Community sport is now more accessible for Victorian parents wanting their kids to get active as the state government helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for thousands of families.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced parents now only need to apply for a $200 Get Active Kids voucher online which can then be redeemed at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider – such as a local sporting club or organisation.
The government has provided $21 million for the program and in previous rounds families would pay up front and then be reimbursed.
Registered activity providers will lodge voucher codes with the government to be credited the costs of registration and/or membership fees, while vouchers can also be used for costs associated with uniforms and equipment.
Clubs, associations and organisations must be registered as a Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider to be able to redeem vouchers. To be eligible they must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body.
More than 33,000 vouchers have been snapped up across the first three rounds of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, opening up more opportunities for kids to get active and healthy while having fun.
The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18, named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application.
A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application.
Applications open at 2pm on Monday, 21 March and close at 5pm on 31 May 2022. To support the transition to the new voucher claim system, families can continue to claim reimbursement for expenses already incurred in this round. To apply or for more information visit the program website getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.

As sowing time fast approaches, Victorian grain growers are planning their paddock preparation options – in particular those with heavy stubble loads following on from large crops.
Agriculture Victoria Grains South West Manager Adam Buzza said there is now less burning, less soil cultivation and increased retention of crop stubble. This trend has been driven by the need to maximise water use and protect soils from erosion.
“Areas where stubble is burnt represent a minority of the total Victorian crop. Most farmers will only burn stubble when absolutely necessary, having considered all available options and the potential implications of burning.
“To help growers and the broader community understand the options farmers have for preparing paddocks for sowing, we have prepared a handy factsheet on stubble management.
“For the vast majority of Victoria’s cropped paddocks, stubble is left in the paddock to protect soils from erosion and maximise the next crop’s water use. Other benefits of retaining stubble includes better soil health, less fuel and labour costs and easier harvesting.
“Burning is often used as a last resort to manage heavy stubble loads to enable easier sowing and crop establishment and control weeds and pests.”
The factsheet covers topics including:
• Alternatives to burning heavy stubble
• Disadvantages of burning
• Stubble retention trends in Victoria
• Benefits of retaining stubble
• Strategic removal of stubble
• Timing and temperature of burning
• Effects of burning on soil nutrients and soil carbon
• Protection of native vegetation.
To access the factsheet, go to: https://go.vic.gov.au/X5uPDW
If you would like to talk over your stubble management issues, contact your local agronomist or call 136 186 to be put in contact with an Agriculture Victoria officer.

The state government is prioritising relationships with First Nations Victorians with a new guide for Victorian councils when engaging with Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle William have released the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy (VALGS) 2021-2026, building on the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Action Plan from 2016.
The Strategy, developed following a thorough consultation process over 20 months with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal organisations, provides practical advice for councils when developing reconciliation action plans.
Elected Aboriginal local government representatives and Aboriginal staff employed within the local government sector also contributed to the strategy.
The VALGS recognise the key role local government plays in supporting and implementing Victoria’s ground-breaking reforms as established in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2023.
The Strategy emphasises the need for a collaborative partnership approach across Government and Aboriginal communities.
To assist Councils in engaging with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Organisations and Community, a Ministerial Good Practice Guideline under the Local Government Act 2020 will also soon be released.
To read the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy and the Ministerial Good Practice Guideline and General Guidance for Councils Engaging with Aboriginal Victorians, visit: localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
To find out more about the State Government’s commitment to First Peoples’ cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au.

Outstanding individuals and organisations in the TAFE and training sector can now be nominated for the Victorian Training Awards 2022.
The prestigious event is now in its 68th year and recognises the achievements of apprentices, students, teachers, employers and training providers.
There are six award categories for individuals, three for employers and four for training organisations as well as the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Industry Collaboration Award and a People’s Choice Award.
Winners will receive $5000 prize money and winners in some categories will have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide in November.
Applications close at midnight on Saturday, 21 May 2022 and winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne in September.
The event is supported by principal partner Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) and the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN Australia).
Last year’s winners included Diploma of Nursing student Samantha Brown who worked as a conveyancer before realising she wanted to pursue nursing at Federation University TAFE.
William Angliss Institute was named Large Training Provider of the Year for its innovative training in the specialty areas of foods, tourism, hospitality and events education.
To nominate for the Victorian Training Awards 2022 visit www.education.vic.gov.au/vta.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney: “This is a great chance to shine a spotlight on the brightest stars in our TAFE and training sector, showcasing their outstanding work and contribution to the community, both in Victoria and on a national stage.
“I’m looking forward to seeing who is named among the finalists and winners and celebrating our world-class TAFE and training system at the gala ceremony later this year.”

After a busy weekend, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate queer country pride at the 25th annual ChillOut Festival, Hepburn Shire Council has appointed six members to its inaugural LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, selected from a recent public call out for expressions of interest.

Advisory Committee members will provide valuable advice to Council about how it can further promote and recognise inclusion and diversity as well as address barriers to equality. The committee will also identify issues of concern within the community and come up with solutions that they will share with Council.

“Our Shire is one of the most LGBTIQA+ friendly communities in Australia, and we want to build on this and make it even more welcoming,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

“The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee will have ideas about how Council can improve inclusion through programs and services for the community. This will build on the work we’re already doing as part of our Council Plan and our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

“We look forward to working with committee members and congratulate them on their appointment,” said Cr Drylie.

Council’s LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee members are Max Primmer, pictured, Belinda Brain, Dean Whelan, Ian McKnight, Lyall Brooks and Tass Mousaferiadis.

Council will reopen applications for this committee in coming months to further enhance representation of age and gender diversity. To find out more, contact Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Brett Dunlop on bdunlop@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

The state government is backing rural and regional Victorian makers, artists, entertainers and producers with new funding to revitalise the community events calendar.
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas met with organisers of Woodend Winter Arts Festival at the Woodend Community Centre to announce the festival – one of more than 70 recipients to receive grants as part of the $1 million Regional Community Events Fund.
The Fund is supporting community groups, local councils and small-scale event organisers with grants up to $25,000 for small-scale events and festivals held across the state.
Event organisers for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival will use their funding to bring to life this year’s festivities on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. Now in its 18th year, the festival brings together acclaimed local and international artists in music, creative and literary communities, attracting more than 6,500 visitors over the three days.
The long weekend festival includes family-friendly music and other art-based events for all ages, along with a program for young people and a series of free community events to ensure that it remains accessible to everyone.
Other successful events funded through the Regional Community Events Fund will be announced in coming weeks, including creative arts and entertainment festivals, sports carnivals, book fairs, cultural events and other small scale events.
The new Fund is part of the government’s targeted support for local communities to come together safely to help Victoria recover from the pandemic. The Fund will be administered by Visit Victoria, which is well connected to regional event organisers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “Rural and regional Victoria is host to some of our state’s most exciting community events which in turn creates local jobs and boosts the economy. Our Regional Community Events Fund will back our event organisers to bounce back and ensure the state’s diverse and vibrant calendar of community events can continue to thrive.”

Young farmers across the state can now apply for the 2022 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships to help their careers grow and support their contribution to Victoria’s vibrant agriculture sector.
Launching this year’s scholarship program today, Agriculture Victoria’s Acting Executive Director of Agriculture Policy, Dr Julie Simons encourages young farmers to apply for the scholarships that will allow them to take the next steps in their agricultural careers.
“In an industry that is undergoing constant evolution, fostering our young talent and giving them tools to thrive and succeed is vital,” said Dr Simons.
Under the program, which has awarded 89 scholarships since 2015, eligible young farmers can boost their skills and careers with up to $10,000 each to upskill through training or education, and to invest on-farm or for further professional development.
In 2021, thirteen young farmers were awarded scholarships covering the breadth of Victoria’s agriculture regions and industries including beef, sheep, cropping, horticulture, dairy, viticulture and aquaculture.
The scholarship program has supported these farmers to upskill in topics such as agribusiness, livestock management, and farm business management. Following on, scholarship recipients often invest in professional development or business planning, or in on-farm initiatives such as electronic ID tags, digital scales or consultant support.
Applications for this year’s round of scholarships are open to farmers aged 35 or under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.
The Victorian Government is continuing to modernise the agriculture industry, undertaking work to deliver the agriculture skills for the future through initiatives like the Young Farmers Scholarship Program, and the Young Farmer Business Bootcamps, Young Farmer and New Entrant Mentoring Program and the Young Farmers Advisory Council.
To find out more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit https://go.vic.gov.au/khjYo9
Applications are now open and will close on Monday 18 April.

Victoria’s priority postcodes are at the heart of an autumn push to increase COVID-19 third dose vaccination rates in the lead up to winter.
The autumn blitz is delivering more than 120 pop-ups across March, with a focus on areas where third dose uptake is lower than the state average of 62 per cent and where there are lower numbers of GP and pharmacy services – including Hume, Brimbank, Dandenong, Melton, Moreland, Casey and Darebin.
The vaccination drive includes opportunities for Victorians to walk up to get vaccinated as they go about their daily lives, with vaccination available at libraries, sports facilities, malls, markets, festivals, playgrounds, primary schools and even at Bunnings.
More than 600 pop-ups have been set up since the beginning of the year across Victoria, with 60 delivered so far this month and another 60 remaining. Pop-ups over the next week include:
• Footscray Library (16 March)
• Salvation Army Brimbank, Queen Victoria Market, and Moe Apex Park (17 March)
• Rezza Fest Darebin, Reservoir Neighbourhood House and Fawkner Community Sporting Hall (18 March)
• Wingate Community Centre Maribyrnong and Triangle Park Towong (21 March)
With the number of primary care providers administering vaccines increasing from fewer than 1,000 in the second half of 2021 to more than 2,000 today, GPs and community pharmacies are now delivering a larger share of the state’s vaccinations – as much as 70 per cent.
To reflect this shift in distribution and demand towards primary care providers and localised vaccination services, vaccinations will stop at the Royal Exhibition Building from Wednesday, 23 March.
St Vincent’s Health will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines through outreach services and mobile vaccination vans. Remaining larger fixed vaccination sites across suburban Melbourne will continue to operate.
Victorian figures show that two thirds of Victorians are getting their third dose when they fall due at three months – but there are still 1.7 million Victorians still due for their third dose. In Regional Victoria, Latrobe, Mildura, and Mitchell are the only Local Government Areas under the state average.
To stay protected and reduce the impact of COVID-19, book the next dose of your vaccine today at a GP or pharmacy, or book or walk-in at a vaccination centre at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.
Minister for Health Martin Foley: “Don’t rely on two doses to get you through this winter. If you are due, make March the month you get your third. We thank all the staff at St Vincent’s Hospital for delivering more than 400,000 doses at the Royal Exhibition Building and helping to protect so many Victorians from COVID-19. More and more Victorians are choosing to get vaccinated at clinics closer to home thanks to the growing number of GPs and pharmacies who are delivering the vaccine.”

The state government is backing a processing facility in western Victoria to become one of Australia’s newest producers of plant-based meat, while boosting local jobs.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green visited the Australian Eatwell’s processing facility in Donald to see their new plant-based meat production line that has been backed by funding from the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs Fund.
Australian Eatwell has created 11 full-time jobs through the project, including roles in management, maintenance, quality control production and logistics. The company has cemented its position as a major employer in Donald, now employing 40 full-time staff.
The project includes the installation of new equipment, including a packaging system and chiller to store vegan meat at the site. Australian Eatwell has also expanded its staff areas and increased the number of employees since the project was completed.
With the new production plant up and running, the company is now selling plant-based mince and sausages to supermarkets across the country directly from Donald along with its organic tofu, vegetable burgers and soy cheese products.
Established in 1993, Australian Eatwell has built its presence in Donald as a local manufacturer since relocating to the town in 2003. The company is a major supplier in Australia’s $200 million vegan food industry.
The business has continued to expand in recent years, acquiring leading health food brand Simply Better Foods in 2009, and launching the world’s first chickpea tofu in October 2016.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green: “We’re investing in towns like Donald to create jobs, grow local industries and businesses – making our regions great places to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been advised by the Country Fire Authority that the Fire Danger Period for the shire ended at 1am on Monday 21 March.
Residents wishing to burn-off now, must ensure they are abiding by Council local laws which prevent burn-offs on land less than 4000 square metres (one acre) without a permit. Residents must also register their burn by calling 1800 668 511.
With significant amounts of debris left over from the June 2021 storms, Council requests residents be mindful that burn piles do not exceed the size conducive to their land as set out in the local laws.
Council’s Director of Assets and Operations, Shane Waldron, said residents should consider a number of factors before burning off.
“It is important to keep an eye on weather conditions that may change throughout your burn off. Watch for overhead branches before igniting your burn pile and ensure you have an adequate water supply on hand,” he said.
Free disposal of green waste excluding noxious weeds, is also available at Council’s transfer stations.
Large landholders who would like to conduct a burn outside of council laws should call Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 5422 0333 to discuss applying for a free permit to burn.
For more information visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/burning-off

The federal government continues to support the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector in Ballarat with $85,000 awarded to Regent Cinema Central Ballarat under the $20 million Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said independent cinemas are a vital component of Australia’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing.

“The government is continuing to provide one-off business continuity grants to support the cinemas resurgence from prolonged closures and capacity restrictions,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We want to keep their doors open, continue offering employment opportunities, and carry on showcasing diverse stories to entertain their communities.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the latest grants would allow independent cinema operators to keep providing a popular, low-cost and COVID-safe way for people to go out and enjoy a movie as part of their local community.

Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCREEN Fund applications are open until 30 April 2022 or until total funds are committed. For more information and to check eligibility, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund

The state government is recognising the hard work of Victorians who selflessly give their time to the community by announcing the 2021 Volunteering Awards finalists.
Over the last two years, Victoria’s community organisations and volunteers have remained resilient, flexible and innovative, ensuring vital services and local connections continued during some challenging circumstances.
Twenty-four people and 26 organisations have been announced today as finalists across the seven award categories:
• COVID-19 innovation
• COVID-19 resilience
• COVID-19 support and connection
• Inclusive volunteering
• Volunteering leadership
• Volunteering partnerships
• Volunteering pathways to skills and community inclusion
One winner will be named the Premier’s volunteer champion of the year. The winner will receive the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch award and a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.
The 2021 Volunteering Awards will be presented at a function at Government House on March 25. For more details and the full list of finalists, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/volunteering-awards-2021/
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines: “Volunteering plays a vital role in our community and these awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our hard-working volunteers.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Josh Bull: “Thank you to the many volunteers across Victoria who kept our community safe and connected through the pandemic.”

The state government is boosting support for Victoria’s three-quarters of a million unpaid carers who selflessly look after loved ones.
Additional respite funding of $10 million will help more carers take a break when they need it and engage in work, study or exercise – or even enjoy a morning tea or trip to the movies.
Applications are also now open for organisations to deliver services through the $20 million Support for Carers Program, which will improve access to respite services for carers in rural and regional areas, and for those from diverse backgrounds.
Carer support organisations, peak bodies, health services, councils, neighbourhood houses and other community organisations are eligible to apply.
Applications are encouraged from organisations delivering innovative programs through partnerships that support regional communities and Aboriginal, multicultural, LGBTIQ+ and other diverse Victorians.
Organisations can apply for one or both funding opportunities.
Carers provide essential and unpaid support in a range of ways. Many do this around the clock making it difficult for them to access the support and services they need to look after themselves.
For details visit: dffh.vic.gov.au/news/two-new-funding-opportunities-increase-reach-support-carers.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines: “Caring is a 24/7 job for many of Victoria’s three-quarters of a million unpaid carers. We are boosting funding to ensure our selfless carers receive the time out they need to keep themselves well.”

Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, has joined the mayors of Golden Plains Shire and City of Ballarat to officially open the new Franklin Bridge at Scotchmans Lead near Napoleons, made possible by a $1.4 million federal government round 3 Bridge Renewal Program grant.

“Representing the government, I was delighted to join Mayors Moloney and Gamble and so many community members to open the new Franklin Bridge which is a vital connection between the two municipalities.

“The Bridges Renewal Program is one of the many ways the Morrison Government is improving infrastructure in regional communities.

“The new 150 tonne capacity Franklin Bridge replaces the old bridge, constructed in 1914, which had reached its end of life and could only carry vehicles up to 10 tonnes, meaning school buses and emergency vehicles such as large CFA trucks could not use the bridge.

“The new Franklin Bridge is making an enormous difference to community safety as well as road safety.

“I acknowledge the City of Ballarat and Golden Plains Shire for their funding contributions and the work of Ace Contractors Group to replace this important new community asset,” Senator Henderson said. 

The state government is backing the next generation of rural and regional leaders through a new round of the Regional Community Leadership Program.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas has visited Maryborough alongside a number of female country MPs and Ministers including Gayle Tierney, Maree Edwards, Christine Couzens, Danielle Green, Juliana Addison, and Michaela Settle.
The group announced $1.8 million for the Regional Community Leadership Program to be funded in each of Victoria’s nine Regional Partnerships areas.
The program aims to ensure stronger representation of women, Aboriginal leaders, multicultural community members and people living with a disability.
LEAD Loddon Murray is one of the groups to receive funding under this program, which will develop and support community leaders through the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program. It will assist community members to broaden their project management, public speaking, advocacy and collaboration skills.
Since its inception in 1998, the Loddon Murray program has supported more than 500 locals to become stronger community leaders, including Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership member and Maryborough resident Jess Kelly.
Jess graduated from the leadership program in 2019 and is focused on resolving food insecurity in regional Victoria through her work in the Regional Partnership.
Jess has further developed her personal skills as a leader in her role of product development manager at True Foods. In addition, she holds a strong passion for improving education and gender equality in leadership, while also encouraging the delivery of more STEM skills across her community.
The Regional Community Leadership Program branches out to more than 60 local government areas. The program is part of the Government’s almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.
The nine Regional Community Leadership Programs will be in each of the Regional Partnerships including Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Mallee, Ovens Murray and Wimmera Southern Mallee.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rclp
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas: “I’m pleased to support our next generation of future leaders, backing them to take up new opportunities and lead their communities, unlocking more jobs and economic success for regional and rural Victoria.” “The Regional Community Leadership program is about building a strong and diverse group of leaders across the state and helping to drive positive change.”