Geelong’s new world-class event centre will provide locally produced food and drinks when it opens next month.

More than 50 local businesses will help deliver events at Nyaal Banyul, supplying local food, wine and equipment.

The new venue will create hundreds of local jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services.

It will cement the region as a must-visit destination, delivering lasting economic benefits.

The supplier network spans fresh produce and local wines to event equipment and warehouse support.

This includes Geelong Access Hire, Lonsdale Tomato Farm, genU and Bellarine Smokehouse, along with 28 local wineries, breweries and other beverage producers.

It’s a massive boost for Geelong with the $450 million state-of-the-art venue hiring 41 permanent roles and 200 casual positions.

It features 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, a 1,000-seat theatre and cutting-edge AV technology.

Around 70 events are already booked, and more than 260 additional enquiries are in the pipeline.

The project is funded through a $676 million joint investment from the federal and state governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the region.

The state government is making sure career firefighters in Bendigo have the tools they need to protect the community. 

As planning for their new permanent station continues – upgrades at a temporary site on Murphy Street are now underway.

These upgrades will allow crews to relocate while a new permanent station at Hargreaves Street is delivered.

Local builders Whelan Master Builders have been appointed to deliver a diesel exhaust capture system and gym facilities.

Works are expected to be completed by October with crews moving over after.

Meanwhile, planning for the new permanent station on Hargreaves Street continues.

The tender is to be released soon with work to begin before the end of the year.

We have the best funded fire services in the country, and we continue to deliver record investment year-on-year in FRV and the CFA.

Victoria has the fastest response times in the nation and more career firefighters than any other state.

The state government is setting clear expectations for how renewable energy developers engage and deliver benefits for communities.
Minister D’Ambrosio today released the Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines which sets out expectations of renewable energy project developers to engage early and meaningfully with landholders, neighbours and communities and demonstrate how feedback is incorporated into the final project design.
The guidelines also set out expectations on how developers support local economic investment, deliver community benefits and put in place clear processes for complaints and dispute resolution.
The transition to renewable energy is expected to deliver major benefits for regional communities, with up to $2.3 billion in direct financial benefits from renewable and transmission projects over the next 25 years in Victoria.
Regional communities will see benefits in the short term, with about $75 million in individual project benefits expected to flow to communities over the next 12 months from both transmission and renewable energy.
Renewable energy development will also provide significant opportunities to local businesses and economies, with Victoria’s energy sector projected to need about 68,000 workers by 2040.
An update on the Victorian Access Regime will be released soon – this will ensure better coordination of renewable energy and transmission projects and make sure renewable projects deliver benefits to communities.
Once in operation, all projects applying for access to the grid must meet the new Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines.
For more information visit, vicgrid.com.au

The state government is backing the growth of Victoria’s dairy industry, supporting more production and regional jobs.

Minister Settle recently visited Goulburn Valley Creamery in Kyabram which will see new technology, production capability and six jobs added with support from the $150 million Victorian Investment Fund.

The expansion includes the installation of new equipment and processing systems to make high-quality dairy products more efficiently, reducing its operating costs and opening new market opportunities.

Gouburn Valley Creamery produces fresh, frozen and concentrated dairy products from the Kyabram facility it purchased in 2020.

It has since invested millions of dollars to boost the site’s operational capacity.

The government’s support delivered the fit-out of a larger processing area and upgrades to key equipment and water infrastructure which boosted the site’s production capacity, improved its sustainably and increased its workforce.

Northern Victoria is home to more than 700 dairy farm businesses, with milk production reaching 1.58 billion litres in 2024–25.

The region is part of a powerhouse industry that makes Victoria the nation’s largest dairy producing and exporting state – representing more than 60 per cent of Australia’s milk production.

The Victorian Investment fund provided support for Tongala Nutrition to improve its northern Victoria operations with sustainable energy systems, new production equipment, and freight and logistics upgrades.

The Australian Government RIC Drought Hardship Loan is available to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought. 

The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.

Available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.

Learn more about the Drought Hardship Loan at ric.gov.au

Consultation has just opened for the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which guides how we will sustain Victoria’s waterways, while balancing the many ways we use and value them.

Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, supporting our health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as providing critical habitat for Victoria’s native wildlife and plants.

This will be the third iteration of the 10-year waterway management strategy and will build on more than 20 years of learnings and achievements in waterway and catchment management across Victoria.

The new strategy is needed to guide the protection of waterways as our population grows and our climate changes. Refining and adapting our approach will ensure waterways continue to be enjoyed and valued.

The strategy provides the framework for the management of waterways. Catchment management authorities and Traditional Owners play a key role in caring for waterways in working with regional communities, landholders and other partners who live, work and play on waterways.

Caring for our waterways requires everyone to work together, with community knowledge, stewardship and partnership vital for success.

Traditional Owners have managed waterways and Country for countless generations and continue to hold valuable ecological knowledge to care for waterways. The strategy’s management approach seeks to embed and support this ongoing connection.

We are hosting online webinars to share information about the new strategy. Feedback can be provided through an online survey or written submission at Engage Victoria before 29 June 2026.

To read the draft strategy, provide feedback or register to attend a webinar, visit: The Third Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.

Spraying by drone in an Agricultural Chemical Control Area (ACCA)? 

Extra rules apply.
There are 9 ACCAs in Victoria, established to protect high-value and herbicide-sensitive crops, with restrictions on how and when certain chemicals can be used.
The standard requirements for spraying via remotely piloted aircraft still apply, but check these extra steps:

• check if the land is inside an ACCA
• check for any restriction dates
• check the chemical label and approved spray methods.

After doing these checks and confirming you need an ACCA permit, make sure you apply at least 4 weeks before you plan to spray.

Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are encouraged to check what support they may be eligible for to help with recovery.

Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said recovery from fires can take months or years and support is still available.

‘Recovery doesn’t stop when the fires are out. For many farmers, the real work is just beginning,’ Mr Tuohey said.

‘Farmers have been getting on with the job and may not realise what support is available to ease some recovery pressures.

‘I encourage anyone affected to take a moment to see what’s available. You might be eligible for assistance that can make a real difference.’

Financial assistance available includes:

• Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises. Funding can be used for essential recovery activities such as rebuilding or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure and restoring operations
• Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 are available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, while loans of up to $100,000 will support those experiencing a major loss of income. This assistance will help cover essential costs such as repairing or replacing damaged equipment, rebuilding infrastructure, purchasing livestock and meeting working capital expenses like wages, rent, and fodder.

Applications can be made at Rural Finance.

‘Reaching out can ease some of the pressure. There are people ready to help,’ Mr Tuohey said.

Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground in local communities, partnering with local shires and other support services, to provide farm management information, and chat with farmers, their families and the community.

Staff are also at events providing farmers with technical information on a wide range of topics including managing and feeding livestock, pasture recovery, managing and protecting farm water supplies, farm mapping and re-fencing.

Farmers can access free, independent support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, including wellbeing support, financial counselling and assistance with grant and loan applications.

To speak with a counsellor or access wellbeing support, call 1300 771 741.

For more information visit the Bushfires page or call 136 186.

Every Victorian woman and child deserves to be safe – whether it’s at home, at work or in their community.

That’s why the state government is backing Aboriginal-led groups to stop family violence before it starts.

Minister Horne today announced the recipients of the 2025/26 Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund.

The fund delivers $1.4 million to be shared across 29 projects delivered by Aboriginal-led organisations, with individual grants of up to $100,000.

The programs foster healthy, respectful relationships to reduce the rate of family violence, including:

• Strong Women, Safe families – primary prevention, early intervention and culturally safe responses to family violence through community connection
• Junior University Camp – building on students’ life skills, knowledge and confidence through a respectful relationships program
• VACSAL ACM West Families Program– community program for Aboriginal fathers and carers with service providers to build healthy relationships
• Wathaurong Boxing – strengthening cultural identity, changing behaviours through structured routine and mentorship
• Men’s Group – focus on supporting Aboriginal men’s social, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

The projects are also in line with the landmark Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families agreement.

The Dhelk Dja agreement was developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities across Victoria and endorsed by the Koori Caucus and Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum.

Victoria is leading the nation in strengthening the prevention and response to family violence.

This includes investing more than $4 billion and implementing all 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Victorian families are being hit hard by rising prices at the supermarket. 

More families than ever are accessing food relief and support.

The state government has more funding for FoodBank’s GROW program and a new warehouse.

Minister Grigorovitch officially opened FoodBank Victoria’s brand-new Altona warehouse and announced $3 million for their innovative GROW program.

The GROW program redirects up to 4,000 tonnes of surplus produce direct from farms to families in need.

Over three years it will deliver around 43 million serves of seasonal fruit and vegetables through the charity partner network.

The new Altona warehouse will more than double FoodBank’s storage capacity.

That means more quality produce from farmers, growers and producers that might otherwise end up in landfill.

RSPCA Victoria’s next Healthy Pet Day event in Richmond is on Thursday, 18 June in the Ground Floor Community Room at 106 Elizabeth Street, Richmond,
where RSPCA experts will provide free check-ups, dog and cat vaccines, pet food, and behavioural advice for local pet owners in need.

RSPCA Victoria Community Outreach and Education Senior Manager, Dr Lauren Roberts, said the Healthy Pet Days are a great way to provide your furry companions with vital health checks during the cost-of-living crisis.

These services are completely free for local valid concession card holders and would usually cost over $150 all up per animal.

To access the free Healthy Pet Day services, attendees must:

• Be 18 years old or over,
• Be a valid concession or health care card holder (e.g., Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care card, Pensioner Concession Card), and
• Have proof of residence in the Yarra City Council area.

Please contact the RSPCA Victoria Media team for an interview with Dr Lauren Roberts before, or at, the Healthy Pet Day in Richmond.

More than two million Victorians have now applied for 20 per cent off their rego.

That’s two million families getting real help right now.  Payments are already reaching Victorian’s bank accounts.

It’s all about putting money back in the pockets of Victorians while fuel prices remain high.

Here’s how it works:

• A driver with one car gets up to $186 back
• A family with two cars gets up to $372 back
• You get the full rebate whether you pay yearly or in instalments
• Applications close 31 July 2026. Two months to claim what’s yours.

To be eligible for the rebate, Victorians need to have paid their registration between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 for a light vehicle for personal use.

You can claim for up to two vehicles in your name.

For more information and to apply, download the Service Victoria app or visit service.vic.gov.au/rego-rebate

The state government is shutting down suppliers of illicit tobacco with strong new shop closure laws.

New laws introduced into Parliament give Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police powers to issue closure notices for up to 90 days.

They will also be able apply to the Magistrates’ Court for longer-term closure orders.

Businesses that defy the orders will face fines of more than $2.4 million and up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The new laws will also allow a landlord to terminate a lease because of a long-term closure order.

They will create consequences for landlords who knowingly permit the sale of illicit tobacco at premises they own.

These changes will also give authorities the power to destroy illicit tobacco before trial where appropriate.

This will reduce the hazards, burden and cost of storing large amounts of product.

The illicit tobacco trade funds organised crime, undermines public health and puts Victorians at risk.

TLV is continuing to work closely with all law enforcement partners to target illicit tobacco across Victoria.

This year’s Budget provided $13.4 million to triple the number of TLV inspectors and for the new closure powers.

This builds on the $46 million to establish the new licensing scheme and regulator.

For more information, to report suspicious activity or see a list of licensed tobacco retailers and wholesalers visit vic.gov.au/tobacco-licensing.

More than 75,000 blood and plasma treatments are needed to help save the lives of Australian children every year.

This National Blood Donor Week, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is recognising the donors who make that possible.

As demand for donated blood and plasma continues to grow, including among vulnerable patients in children’s hospitals, Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone said each life-giving donation makes a life-changing difference to our community’s smallest recipients.

“If you’ve ever donated blood, there’s a good chance it has helped a child. For these kids, and anyone who receives a donation, it’s more than blood. It’s life,” Cath said.

“Whether a child is living with an immune condition, undergoing cancer treatment, or recovering from trauma, blood donation is the reason these life-saving treatments are possible and gives families hope in some of their hardest moments.”

To recognise Australia’s generous blood donors and highlight the impact they have on the lives of young kids, Lifeblood is releasing a limited-edition bandage inspired by drawings from children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.

Designed by artist David Booth, the colourful bandage is a celebration of children’s creativity and resilience and will be available in donor centres across the country from National Blood Donor Week.

“It was a real honour to meet and draw with young people who are the recipients of blood donations,” David said.

“I’m always humbled by young people’s ability to step into play mode when the pencils and markers come out, no matter what they are going through. I hope that our bandage helps donors connect with the joy in the drawings and feel the true impact they make with each donation.”

Eligible Australians are encouraged to make an appointment and wear their bandage with pride, knowing their donation can help save lives and is a powerful act of kindness.

“Children throughout Australia rely on the 75,000 treatments made from donations of blood, plasma and platelets and sent to hospitals each year. Our new bandage is a visible reminder that donors don’t just give blood – they bring colour to little lives,” Cath said.

“Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular donor, every donation helps ensure hospitals have the blood products children and other patients need, and helps make brighter days possible for them.”

National Blood Donor Week, which runs from 8 to 14 June in 2026, celebrates Australia’s half a million blood and plasma donors.

All donors who give until July 19 will be wrapped in the vibrant, limited-edition bandage, creating an extra reason to book during National Blood Donor Week and beyond.

Book a donation by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or via the Lifeblood app.

The state government is providing an $8.1 million boost to maternity hospitals across Victoria.

The investment is all about helping babies with additional care needs to stay with their mums in post-natal wards.

The period immediately after birth is one of the most critical times for both mother and baby.

Some newborns require closer observation and clinical care, which can require admission to special care nurseries.

Through the expansion of the Neonatal Postnatal Support Nurse pilot program, these nurses work with midwives and focus on caring for newborns who may need treatment, like antibiotics to treat infection or light therapy for jaundice.

By avoiding special care nursery admission, it helps keep mums and bubs together in those precious first moments.

The hospitals already running this program have reported positive results, like fewer hospital readmissions of neonates, and fewer complications like hypothermia and hypoglycaemia.

Expanding the Neonatal Postnatal Support Nurse Program

The investment boosts the program across the state and doubles its workforce from 32 to 65 nurses.

The program currently operates at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, University Hospital Geelong and Werribee Mercy Hospital.

It will now be expanded to three additional hospitals:

• Royal Women’s Hospital
• Mercy Hospital for Women (Heidelberg)
• Monash Medical Centre (Clayton)

Funding will also be extended to continue the program at the three original pilot sites, for continuity of care.

These are the six hospitals in Victoria that deal with the most complex maternity cases.

Building a stronger workforce

The program also strengthens Victoria’s long-term maternity workforce.

By working alongside midwives, registered nurses gain hands-on experience in newborn care and exposure to the profession of midwifery – actively encouraging more nurses to go on to study as midwives.

Like every Australian state or territory, Victoria needs more midwives, and this program is a direct pathway to growing that workforce sustainably.