Victoria’s health system will be boosted further with a range of measures to free up capacity in public hospitals, as we head toward an expected surge in COVID patients.
The new $307 million package is designed to make the most of our resources within hospitals, while increasing in home and community care options to keep our critical care beds ready for those who need them most.
Hospital in the Home will receive an urgent injection of up to $87 million to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients at home, which will free up more than 100 public hospital beds in metropolitan Melbourne.
An injection of $42 million will allow the COVID Positive Pathways program to employ more than 150 extra staff to assess what medical or social supports COVID positive patients might need to help them remain at home during their recovery, and additional staff to navigate their COVID care from hospital back into their home.
The funding will also provide oximeters and home oxygen units to positive patients, so their symptoms can be monitored remotely, and help to establish dedicated triage spaces in the program for people who deteriorate and require hospitalisation.
Ambulance Victoria will receive more than $40 million to boost their capacity to manage increased COVID caseload and provide surge capacity for patients with less serious conditions that still require hospitalisation.
The funding will provide 58 non-emergency patient transport vehicles, more than 200 student paramedics, 13 additional Peak Period Units, and additional paramedics to provide care at handover and assist with flow at Emergency Departments.
Aboriginal health organisations in regional and metropolitan areas will share in $12 million to increase clinical sessions, in-home care, healthcare coordination between Aboriginal and mainstream services, and provide increased COVID care pathways and primary healthcare to reduce pressure on the hospital system.
Additional funding will support patients with a disability who are currently in a metropolitan hospital and are medically fit for discharge, but are waiting in hospital for NDIS packages and accommodation.
Victoria will step up while waiting for national NDIS processes to be worked through, with flexible support packages that enable these patients to move home or into comfortable and appropriate community accommodation – freeing up hospital beds for COVID-positive patients.
Similarly, geriatric clinicians will be deployed to residential aged care facilities to reduce avoidable hospital admissions. Combined with high vaccination rates, this will see more elderly residents cared for where they live, rather than in hospital.
An extra 450 people will be supported by Melbourne based specialist community palliative care providers in their homes – which is expected to free up between 10 and 20 per cent of the metropolitan palliative care beds over the next five months.
Extra workforce measures include $3.6 million to support 3,000 critical care training places and employ 24 health educators on wards to provide additional training for 750 multi-disciplinary clinicians in ICU surge and acute care.

In a boost for community organisations across regional Australia, the federal government has announced the opening of the new $3 million Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program, to be delivered in 2021‑22.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the CHART grants program would support regional and remote communities to re-emerge from the Covid pandemic.

“The program will help successful applicants including museums, galleries and historical societies to stage events and improve their facilities to encourage tourists to return to regional areas, providing a much needed boost to their local economies,” Minister Fletcher said.

Under the program, community museums, galleries, and historical societies in regional Australia will be able to apply for grants of up to $3000.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the funding will support activities that encourage cultural tourism, through the preservation of Australia’s cultural heritage and, in particular, the telling of the stories of local communities.

“With the (federal government’s) support, we will help rebuild our local economy through the development of collections or exhibits, improved facilities for visitors, and the digitisation of local heritage collections for future generations to enjoy,” Senator Henderson said.

“I encourage arts, cultural and heritage organisations to apply for a CHART program grant today – this will assist us to continue to offer appealing cultural tourism experiences in our regional community.”

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is delivering the program on behalf of the Government. Applications will close on 29 April 2022 or once all funding is expended, whichever comes first. For more details visit the AMaGA website at www.amaga.org.au/chart.

Better facilities are on their way for students at Tylden Primary School with works commencing on an important upgrade thanks to the state government.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas has announced works are under way at Tylden Primary School to deliver a significant upgrade to improve their physical education facilities.
The state government has provided $105,125 to go towards helping the school upgrade their outdoor multipurpose court and improve the physical education space.

While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to help meet increasing demand, the Minor Capital Works fund is about delivering the small projects that make a big difference while also supporting local jobs.
Minister for Education James Merlino said every student should have a great school, no matter where they lived.

“That’s why we’re investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians.”

Rental providers are now eligible for a rebate to upgrade inefficient heating and cooling systems to make homes more comfortable, drive down power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio has announced $1000 rebates from Solar Victoria to install energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners in rental properties. This rebate could help renters save up to $300 on their annual power bills.

More than 3300 Victorians have already taken advantage of the rebate – funded by the state government − since it opened to community housing organisations in May, and owner-occupiers in August 2021.
The eligibility expansion means even more low-income and vulnerable Victorian households can have their homes made warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
To be eligible for the rebate the rental property must be either earning $500 or less in weekly rent, occupied by renters holding a valid concession card or with a combined household income below $90,000, or unoccupied with a potential to earn $500 or less in weekly rent.
A further $200 rebate is available to cap old gas heaters, along with $500 to upgrade an electrical switchboard, if needed.
About 30 per cent of Victorians rent their homes and just under 80 per cent earn under $90,000. We also know around 45 per cent of this cohort struggle to pay their energy bills.
With new regulations requiring energy-efficient heating in all rental properties from March this year this rebate will support rental providers to install effective and efficient system for the home.
To ensure as many renters benefit from these upgrades as soon as possible, rental providers can apply for two rebates each financial year, with one rebate available per property.
For more information, including eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply visit heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au.
Ms D’Ambrosio said everyone deserved a home where the could keep warm in winter or cool in summer without breaking the bank.
“We’ve heard the message from renters and rental providers loud and clear – that’s why we have expanded access to these rebates.
“This program will not only help those who would otherwise struggle to afford a new heating and cooling system, it will also help Victoria reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and make our homes more resilient to climate change.”

Melbourne’s top public galleries, museums and performance venues are gearing up for a big summer as they re-open their doors to the public.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson has announced that the National Gallery of Victoria has welcome visitors back. Guests will be able to see an important addition to the gallery’s collection – an artwork by Berthe Morisot, one of the leading women of French Impressionism who was at the forefront of the movement in Paris in the late nineteenth century.

The NGV Foundation raised more than $3 million for the acquisition of Morisot’s 1889 work La Broderie (Embroidery), which is the first of her paintings to enter an Australian public collection.
Other upcoming exhibitions include ‘Fashion Manifesto’ – an exploration into the significant contribution to twentieth century fashion by renowned French couturière Gabrielle Chanel, which will open 4 December.
From 6 December, visitors can wet their toes in the latest NGV Architecture Commission, pond[er] – a pink pond in the Grollo Equiset garden.
In addition to the National Gallery of Victoria’s two sites, on the other side of the city State Library Victoria will also reopen its doors to the public on Wednesday.
It follows a busy weekend of cultural offerings with Scienceworks, the Immigration Museum, the Melbourne Museum and ACMI all welcoming their first visitors and live music make a roaring return to the stage at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
For music fans, the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne reopens from 8 November, Melbourne Recital Centre kicks off its performance program on 12 November and Hamer Hall will host the Melbourne International Jazz Festival opening night gala on 26 November.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community feedback about transport needs when travelling around the township of Woodend.
All feedback will help inform the development of an integrated transport plan that will guide planning over the next 10 years to meet the future transport needs of the Woodend community.
Asset and Operations director Shane Walden said, “The community’s feedback is vital for understanding how people choose to get around town.”

“From private vehicles and public transport to walking and cycling – please let us know about your experiences, observations and ideas for how we can create a safe, efficient and accessible network of transport options,’ he said.
Once developed, the plan will deliver on the ‘improving connectivity and movement’ objective of the Council Plan 2021-2031.
It will provide a framework to address site-specific issues and build an evidence-based, prioritised list of actions that will:
 identify gaps in the local transport network, including footpaths and roads
 plan for safe and efficient movement around the town
 identify improvements to high priority locations within the township
 improve the layout of streets and create safe and accessible public areas
 address community concerns about crossing High Street and nearby side streets.
“It will also focus on ways council, and all levels of government can work together to improve connectivity between local roads, pathways and public transport,” he said.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Victorian Government Department of Transport.
Feedback is invited until 5pm on Wednesday, December 1.
To find out more and have your say, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or call 5422 0333. Written submissions can also be emailed to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or posted to Macedon Ranges Shire Council, PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444.

The state government is supporting small community-based organisations in the state’s north-west to back projects in their region.
Minister for Regional Development and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has launched the Small Towns Big Difference pilot program for the Buloke Shire, supported by a $60,000 investment from the state government through the Mallee Regional Partnership.
The $120,000 fund is a collaboration between the Mallee Regional Partnership, the Buloke Shire Council, Charlton and Donald Community Banks and the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

The pilot was developed in recognition that many funding programs are geared towards economic development rather than the social benefits of small communities. Consequently, some community organisations find it difficult to attract funding for their smaller community-based projects that champion social outcomes.
Community organisations in the Buloke Shire will be encouraged to apply for Small Towns Big Difference grants for projects that build community capacity, social inclusion, community pride and improve lifestyle and access to community services, along with projects that develop the local economy.
Projects may include new play spaces for children and families, rest-stop reserve improvements, community halls, minor sport and recreation upgrades, shared workspaces for volunteers and streetscape art.
The Small Towns Big Difference fund is a priority of the Mallee Regional Partnership. The Mallee Regional Partnership is one of nine Partnerships across the state that was established by the Victorian Government in 2016, recognising that local communities understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region.
Ms Thomas said the government was proud to support small-community organisations to fulfil their potential through the Small Towns Big Difference pilot program, backing projects that boost community connection and pride.”
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank chief executive Marnie Baker, pictured, said the launch of the Small Towns Big Difference pilot program was a source of great pride for the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank which had been supporting community projects like these for many years through its philanthropic arm, the Community Enterprise Foundation.

Victoria’s sentinel chickens are retiring after nearly 50 years on the front line, after new testing and surveillance methods have made it quicker and easier to detect mosquito-borne viruses across the state.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas has congratulated researchers at Agriculture Victoria who in partnership with the Department of Health have developed faster testing methods for the early detection of mosquito-borne viruses – providing laboratory results within days.
This new molecular testing method enables mosquito samples to be screened directly and has been used in Victoria since 2019 to screen mosquitoes for Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.
Since 1974, Victoria’s sentinel chicken program has played a crucial role in providing the community with an early warning about emerging risks to human health from some mosquito-borne viruses.
The chickens, housed in mosquito-prone areas along the Murray River and tributaries, have played a key part in the state’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance, relying on the natural circulation of mosquito-borne viruses.
Weekly blood samples were tested by scientists to assess if birds had been exposed to the mosquito-borne viruses – Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile virus (subtype Kunjin). Results from this form of testing would often take weeks.
The latest cohort of 175 chickens have now retired from the program, with many of them being rehomed in the local community by flock managers.
Rapid risk assessments for mosquito-borne viruses are undertaken from mid-spring to mid-autumn each year as part of the Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program.
These activities determine whether the state is at increased risk of these mosquito-borne viruses and if it requires public health warnings to better protect Victorians from mosquito-borne diseases.
The Andrews Labor Government is protecting and modernising the agriculture sector through its 10-year Agriculture Strategy.
For more information visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/beat-the-bite.
Ms Thomas said the success of the sentinel chicken program was a credit to Victorian scientists, field vets, animal health workers and volunteers who have cared for the flocks.
“We are pleased to see how research has prevailed with new testing methods allowing for a quicker and faster detection of the virus – keeping Victorians safe.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has joined the call for the Australian Government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The decision was carried at the Scheduled Council Meeting in August as a Notice of Motion moved by Cr Annette Death that Council:

1. Puts on record its deep concern about the grave threat that nuclear weapons pose to communities throughout the world. Council firmly believes that our residents have the right to live in a world free from this threat. Any use of nuclear weapons, whether deliberate or accidental, would have catastrophic, far‐reaching and long‐lasting consequences for people and the environment.
2. Welcomes the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons by the United Nations in 2017.
3. Requests the Mayor write to Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to call on Australia to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay.
4. Requests the Chief Executive Officer to issue a media release announcing that Council has joined the call for the Federal Government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
5. Directs that the Chief Executive Officer must initiate a review of Council’s investment in a financial institution if it is brought to the Chief Executive Officer’s attention that that financial institution invests in the production of nuclear weapons.
6. Recognises the ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) Cities for Peace Appeal and acknowledges the large number of cities and shires across Australia that have committed to this appeal.
   Cr Annette Death said, “Local government plays an important role in advocating for its community on a wide range of issues, and community safety is one of these.
   “Council is already a city member of Mayors for Peace that supports the elimination of nuclear weapons.
   “This Treaty is seeking to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons, providing a pathway for all nations to outlaw and eliminate nuclear weapons.
   “Thirty eight local councils have already passed a motion in support of the ICAN Cities for Peace appeal and Council has received ICAN postcards from residents asking council to support this cause.
   “We should be leaders in this space through advocacy. We have responsibility to look after our citizens,” Cr Death said.
   The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by the United Nations in 2017.
   The Australian Local Government Association unanimously passed a motion in June, calling on the Australian Government to sign and ratify the Treaty.
   Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson also called on the Australia Government to join other nations in signing the Treaty to ban and eliminate nuclear weapons once and for all.
   “Community members have told Council this is important to them, and as a Council, we have a responsibility to make a stand and advocate on behalf of our community,” Cr Anderson said.
   A recording of the August Scheduled Council Meeting is available to watch at mrsc.vic.gov.au/recordings

Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2021 finalists have been announced.
The 2021 finalists are:
Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles*
Macedon Ranges Produce
The Millet Road Maker
Plywood Toys

COVID-19 Business Adaptability
Fox in the Chamber
Macedon Ranges Produce
Ray White Romsey

Excellence in Agribusiness and Food Manufacturing
Animus Distillery
The Millett Road Maker
Wondermazing Honeybees

Excellence in Health, Wellness and Care
Gisborne Family Dental
Gisborne Health Essentials
Zenkai

Excellence in Manufacturing, Trades, Retail and Innovation
Anaste Hair & Beauty
Cavalli Motorsports
RV Storage Solutions

Excellence in Professional Services
Bug-A-Lugs Indoor Play centre
Dean Publishing
KGMG Consultants

Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience
Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat
Fellcroft Farmstay
Flop House Accommodation

Small and Thriving
Country Jo’s Homemade
Groomer Haz It
Woodend Nursery & Landscaping

Young and Professional Award*
Gisborne Family Dental
Pilates Plus Gisborne
Ramai Skin & Body Care

Eligible businesses could apply for these categories in addition to their specific category.
The awards recognise businesses that provide outstanding products and services to the shire and beyond, and who are of great value to the community as they provide local jobs, services and supplies.
All of the finalists are eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Voting for the winner of this award is open to the public and closes 11.59pm Monday 22 November.
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards to get involved now and support your favourite local business.

The state government is providing more support to small businesses and sole traders with a new round of grants for local business chambers and trader groups.
Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulfor has announced round two of the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program was open, providing grants of $20,000 to up to 30 groups across Victoria.

Business groups can use the funds to support their local business community’s recovery through locally-led initiatives that help build skills and resilience and adapt as we enter Phase C of the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan and significant new freedoms are shared across the state.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce used first-round funding to offer free crisis support to all local businesses and ran more than 50 free online workshops on topics ranging from staff mental wellbeing to creating high-performing teams and diversity in the workplace.
A creative solution to hospitality trading restrictions from the Union Road Traders Association in Ascot Vale saw a pop-up park created for locals to enjoy their takeaway food, and a new pedal-powered delivery service was trialed at no cost to local businesses.
Be.Bendigo used its grant to run a series of initiatives including a leadership program and monthly catch-up sessions for business owners to engage and create new working relationships.
The first round of the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program supported 205 groups with grants totalling $4.96 million.
The state government has provided more than $11 billion in direct economic support to businesses since the start of the pandemic, including $6 billion in grants to 180,000 businesses since June.
For more information and details on how to apply for the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program, visit business.vic.gov.au. Applications close on 26 November.
Ms Pulford said business chambers and trader groups knew what their members needed and this funding would help them provide tailored support that’s right for their areas.
“We are ensuring business have access to resources to help them recover and adapt to new conditions so they can continue to play their vital role in the community.”

The state government is backing regional Victorian events of all sizes, to ensure the state’s diverse and vibrant calendar of community events can continue to thrive.
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas has the Kyneton Mechanics Institute to announce local councils, community groups and small-scale event organisers could apply for grants under the $1 million Regional Community Events Fund.
The fund opened on November 1 with grants of up to $25,000 available for small-scale events and festivals held across the state.
Eligible events could include community festivals, sporting carnivals and arts and cultural events. Kyneton is known for its diverse calendar of events, including the Daffodil and Art Festival as well as regular markets and music festivals.
Support will go towards a range of costs associated with hosting events in a COVIDSafe environment including for density limit management, record keeping, good hygiene practices and marketing.
The new Fund is part of the Labor 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 and positioned to respond swiftly to event proposals.
Visit Victoria will work with Regional Development Victoria to ensure that regional councils and event organisers have more support and confidence to plan and stage events with COVIDSafe settings.
The Regional Community Events Fund complements the $20 million Regional Events Fund, a commitment to bring blockbuster events to Victoria’s regions as part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
The Fund comes off the back of the recent Play On regional series, featuring more than 20 regional Victorian artists at eight outdoor events across the state this weekend.
Concerts will be held for double vaccinated audiences at outdoor venues in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Halls Gap, Warrnambool, Castlemaine, Archies Creek and Avenel, with the line-up featuring regional Victorian talent including Gareth Liddiard, Dan Kelly, Kutcha Edwards & Friends, Dallas Frasca, The Kite Machine and Jess Ribeiro.
The Fund will close on 30 November. For eligibility details and information on how to apply, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rcef.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“Rural and regional Victoria plays host to some of our state’s most vibrant community events and this funding will help organisers get back on their feet to plan more events for local communities as the state opens up.”

The Victorian Government is backing the return of a packed calendar of crowd-pleasing public events in regional and rural areas in 2022, bringing thousands of visitors and creating local jobs.
The $20 million Regional Events Fund opened on November 1, with organisers of festivals, sports events, exhibitions and other attractions encouraged to consider making an application for support.
Funding is available for the attraction, development, marketing and growth of public events across Victoria.
The Regional Events Fund will increase economic benefits to Victoria by driving visitor numbers and length of stay, thereby boosting spending in regional areas, growing jobs and contributing to the state’s reputation as Australia’s leading events destination.
Since 2016, the Regional Events Fund has supported more than 250 events including one of Australia’s most loved and longest running cultural events, the Queenscliff Music Festival.
Other annual regional events which have been supported by the fund include The Lost Trades Fair, the Winton SuperSprint and the Chillout Festival, a significant driver of tourism in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region.
This year, the RONE exhibition in Geelong attracted visitors in the thousands, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The fund will provide up to $1 million to support costs associated with securing, marketing and delivering an event of international or national significance and has the capacity to attract large-scale visitation. Up to $500,000 is available to assist with the implementation of innovative strategies to increase visitation for existing events.
Regional events that have been affected by the global pandemic, bushfires, floods, or economic change are eligible for $50,000 under a dedicated Event Industry Support category.
The $20 million commitment to the Regional Events Fund is part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan which aims to boost annual visitor expenditure to $35 billion by June 2024, supporting 300,000 jobs.
For eligibility details and information on how to apply, visit corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said Victoria was renowned for hosting amazing regional and rural events.

“As we reopen, this new support will enable organisers to plan with confidence for a really stunning comeback.”

Victoria’s prospects of unearthing more precious metal are brighter with a major mineral exploration tender given the green light as the state enjoys a modern-day gold rush.
The state government is supporting regional jobs through the growth of minerals exploration, with Fosterville Gold Mine and Southern Star Exploration set to invest $100 million searching for gold on the doorstep of the state’s most productive mine at Fosterville, pending the issuing of exploration licences.
Fosterville Gold Mine would spend more than $90 million across its three allocated blocks from the land release, while Southern Star would spend more than $10 million on its single allotment. The blocks range from 327 square kilometres to 512 sq km.
The companies were chosen following an extensive evaluation of North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release tender submissions which included input from a Traditional Owner panel. The companies’ minerals exploration licence applications will now be assessed.

Minister for Resources Jaala Pulford today visited On Site Laboratory Services in Bendigo, which uses cutting-edge technology to analyse precious metal content. The lab is the only ISO registered commercial mineral facility in Victoria, and one of many regional businesses that has benefited from Victoria’s new gold rush.
The Geological Survey of Victoria predicts there may be as much as 75 million ounces of undiscovered gold in northern Victoria – almost as much gold as has been discovered across the entire state since 1851.
In 2019-20, Victoria produced 22,460 kilograms – or 792,267 ounces – of gold and ABS data shows Victoria minerals exploration expenditure increased to $183.8 million in 2020-21, up by more than 35 per cent. Since 2016, the average quarterly growth rate has been more than double the national average.
Exploration activities – including sampling, mapping and analysis – could start next year. If commercially viable deposits exist, further development can take place if the licensee successfully applies for a mining licence.
This ground release is designed to attract high-calibre minerals companies committed to working closely with landholders and will provide great jobs for those looking to join the 850-person strong local minerals workforce.
Details on the North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release are available at earthresources.vic.gov.au.

The state government is making sure young Victorians have the physical and mental wellbeing support they need to thrive.
Minister for Health Martin Foley today launched Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures – the Governments five year plan to ensure Victorian children and young people are strong, healthy and well from their earliest years.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures will help tens of thousands of Victorian children and young people thrive as they grow through the promotion of healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Central to the plan is ensuring good health and wellbeing is available to all, regardless of postcode, gender or cultural background.
The plan focuses on keeping children and young people healthy from their earliest years, because we know that a healthy start is key to children reaching their potential and living happy and fulfilling lives.
This is more important now than ever before as we support our children and young people to recover from the turbulence of the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan will ensure children, young people and families are supported to be healthy and raise healthy children with increased access to healthy food, more opportunities to be active and focus on mental wellbeing.
Key initiatives include Vic Kids Eat Well, a new program supporting school and community settings to make simple changes to improve the health of kids. Healthy Kids Advisors will also provide hands-on support for healthy eating in select communities – with joint funding from the Commonwealth Government.
The action plan brings government departments and partners together to lay the foundations for better health and wellbeing.
Learn more about Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-strategies/healthy-kids-healthy-futures.
Mr Foley said it had never been more important to put the health and happiness of children and young people first as the state opened up and reset for the future.
“We’re making good health for our kids, with healthy eating, active living and mental wellbeing, a focus so we can all work together to deliver a healthier future.”