings is increased for the next 7 months, try to be mindful that your words carry weight. On the positive side, you might find that ideas are flooding in thick and fast, a great time for writing, learning a new skill, using your hands more, there might be so much coming at you that you can’t choose what you want to do. Health and wellness enter the spotlight near the end of the month and offer plenty of opportunity to get some new health habits integrated into your daily routine. A great time to get organized and pay close attention to the details so that you might succeed and get your health where you would like it. At the very least, a perfect opportunity for a Spring cleaning.

Taurus:

The next seven months might see a time when money is coming in or going out a quicker pace, maybe both. A good time to keep an eye on your bank statements. You might feel more determined to grow your money, assets, or possessions at this time. Be mindful that the topic of personal finances, morals and values could be a hot-button issue with others, if you aren’t looking for an argument, it might be best to keep your plans and opinions to yourself for a little bit. The Sun is highlighting your creativity, romance, and all-around fun times until the end of September. You might pick up a new hobby or skill that requires great attention to detail, try not to be too critical if you aren’t a pro right off the mark. Practice makes perfect.

Gemini:

Determination, drive, and direction are headed your way with Mars moving into your sign, offering you a boost of energy and the ability to be more straightforward. Other people might find you too direct to the point of confrontational, but this might be a great time tackle projects and really propel yourself forwards in all aspects of your life. You might want things to go at light speed and could easily get frustrated with others that aren’t going at your pace. Family first might be your motto for the next four weeks, with home and family life coming to fore. Lovely times with your nearest and dearest are on the table for you as well as opportunities to brighten up your home.

Cancer:

A boost of bravery might be on the books for you, with a new inner conversation taking place that is pushing you to face your fears and get out of your comfort zone. Try to resist the temptation to bite off more than you can chew, focus on one area of life that you wish to be bolder at a time. Communication, thoughts, ideas, and short trips are brought into focus until the end of September. You might be more expressive, lively, and interested in sharing at this time too. Money and work might get a lovely lift and flow more easily to you around August 18^th, with beneficial connections possible.

Leo:

Money matters are on your mind for the next month or so, with opportunities to earn and grow your money likely to present themselves to you. If you have been struggling to find enough money lately this might be a welcome reprieve. Your desire to lead a group or organise events with friends is stoked over the next seven months. This might be a time when you aren’t keen to be a sheep but be the shepherd of the flock. The next seven months offer a time when you might be more willing to cut away from friendships or groups that are no longer mutually beneficial. Sometimes we grow apart from others naturally and sometimes there needs to be a conscious decision to walk away from a person or group that is taking more from us than we would like. If you haven’t had the courage to take such a step, this is your time.

Virgo:

If Virgo is your Sun sign, a very happy birthday to you! The Sun is casting a flattering light on you, helping you make a great first impression on other people. Which bodes well as Mars is bringing some ambition to your life direction and career until early next year. You might be more likely to blaze a trail, tackle a challenge or bravely put your hand up for a leadership role at work. The flip side of the coin is that you might not be interested in working with others, you might be too direct and find that you are cutting people out in order to get to the top. Virgo’s typically like to serve others, put their heads down and quietly achieve, this might be a very real departure for you to take centre stage. Try not to lose yourself, maintain your authenticity but embrace the boldness and chase down your dreams.

Libra:

It’s the time of the year, that rolls around every year when you need to retreat into yourself and reflect on what you have achieved and where you are headed next. It might be a time when you are looking for solitude from others, enjoying your own company and generally feeling like a hermit. A great time for self-reflection and contemplation, a time to plot out your next course of action. Mars is bringing a desire for a modern-day crusade, a determination to learn more and expand your world. It might look like overseas travel, or it might look like higher education. Be careful that you don’t get overwhelmed by the options, Mars is going to be here for seven months, there is going to be time to explore many options in that time. Think of experiences and adventures that you would like to have and bravely, boldly go forth and have them.

Scorpio:

Friendships, groups, and plans for your future are in the spotlight over the next few weeks. Opportunities to make new friends, meeting new people that you have shared goals or common interests with are on the horizon. There’s a connection with Mars in Gemini bringing energy to shared resources, it might be that you invest with others or pool your resources to achieve a long-term goal. Be warned that Mars can also bring conflict, arguments, and a bullish attitude. Best to be mindful who you tie your resources to, don’t give away too much of your power. If you find you are already in this quagmire, the next seven months can offer up the opportunities to rectify this power imbalance, making you feel braver and bolder to take back some control.

Sagittarius:

The Sun is casting a favourable light on you in your career or life’s direction, you will be better able to advance your agenda. This only happens once a year for four weeks, so do try to make the most of it. The Mars ingress is likely to increase your desire and passion in committed relationships, feisty and fiery but with the potential for combustion. You’ve got seven months of navigating Mars the war lord heating up your closest relationships. My advice is to remember to fight fair, and to choose your words carefully. The heat of Mars can make life steamy and spicy but highly flammable, just mind that you don’t get burned. If don’t currently find yourself in a committed relationship, try not to rush into one. You might be more likely to come across too strong, too quickly to someone new, if you want the spark to be a slow burn, cooler heads will prevail.

Capricorn:

Your energy levels might be on the up and up over the next several months. Mars is giving you determination, drive, and desire to get your daily routines, health, and wellness to its peak. If you have had a goal that you’ve not been game enough to tackle in these arenas of your life, the next seven months can be a good time to be brave and take the plunge. If there is a challenge or competition that can help you reach your goals or just move off a plateau, grab it with both hands and let it help fuel your fire. Higher education, overseas travel, philosophy, and spirituality are highlighted until late September, giving you the opportunities to expand your horizons through these types of experiences.

Aquarius:

Mars is giving a competitive edge to your weekend sporting endeavours for the rest of the year and into 2023. Or this might indicate a time when you are feeling more driven to pursue your hobbies, perhaps trying to turn one into a new career path. You might find that you take up several new hobbies or activities at this time, you might have too many to choose from or struggle to focus your energy on just one. Unfortunately, this period might also see you have a shorter fuse with children or find that they are testing your patience more than usual, try to keep your tolerance cap on. Insurance policies, taxes, and the earnings of your spouse are brought into the light from the end of the month. You might get a better deal, or your spouse might get a pay raise.

Pisces:

If you’ve been thinking of tackling any renovation projects around the house, or perhaps building a new one from scratch, this is a good time for you. You might feel a little overwhelmed by all the decisions that you need to make, but you will have the energy and direction to get things done. If you aren’t always concise decision maker, the next seven months might be a time when you are more confident to make bold choices where your home is concerned. You might want to be cautious of tensions within your family unit, fuses might be shorter than usual all the way into next year. Marriage, partnerships and committed relationships are getting a lovely boost though for the next few weeks. It’s a great time to strengthen ties with your partner so that you are better able to navigate any rough waters coming your way with your family.

On Friday October 28, the regional town of Clunes will host nationally acclaimed leaders and experts in positive ageing in the community at the Talking Ageing with Attitude conference. This new conference hosted by the Clunes community group Attitude will offer local perspective on the global conversation around strategies for ageing well in community. 

“We are starting this conversation in order to question the norms, develop understanding, and connect with the broader ecosystem.” Dr Tess Brady said. “It’s urgent and timely as retirees are the fastest growing population group in Australia. I want to enjoy this part of my life, feel I contribute, meaningfully. We must raise consciousness and challenge the many incorrect stereotypes around ageing.”

 Attitude is a community group founded in 2019 in response to the closure of the Clunes Senior Citizens Club with a focus on healthy ageing. “We’re a model in development and we’re excited to share our insights while connecting and learning from regional experts.”

 Four nationally acclaimed speakers will join the one-day conference offering different approaches to this critical challenge. Dr. Mike Rungie, Director of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, will share strategies on enabling older Australians to have meaningful citizenship and productivity. Professor Cassandra Szoeke, a leading researcher in womens’ healthy ageing, brings insights on healthy living for older Australians.

 Prolific author Carmel Bird will explore Australian attitudes to ageing while Gerard Mansour, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians who released the influential 2020 report Ageing Well in a Changing World,rounds out the powerful line-up.

 The conference is an ideal opportunity for those interested in policy and practice in the ageing industry, or individuals exploring ageing well in their own communities. 

 Tickets can be purchased at www.talkingageingwithattitude.org 

The state government is empowering grassroots multicultural and Aboriginal organisations to support children and young people to connect with their community, family, friends and culture.

The Youth Engagement Grants provide up to $50,000 over two years for projects that use cultural connection, sport, arts, music or other creative activities to engage children and young people from multicultural and Aboriginal communities.

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, encouraged eligible organisations to apply for a grant by submitting a project proposal before applications close on 17 August 2022.

The government recognises that each community has the expertise, knowledge and ideas to design solutions that are right for them.

The Youth Engagement Grants provide an opportunity for small, community organisations to make a difference for children and young people in their area.

For more information about how to apply visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/youthengagementgrants

The state government is putting young people’s experiences, needs and ideas at the centre of its plan to support young Victorians and their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence has launched Victoria’s first Youth Strategy, backed by more than $600 million from across government in this year’s state budget.
To complement the strategy, an additional $5.3 million will open doors for young Victorians to be involved in policy development, to access opportunities in education, jobs and community, and to support their mental and physical wellbeing.
The strategy, developed in consultation with more than 2,000 young people, sector partners and community members, includes 74 initiatives that will be delivered over five years. It includes a $1 million investment for youth hubs in Geelong and outer metropolitan Melbourne to improve access to services, as well as $750,000 for a Life Skills Toolkit – answering young people’s call for practical guidance during their transition to independence.

Ambulance resources in the Grampians region are being boosted to make sure paramedics
have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to local emergencies.
Work has started on refurbishing the Ararat Ambulance Station on Basham Street, to provide locals with critical care and support.
The refurbished Ararat Ambulance Station is set to feature a new Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) covered space, new medical and delivery stores and improved training facilities and amenities for hard-working paramedics.
The new Ararat station is on track to be completed later this year.

More Victorians will soon be able to receive a Japanese encephalitis vaccine to protect themselves against the infection spread by mosquitoes before the warmer months.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has announced the eligibility criteria has been expanded to give specific priority groups the vaccine for free, including those who may be exposed to the virus at work.
The newly expanded criteria for priority groups includes anyone who lives or usually works in the local government areas of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Indigo and Wodonga.
Those eligible include people aged between 50 and 65 who work in a role that is largely outdoors, specifically those who spend more than four hours outdoors each day.
The vaccine will be available from select GPs, local public health units (including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs), community pharmacies and local councils.
Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare, potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Most people will have no symptoms, but one per cent of people may experience a fever and headache, which can develop into a serious disease. Victoria recorded its first-ever case of Japanese encephalitis virus earlier this year.
The virus typically occurs in many parts of southeast Asia, China, Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait – and occasionally in northern Queensland.
In addition to the vaccine, there are simple steps those at risk can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors, using mosquito repellents with active ingredients such as picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin and limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are present.
For more information and advice regarding Japanese encephalitis, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/japaneseencephalitis

The state government is giving more young people in regional Victoria the chance to save money and
ditch their older model cars for a safer, more modern vehicle.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll has announced the expansion of the unsafe2safe trial right across regional Victoria, with expressions of interest now open until 4 September 2022.
Up to 150 drivers, aged 18-25 years old, will take part in this phase of the program, which will provide a $5,000 subsidy to replace their unsafe and older vehicle with a safer, newer vehicle.
The trial aims to replace up to 1,000 unsafe vehicles that are more than 16 years old and have poor safety ratings with more modern vehicles that include safety features to help prevent crashes entirely – such features include Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking systems.
Young drivers are at the greatest risk of being involved in a crash in their first few years of solo driving and young regional Victorians driving older cars are 15 times more likely to be killed in crashes compared with the state average.
With many young Victorians expressing cost as a key barrier in accessing safer vehicles, this program will help many get behind a safer wheel before hitting the road.
The first phase of the trial began last year in Ballarat and Bendigo with young Victorians who participated now reaping the benefits of driving a safer vehicle.
The targeted program is part of Victoria’s Road Safety Action Plan under the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which focuses on groups that are over-represented in road trauma.
Sadly in 2022, 148 people have died on Victorian roads, compared to 130 this time last year.
For more information on eligibility and to apply for the Unsafe2Safe trial, visit engage.vic.gov.au/unsafe2safe.

The state government is putting workers first and recognising excellent employers by prioritising
suppliers and businesses that have fair labour standards and do the right thing by their staff.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll has launched the Victorian Fair Jobs Code which will ensure suppliers and businesses benefiting from large government contracts or significant grants are providing safe, secure and inclusive workplaces for their employees.
The Code will come into effect on 1 December and applies to suppliers bidding for goods, services, and construction projects worth $3 million or more, as well as subcontractors with contracts valued at $10 million or more.
Businesses applying for significant business expansion grants of $500,000 or more from the Government will also need to comply with the Code.
The Code will promote job security and workplace equity and diversity for workers. It willrecognise good employers by ensuring that only businesses that treat their workers fairly are rewarded with major government contracts or business grants.

Families in Kyneton will have access to a brand-new kindergarten located right next to the local primary school.

Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas have visited the new Kyneton Kindergarten to mark its official opening, equipped with modern learning facilities, administration facilities and an engaging outdoor play space.
Having the kindergarten and school together will help local children make a smooth transition from pre-school to school, and make drop-off and pick-up times simpler for parents and carers.
Evidence shows that two-years are better than one when it comes to early learning. Children who start kinder at the age-of-three, gain academic and social benefits that last into their school years and beyond.

The state government will provide free N95 and KN95 masks to protect some of the most vulnerable
members of the community and help reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced that more than three million masks will be handed out to the community through our state-run testing sites, community health services across Victoria and across the public transport network.
Over the next four to six weeks every person that presents for either a free rapid antigen or PCR test will receive one box of 10 N95 masks, along with instructions on how best to wear them to reduce transmission.
Masks will also be distributed through some of Victoria’s community organisations including at multicultural, multi-faith events and Aboriginal gatherings as well as through a number of disability service providers.
In addition, more masks will be available from PTV hubs and staffed train stations while authorised officers and some V/Line conductors will carry masks with them to hand out as needed.
Wearing a face mask can help protect you, those around you – and importantly, Victoria’s hardworking healthcare workers. Face masks can stop viruses spreading in the air when people talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers the chance of spreading or catching COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.

Accessibility issues for taxi and rideshare passengers with low mobility is being looked at, encouraging drivers to prioritise bookings through a boost to the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP).
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said increasing the lifting fee paid to drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles by more than 20 per cent would improve the availability of accessible transport for the thousands of Victorians who rely on these services.
The MPTP is in place to assist Victorians with accessibility and mobility needs by offering subsidised commercial passenger vehicle fares to members. The program pays half the total fare of each trip taken by an MPTP member, up to $60.
A full lifting fee is also paid to drivers who help to move a passenger into a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), or a partial lifting fee for loading an MPTP member’s wheelchair into a conventional commercial passenger vehicle that is not wheelchair accessible.
This lifting fee recognises the higher business cost of supplying WAV services and the additional time required to safely load and secure a wheelchair or scooter.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll: “We’re ensuring greater availability of accessible transport for passengers who require mobility aids or wheelchairs by increasing the subsidy to drivers who provide commercial passenger vehicle services to MPTP members.

“This will lead to more wheelchair accessible vehicles on our roads and support the Victorians who rely on these services to get where they need to go.”

More jobs in regional Victoria are being created with one of Australia’s biggest food manufacturers.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford has announced a $3.71 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and George Weston Foods (GWF) – the name behind the Don KR smallgoods brand – to create 200 new jobs with the food manufacturer.
The full-time ongoing roles are available at GWF’s Don KR factory in Castlemaine, its head office in Port Melbourne and farms in Bears Lagoon in north central Victoria and Girgarre in the Goulburn Valley.
GWF is looking for food production operators, packers, farm assistants and administrators with recruits to receive specialised induction training before they commence employment.
Successful applicants will attain a Certificate III in Food Processing, Certificate III and IV in Agriculture or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management – with training costs and fees covered by GWF.
The ongoing roles will provide a unique opportunity to experience the food manufacturing industry from the farm to the factory floor, while working up the ladder for a rewarding long-term career with management potential.
Those hired will be supported with dedicated workplace mentors, free uniforms and any necessary work-related equipment.
The jobs are being prioritised for young people aged 18 to 25, women aged 45 and over, people with disability, people who are long term unemployed, Aboriginal Victorians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and others experiencing challenges finding work.
For more information about these job opportunities visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.

Caravan parks across Victoria are in for a boost as the state government backs regional tourism
accommodation operators to drive up visitation.
The latest round of funding from the government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund will deliver $4.6 million to upgrade three more regional parks, delivering better experiences and more places to stay.
Wimmera Mallee Cabins will receive $3 million to construct 16 state-of-the-art cabin accommodations across its three caravan parks located in Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack.
Over $1 million will go towards modernising Edenhope Lakeside Caravan Park, increasing the park’s capacity and providing visitors with a new common room with kitchen and games area.
Another $525,000 will allow Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park to build 14 new accommodation cabins, along with an amenities block featuring mountain bike equipment and pet wash area.
The three projects will generate up to 37 construction jobs and 13 ongoing employment positions, with works expected to be finished in 2023 and 2024.
In 2019 more than 1.9 million visitors stayed overnight in a caravan park or campground in Victoria, delivering an important tourism stream to local communities – supporting businesses across the state including tourism and experience operators, hospitality businesses and retail outlets.