The State Government is supporting media diversity with a $2.7 million grant to Australian Associated
Press – recognising the importance of regional media, local papers and an independent newswire.

Regional media outlets play a crucial role in their communities, especially during emergencies such as bushfires or floods, providing independent and localised news to give Victorians the detailed information they need.
The State Government will provide a grant of almost $2.7 million over three years for Australian Associated Press
(AAP) which supports print and broadcast journalism in regional Victoria.
Grant funding has been provided to AAP in recognition of its position as a unique, trusted and recognised not for profit in the Australian media landscape.
AAP’s work underpins almost 50 regional newspapers and radio stations across Victoria – as well as 34 national outlets that distribute or broadcast into the state – by filing stories and photographs every day, around the clock on politics, sport, courts, finance and major news events.
In Victoria, AAP employs about 18 editorial staff, whose stories are run throughout Victoria, Australia and
internationally. The grant builds on the State Government’s $20 million Regional Press Support Package, which has helped maintain regional jobs and public interest journalism through the COVID-19 pandemic.
This grant will now ensure AAP can continue to employ the journalists and resources it needs to provide a strong, independent newswire service to other media outlets in regional Victoria and around the nation.
AAP is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. Its revenue goes directly to achieving its charitable objectives through the creation of public interest journalism.
Every day, AAP publishes more than 220 stories and captures more than 400 images for use by other media outlets across their websites, newspapers and radio and TV broadcasts. Its content is vital to regional media, which do not employ journalists in Melbourne.
AAP was threatened with closure in 2020 before being purchased by a group of philanthropists determined to maintain an important voice that started more than 86 years ago.
To help regional papers continue to recover from the global pandemic, the Government will extend its vital advertising support to regional papers until the end of the year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“Local newspapers, radio and television outlets are vital to our regional communities, providing the range of voices and local information needed to make informed decisions.”
“That’s why we’re proud to announce further support that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of regional media outlets and jobs for journalists right across Victoria.”

Work is officially underway on the State Government’s multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Chisholm TAFE’s Frankston Campus, which will be transformed into a world-class training precinct to help thousands of locals get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke to begin construction on the $67.6 million project, which is the second stage of a $151.1 million redevelopment of the Frankston campus.
The new multi-level learning facility will deliver 9,600 square metres of learning spaces – with dedicated Community Services spaces designed to look like industry-specific work environments alongside bespoke spaces for Art and Design courses and VCE/VCAL and Foundation College courses.
The precinct will bring student support services together in a new Student Hub, with gallery space for art students, onsite food and retail outlets and new outdoor spaces for recreation.
It will also connect the campus to the nearby Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Frankston Station. Thanks to the success of the State Government’s signature Free TAFE initiative, the new facility will support Chisholm Frankston’s huge enrolment growth of more than 13 per cent in the last year – including larger numbers of women returning to the workforce, CALD students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The expansion will give more than 2,000 extra students each year the opportunity to get the skills they need for a rewarding career – with the new building to house students from Free TAFE courses like the Diploma of Community Services, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Youth Work and Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
This project builds on the first stage of the campus redevelopment, which opened in 2019 with new facilities for nursing, allied health, early childhood education, hair and beauty, plumbing, construction and electrical courses – with replica hospital wards and trade sites to give students the experience they need to leave TAFE job-ready.
Construction on the second stage will be complete next year, and will create 132 great local jobs, including 25 apprentices – as well as creating at least 30 new teaching positions over the next decade.
The Chisholm project is one of many projects the State Government is delivering to give communities across Victoria a great local TAFE, as part of the $220 million Building Better TAFEs Fund.
The Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment since 2014 to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education – making sure every Victorian has access to the education they need for the jobs they want.
Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“Whether you’re studying mental health, youth work to cybersecurity, this new campus will give locals from Frankston and beyond all the tools they need to embark on an exciting new career in in-demand sectors.”
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said:
“We’re proud to be continuing our work to make TAFE better than ever – after the sector was gutted by the former Liberal National Government, we’re improving and building campuses to create more opportunities for Victorians.”
Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke said:
“This will be a game changer for local jobseekers, giving them the chance to get great training in a world-class
facility in their own backyard, with a pathway to meaningful careers anywhere in Victoria.”
Chisholm TAFE CEO Stephen Varty said:
“This second stage of development takes us one step closer to delivering on Chisholm’s ambition to transform lives through relevant and responsive high quality education.”

STUDENTS undertaking a course that will benefit Australia’s beef and Hereford industries can apply for a $5,000 cash scholarship to support their study costs.

The annual CM Hocking Scholarship was founded twenty years ago as a legacy bequeath from devout Hereford breeder, ‘Madge’ Hocking, and the 2022 applications will close Sunday, 24 April.

Last year’s successful scholarship recipient, Alicia Trovatello, is now in her fourth year at university studying a Bachelor of Agriculture, with an Agricultural Economics major, and said the scholarship was fundamental to helping her focus on her degree without additional worries.

“The scholarship assisted funding my tuition for my third year of university and allowed me to prioritise my studies and not stress about the financial side. Ms Trovatello said.

“I would strongly encourage eligible students to have a crack at the application as you never know what the outcome will be.

“Even if you haven’t been successful in the past, don’t let that deter you from applying again and use the application process as a learning experience.”

The 21-year-old from Kyneton in Victoria is also working during her studies by providing sales support at Dairy Livestock Services in Melbourne and hopes to pursue a career in livestock extension/adoption or agribusiness once she graduates.

An avid Hereford enthusiast, Alicia works with her father on their stud, Glendan Park Herefords. She is also a Herefords Australia National Youth Committee member and a Young Gun on the Herefords Australia Marketing Committee and said the breed’s enduring quality and performance across the Australian beef sector made it an exciting time to be involved.

“It is a great period for Herefords,” she said.

“Commercial producers are being rewarded for quality Hereford cattle that are docile with great weight for age and will finish on grass or grain.

“Additionally, our Youth program has expanded in the past couple of years and now includes more people advocating for a breed we all love.”

While Alicia has a strong background and experience in the Hereford breed, Herefords Australia Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Sharp, said prior in-depth knowledge wasn’t necessary for scholarship applicants.

“We know there’s many students studying agribusiness or veterinary science who may not have had direct exposure to the Hereford breed at this early stage in their career,” Ms Sharp said.

“So long as they can demonstrate they are aware of the challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry and are undertaking study that has potential to ultimately benefit the Hereford breed, then we welcome their applications.”

*Applications for the CM Hocking Scholarship are open to Australian citizens who are undertaking a course of study that will be applied to the breeding and management of Hereford cattle and/or will be of benefit to the Australian Hereford breed.

More information is available on the Herefords Australia website www.herefordsaustralia.com.au/youth/cm-hocking-scholarship/

The State Government is supporting family-owned agriculture manufacturing business Harwood Grains to create jobs and expand its oat dehulling facility in Ballarat.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Harwood Grain’s Ballarat headquarters to announce funding through the Regional Jobs Fund, which is enabling the company to consolidate its facility into one site and invest in new production line equipment.
Father-son duo Paul and Bill Harwood founded the company more than 25 years ago in Ballarat, taking advantage of low grain and oat prices to dehull the locally grown produce into groats to gain a better price.
To take raw oats from the paddock to the plate the outer shell of an oat needs to be removed and processed into a whole kernel of grain known as a groat. These groats can be turned into everything from livestock feed to porridge, baked goods and even milk.
Harwood Grains now specialises in high quality stockfeed, supplying wholesale and retail customers across Victoria,
South Australia and New South Wales. The company supports Victorian oat producers and is aiming to tap into the growing international export market for groats.
Support from the Regional Jobs Fund is enabling the company to complete the fit out at its milling facility with new silos, machinery, conveyors, scales, elevators and electrical work. The new oat dehulling production line will enable
the company to produce six times their current production capability.
The project will create 10 new full-time jobs and once complete will enable the company’s 25 workers to operate together onsite in its Gregory Street Headquarters milling facility.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects, and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s more than $36 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We’re proud to back family business Harwood Grains as it expands its operations and supports Victoria’s thriving
grain industry.”
“This project will go a long way in supporting local industry, creating new jobs and boosting the Ballarat economy.”
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said:
“By backing Harwood Grains, we’re also supporting food producers to create more local jobs.”
“This project will continue to put Ballarat on the map for its high-quality agriculture manufacturing industry.”

The State Government is delivering the best healthcare for communities in the Central Highlands with plans progressing for a $4.5 million upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatres.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today visited Daylesford Hospital and announced designs for the multi-million-dollar project are underway, with construction on track to begin in late 2022.

Funded through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), the project will upgrade Daylesford Hospital’s theatre, patient waiting area, sterile stock storage area, recovery and admission areas and change rooms.

The project will also replace ageing patient monitoring medical equipment, along with equipment in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and refurbish the CSSD processing area.

Once the upgrade is complete in the second half of 2023, the dedicated doctors, nurses and healthcare staff at Daylesford Hospital will be able to get more locals off waiting lists and into surgery and treatment, sooner – and closer to home.

This funding builds on more than $900,000 invested in Daylesford Hospital through the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program for new heating hot water boilers and a new reverse osmosis water plant. A further $544,500 from the program has upgraded power to the hospital site.

The RHIF provides government funding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so these services can continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.

The program is now worth $790 million thanks to a $300 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2022-23, making it the largest program of its type in Victoria having funded more than 480 projects since 2016.

Minister for Health Martin Foley said:

“We’re ensuring people in the Central Highlands have access to the healthcare services they need, closer to home.”

“We’re doing more than ever to invest and support local hospitals and health services – and the health of all Victorians no matter where they live.”

Mary-Anne Thomas said:

“This multi-million-dollar operating suite redevelopment will support Daylesford Hospital get more people into surgery sooner and home to their loves ones.”

The State Government will reform the pet rehoming sector to ensure even more of Victoria’s pets find a
loving forever home.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne to announce the Government’s response to the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets (the Taskforce) report.
The Taskforce made 17 recommendations to improve the rehoming of dogs and cats in Victoria, including those used in medical research. All recommendations are supported by the Victorian Government.
Unlike shelters and pounds, the rehoming sector is not currently required to meet specific standards of care or operation.
The Taskforce recommended regulating the rehoming sector to establish consistent standards of care and
operation and improving transparency in the movement of animals between shelters, pounds and rescue groups.
As part of implementation activities, the State Government will improve collaboration and information‑sharing between shelters, council pounds and rehoming groups.
The Government will also consider better support for rehoming for dogs and cats used in research and undertake a review of the use of euthanasia for animals with treatable or manageable health conditions.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests a record $18.6 million in animal welfare initiatives, including for the
implementation of Taskforce recommendations. Government will work in partnership with the pet rehoming and animal welfare sectors to deliver this important work.
The Government’s response to the Taskforce report can be found online at agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“I look forward to working in partnership with Victoria’s rehoming groups and animal welfare sector to build upon he Taskforce recommendations and improve welfare and rehoming outcomes for Victoria’s pets.”
Taskforce on Rehoming Pets Chair Andy Meddick said:
“Improving animal welfare outcomes for pets in need of a new home and promoting best practice have been paramount to the work of the taskforce.”
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said:
“The taskforce’s recommendations will ensure pets are well cared for on their journey to loving new homes.”
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas said:
“Stakeholders have been at the centre of the decision-making process of this taskforce to ensure our
recommendations support their important and valued work to rehome pets.”

The State Government is boosting ambulance resources across the state, making sure paramedics have
the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to local emergencies and save lives.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced builders have been appointed to construct new ambulance stations in Inglewood, Karingal and Rochester while a builder has also been appointed to modernise the Ararat Ambulance Station.
Bowden Corporation has been appointed to construct new multi-million-dollar ambulance stations on Mackay Street, Rochester and Hospital Street, Inglewood.
The new ambulance stations will each feature a three-bay garage for ambulances, two rest and recline areas for hard-working paramedics to recuperate, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking to make sure paramedics are safe. Both ambulance stations are on-track to be completed later this year.
Bowden Corporation will also modernise the Ararat Ambulance Station on Basham Street, which will feature a new MICA covered space, new medical and delivery stores and improved training facilities and amenities for our hardworking paramedics. Work there is likely to be completed in the second half of 2022.
May Constructions has been appointed to construct the new multi-million-dollar Karingal Ambulance Station.
To be located on Cranbourne Road, the new Karingal Ambulance Station will feature a four-bay garage for
ambulances, four rest and recline areas, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking. The ambulance station is on-track to be completed in 2023.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the new ambulance stations are just four of 15 stations under construction or about to be built across the state thanks to the State Government.
The State Government has invested more than $249 million since 2015 to upgrade and rebuild ambulance stations to provide better working conditions for paramedics and ensure lifesaving emergency care is available for all Victorians.
The new stations form part of the State Government’s continued investment in Ambulance Victoria, bolstered by an additional $124 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to employ more paramedics, buy new vehicles and get more Victorians the care they need.
Since coming to government in 2014, the Labor Government has expanded by paramedic workforce by more than 56 per cent – with an increase of almost 2,000 paramedics.

Minister for Health Martin Foley said:
“We’re making sure local paramedics have the facilities to grow and do what they do best – save lives.”
“These modern and advanced ambulance stations will help ensure families across the state receive the best lifesaving emergency care, now and into the future.”

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra is delighted to present the next performance in its 2022 Concert Series: Rhapsodic Bohemians.

Passionate, melodic, filled with drama and pathos: the music of Czech composers is always enthralling listening. No Czech composer is more famous than Dvořák, and for these concerts, we feature his miniature for cello and orchestra, Silent Woods, and an opulent orchestral arrangement of his second String Quintet.

In between, one of the most exciting works of the flute concerto repertoire and one of Australia’s most exciting flautists. Jindřich Feld’s concerto was recognised as a masterpiece from its first performance and remains the composer’s most-played work.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra is joined by legendary MSO Principal Flute Prudence Davis for this special concerto event, alongside Australian-born violinist Alexandra Osborne. Alexandra has carved out an impressive career on both sides of the Pacific, since winning the String category of the Symphony Australia Young Performer Awards in 1999. She returns to Australia from the US to guest-direct this performance for MCO.

DATES + VENUES.

MELBOURNE          Thu 16 June 7:30pm                       Melbourne Recital Centre

ONLINE                     Fri 17 June 7:00pm*                        Australian Digital Concert Hall

MT ELIZA                  Sat 18 June 7.30pm                        The Village Church, Mt Eliza

MELBOURNE          Sun 19 June 2:30pm                       Melbourne Recital Centre

*ADCH event is a delay stream of performance at Melbourne Recital Centre

 PROGRAM.

Antonín DVOŘÁK
From the Bohemian Forest Op.68,
No.5: Silent Woods

Jindřich FELD
Concerto for Flute and Orchestra

Antonín DVOŘÁK
String Quintet No.2 in G, Op.77 –
arr. string orchestra

 ARTISTS

Prudence Davis FLUTE                              Alexandra Osborne DIRECTOR

 BOOKINGS + PRICES.

Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office (03) 9699 3333 melbournerecital.com.au

Tickets $30–$143; under-40s $40, concessions available

Australian Digital Concert Hall

Tickets $24

The Village Church – Mt Eliza

Tickets from $55

 CONTACT.

Emma Calverley emma.calverley@mco.org.au or 0417 145 818 for media enquiries

 KEY MUSICIANS.

The State Government is supporting media diversity with a $2.7 million grant to Australian Associated Press – recognising the importance of regional media, local papers and an independent newswire.

Regional media outlets play a crucial role in their communities, especially during emergencies such as bushfires or floods, providing independent and localised news to give Victorians the detailed information they need.
The State Government will provide a grant of almost $2.7 million over three years for Australian Associated Press (AAP) which supports print and broadcast journalism in regional Victoria.
Grant funding has been provided to AAP in recognition of its position as a unique, trusted and recognised not for profit in the Australian media landscape.
AAP’s work underpins almost 50 regional newspapers and radio stations across Victoria – as well as 34 national outlets that distribute or broadcast into the state – by filing stories and photographs every day, around the clock on politics, sport, courts, finance and major news events.
In Victoria, AAP employs about 18 editorial staff, whose stories are run throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally. The grant builds on the State Government’s $20 million Regional Press Support Package, which has helped maintain regional jobs and public interest journalism through the COVID-19 pandemic.
This grant will now ensure AAP can continue to employ the journalists and resources it needs to provide a strong, independent newswire service to other media outlets in regional Victoria and around the nation.
AAP is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. Its revenue goes directly to achieving its charitable objectives through the creation of public interest journalism.
Every day, AAP publishes more than 220 stories and captures more than 400 images for use by other media outlets across their websites, newspapers and radio and TV broadcasts. Its content is vital to regional media, which do not employ journalists in Melbourne.
AAP was threatened with closure in 2020 before being purchased by a group of philanthropists determined to maintain an important voice that started more than 86 years ago.
To help regional papers continue to recover from the global pandemic, the Government will extend its vital advertising support to regional papers until the end of the year.
Daniel Andrews said:
“Local newspapers, radio and television outlets are vital to our regional communities, providing the range of voices and local information needed to make informed decisions.”
“That’s why we’re proud to announce further support that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of regional media outlets and jobs for journalists right across Victoria.”

More high-ability students at every government school in Macedon will have support to excel at school and reach their full potential, with more funding for the State Government’s Student Excellence Program.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests an extra $37 million to make sure high-achieving students at every school have access to programs that challenge them to extend themselves – and to boost the capacity of schools and teachers to deliver these extension programs and support every student to achieve their best.
The package includes $11.2 million to expand the Victorian High-Ability Program, supporting up to 57,000 government school students in Years 5 to 8 to participate in intensive online extension and enrichment programs across English and mathematics – opening the program up to an extra 9,000 high-achieving students statewide.
A further $6.4 million will continue the successful Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series – delivering engaging extension activities and excursions for 100,000 students from Prep to Year 12 who are performing a year or more ahead of the expected curriculum through universities, tech schools and other expert education organisations.
These activities include something for every student’s interests and talents – with programs in subjects as diverse as robotics, biomimicry, food sustainability, screenwriting, nutrition, app creation, philosophy and neuroscience.
Across Macedon, 640 students from the following schools are participating in the Student Excellence Program:
Elphinstone Primary School
Gisborne Primary School
Kyneton Primary School
Romsey Primary School
Mount Macedon Primary School
New Gisborne Primary School
Taradale Primary School
Tylden Primary School
Woodend Primary School
Yandoit Primary School
Lancefield Primary School
Coimadai Primary School
Hepburn Primary School
Darraweit Guim Primary School
Hesket Primary School
Bolinda Primary School
Bullarto Primary School
Malmsbury Primary School
Trentham District Primary School
Daylesford Primary School
Macedon Primary School
Newham Primary School
Toolern Vale And District Primary School
Daylesford Secondary College
Gisborne Secondary College
Kyneton High School
The package will also deliver $15.3 million directly to schools to purchase resources, develop new in-school initiatives or continue existing high-ability programs and support every school to have a High-Ability Practice Leader, coordinating programs and identifying and supporting high-achieving students.
The Student Excellence Program was designed to ensure advanced and high-ability students are empowered to reach their full potential by challenging them – making sure they are not at risk of disengaging from their education.
The State Government is also supporting students who need extra assistance with their learning through the $480 million Tutor Learning Initiative – giving every child the individual support they need to thrive at school.
On top of the Student Excellence Program, the Government is also delivering the Centre for Higher Education Studies, to open in 2023 – boosting outcomes for high-achieving secondary school students by offering first year university-level courses and select VCE subjects accompanied by an enhancement and enrichment program.
This ‘head start’ will allow Victoria’s most capable students to undertake a study that contributes to their ATAR while gaining university credits that will set them up for the future – with applications for the inaugural intake to CHES to open in the coming months.
Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We’ve built a public school system that works for every student – whether they need more support with their learning, or to be pushed to extend themselves, we’re making sure all Victorian kids achieve their full potential.”
“Every government school in every corner of Victoria has access to the Student Excellence Program – making sure all our students’ talents, passions and achievements are supported and celebrated.”

The State Government is continuing to help victim survivors and the ones they love find safety and support to rebuild their lives, with funding to expand critical refuge and crisis accommodation across Victoria.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today visited McAuley House, which will receive funding to provide essential and lifesaving support for people who need immediate protection from family violence.
The 2022-23 Victorian Budget provides $69.1 million to build and operate two new refuges, purchase six new crisis accommodation properties and upgrade three existing facilities to boost state-wide refuge and crisis accommodation capacity for up to 40 additional households.
This funding boost builds on the State Government’s historic investment in critical refuge and crisis accommodation and initial commitment to 20 new and redeveloped “core and cluster” refuges across the state, including three Aboriginal-specific refuges.
The Royal Commission into Family Violence made recommendations to improve housing options for victim survivors of family violence, including phasing out older style communal refuges. The core and cluster model ensures families can recover with the privacy and dignity of independent living, while getting the support they need.
The core and cluster model comprises independent residential units with an administrative support building on the same site – enabling women and children to live independently, with easy access to 24/7 on-site services to provide flexible support to meet the needs of victim survivors from all backgrounds.
Funding will also be provided to expand accommodation options – McAuley Community Services for Women and Good Samaritan Inn will provide accommodation for women fleeing family violence, and Berry Street will provide therapeutic accommodation-based support for mothers and young children.
Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence, more than every other state and territory combined.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said:
“When experiencing family violence, making the decision to leave can be the hardest thing a person will do. We are ensuring families have a safe and supportive place to go when leaving a violent situation.”
“We are delivering record investment in social housing and rolling out a world-leading model of crisis
accommodation – to give women and children the privacy, dignity and space to recover safely.”
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said:
“This investment will deliver critical accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence to help them recover and rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.”

One of the most important projects in Victoria’s history is now underway, with construction starting today on Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) – a jobs juggernaut that will deliver better public transport, connect communities and ease road congestion for generations to come.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Suburban Rail Loop Minister Jacinta Allan today visited Clayton to mark the start of construction of SRL East between Cheltenham and Box Hill and meet the workers undertaking excavation works near the site of the new SRL station.
The laying of a new 630-metre sewer pipe – dug by a remote-controlled micro-tunnelling machine – is the beginning of a massive program of initial and early works which will create up to 800 local jobs.
The first phase of works for SRL East will also include road modifications, service relocation and preparation for three sites where the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be launched.
Up to 10 TBMS are expected to carve the 26 kilometres of twin tunnels, linking the six new underground stations.
SRL East will be open by 2035 – the first of three stages of the 90km orbital loop linking every major rail line via the airport – connecting major employment, health and education centres, creating a pipeline of jobs and training opportunities, and slashing travel times. A trip from Cheltenham to Box Hill will take just 22 minutes.
The new station at Clayton will be a transport super hub – connecting regional Victorians to SRL and one of the busiest interchange stations on the network.
SRL East will generate up to 8,000 jobs during construction, with exciting opportunities for local industry and suppliers. The Clayton site has been established by Indigenous construction firm Wamarra – the first sub-contractor employed on this city-shaping project.
Over more than two million hours, workers have completed thousands of lab tests and surveys, and geotechnical investigations at more than 840 sites.
The Suburban Rail Loop is funded in partnership with the Albanese Government and will reshape our city for future generations and transform our public transport network – and it’s officially underway.
Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“Work has now started on the Suburban Rail Loop – an iconic project Victorians voted for, and one that will transform the way we move around the state.”
“SRL will create thousands of jobs and connect our suburbs – making it easier, faster and more convenient for all Victorians to access our fastest growing employment, health, education and retail centres.”
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Jacinta Allan said:
“We’re thrilled to see construction start – SRL East will connect people across the east and southeast to workplaces, education, health and retail centres, delivering a massive pipeline of new jobs – and we’re getting on with building it.”

Australian Eggs is inviting the Australian public, for the fifth time, to share their opinion in a nationwide large-scale research study to help shape the future of the egg industry.

The research is being conducted by engagement science company Voconiq, which was spun out of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO and aims to explore community attitudes towards the egg industry across a broad range of topics, including food security, biosecurity, traceability, animal welfare and environmental impacts.

We encourage Australians who want to have a voice on a large variety of issues related to the egg industry to take part in the public open survey, as the data collected will act as a key cornerstone for the industries future planning and enable them to continue to meet the public’s standards and expectations.

Previous research has shown that concerns around the egg industry’s environmental footprint, food safety standards and hen welfare have become more prominent over the years, and the industry has addressed this by developing new tools and research projects such as UTS artificial intelligence monitoring system, the Sustainability Dashboard and the Biosecurity Virtual Reality Tool.

These concrete outputs are largely thanks to the honest feedback by the Australian public and ask as proof points which continue to drive the valued trust and transparency that is held by the industry.

“Each year, these survey results allow us to pause and see the industry through the community’s eyes. The results act as an indication as to what we need to consider internally, and then integrate into our industry plans,” saysManaging Director of Australian Eggs, Rowan McMonnies. To participate in the research, you can head to https://www.australianeggs.org.au/what-we-do/sustainable-production/sustainability-framework

The State Government is creating 250 jobs while unlocking new export opportunities with a major abattoir upgrade in Stawell.

Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Frew Foods International in Stawell to announce funding through the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs Fund to assist the company in delivering a multi-million-dollar abattoir expansion project.
Frew Foods International is Stawell’s largest employer with its almost 500 staff, processing up to 900,000 sheep each year for local and overseas markets, including the United States and Canada. The abattoir is rated as one of Australia’s highest quality lamb processing facilities and is a key lamb supplier for Woolworths and Aldi. The project will almost double Frew Foods’ current lamb production, with works already underway to upgrade equipment to process more sheep at a lower cost. This will help the company grow its lamb exports across Europe and North America.
The company is also set to install a cold storage room at the site to drive down storage costs and a traceability system to track livestock during any potential disease outbreaks.
The upgrade is enabling Frew Foods to create a wide range of new roles at the abattoir including managers, labourers, forklift drivers, drovers and maintenance workers.
Established in 1984, Frew Foods International is an Australian family business that merged with local company, Thomas Foods International, in 2020.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The State Government has invested more than $700 million in its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund since 2015 – supporting around 13,000 jobs and delivering 1,000 projects.
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s more than $36 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif
Mary-Anne Thomas said: “We are proud to back Frew FoodsInternational here in Araratto deliver hundreds of new jobs, helping to strengthen our region with more employment opportunities.”
“This project will go a long way in supporting the region, creating new jobs and boosting the local economy.”
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said:
“By supporting Stawell’s biggest employer, we are opening the door for more people to get jobsin regional Victoria.”
“This project will continue to put Northern Grampians on the map for its high-quality meat processing industry.”

June marks one year since the official opening of Cafs Thread Together Hub and to mark the occasion Cafs is launching their 2022 End of Financial Year Campaign.

In it’s first year of operation Cafs Thread Together Hub has supported nearly 1000 people, given away over 7,500 items of clothing and worked with 50 different partners from more than 30 referring agencies across the Central Highlands area.
“Cafs has been supporting children and families as a proudly independent organisation for nearly 160 years and, in that time, we have expanded to deliver more than 44 innovative support programs specifically designed to meet the needs of people across our region”, said Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess. “New programs, such as our Thread Together hub, do not attract government funding so to ensure that we can keep delivering services to vulnerable people we need to undertake additional fundraising activity.”
Cafs is seeking to raise $50,000 through the EOFY Campaign to allow for expansion of their Thread Together service to incorporate a ‘Mobile Wardrobe’ and emergency Thread Together supplies at Cafs offices in Ararat, Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh
Donations to the appeal can be made via Cafs website www.cafs.org.au or by contacting Cafs Marketing Team on 5337 3333.