The Victorian Government is supporting local manufacturing of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to help secure critical supplies for the state and create more local jobs in our thriving medical technology sector.

Lumos Diagnostics, together with its delivery partner Planet Innovation, will establish a manufacturing facility and innovation hub in Victoria with support from the Government.
If approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Lumos, who are already making RATs for Canadian and European markets, will produce one million tests a month from April, three million a month after July, with full production from October onwards of up to 50 million RATs each year.
The Government will secure priority supply of several million tests from Lumos to meet demand in the coming months.
The Lumos facility will be able to produce diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, tropical diseases, chronic diseases and reproductive health, in addition to RATs. Through the innovation hub, local start-ups, research and development institutes and small-to-medium businesses will also have access to product development and manufacturing support programs.
The project will create at least 70 ongoing jobs, adding to Victoria’s thriving medical and advanced manufacturing sector that already employs thousands of Victorians across the state.
The Government has provided $268.5 million in funding to accelerate coronavirus treatment research and is supporting the first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in the southern hemisphere to be built in Melbourne by 2024.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “Manufacturing rapid antigen tests in Victoria will protect and secure the state’s supply chain and create local jobs.” “Being able to scale up production so quickly shows the strength of Victoria’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said:
“School is back, businesses are open and we can spend time with the people we love doing the things we have missed.”
“Rapid antigen tests are a big part of living safely and having a secure, locally made supply will serve us incredibly well. ”Quote attributable to Lumos Diagnostics Executive Chair Sam Lanyon “As an organisation founded in Victoria, Lumos Diagnostics is proud to establish a Victorian manufacturing hub for in collaboration with Planet Innovation and with support from the Victorian Government.” Quote attributable to Planet Group Co-CEO Stuart Elliot
“PIanet Innovation is delighted to work alongside Lumos Diagnostics and with support from the Victorian Government to locally manufacture of a range of diagnostic rapid tests that will support Victoria through the current COVID pandemic and into the future.”

Community sport and active recreation clubs nurturing and promoting opportunities for women and girls, on and off the field, are again eligible for funding from the State Government.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today opened applications for the 2021-22 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program, as the Labor Government aims to drive and grow female participation in sporting clubs.
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to eligible organisations providing more opportunities for women and girls at the grassroots level, to further gender equality in community sport.
Previous grant recipient Birchip Neighbourhood House used the funding for a leadership program, a series of inclusive sporting events and to also establish ‘Birchip Safe and Well’, a community program that hosts sporting events in a safe and respectful environment.
Royal Park Tennis Club in Parkville used their grant to introduce a low-cost women’s beginner coaching and social play program, which attracted 64 new players to their club during 2021.
Bendigo’s Kangaroo Flat Football Netball Club played a ‘Change Our Game Women’s Round’ in May 2021, using their grant to celebrate the empowerment of women in sport by showcasing the junior and senior women’s teams and with a special appearance by AFLW North Melbourne player Grace Campbell.
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation supports initiatives that bring together communities to celebrate gender equality in women’s sport, promote participation options for women and girls, and provide opportunities for clubs to gain relevant skills and knowledge of gender equality practices.
The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program highlights the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality across all levels of the Victorian sport and active recreation sector.
Since the Program was established in 2018, 242 grants have been provided to support community sport and recreation organisations to host initiatives ranging from come-and-try days to community forums and educational sessions.
These grants are part of the Government’s $18.8 million investment in the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game initiative.
For more information about Change Our Game programs visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said:
“Grassroots sport plays a pivotal role driving positive social change and these grants are a fantastic opportunity for community clubs to showcase what women and girls can achieve both on and off the field.”
Birchip Neighbourhood House Manager Simone Christie said:
“The greatest benefit of this grant has been to see the commitment from sporting clubs and several community groups about making sport and leadership more inclusive while addressing the barriers and stigmas that exist in rural communities collectively.”

The Victorian Government has introduced new regulations under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme to support small and family businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the latest wave of the pandemic.

Eligible commercial tenants with an annual turnover of $10 million or less who have suffered a decline in turnover of at least 30 per cent due to COVID-19 will be able to access the scheme. The new regulations operate from 16 January 2022 and run until 15 March 2022.
Commerical tenants need to demonstrate their decline in turnover by comparing January 2022 to January 2020. Landlords will be required to provide proportional rent relief to their commercial tenants in line with the reduction in turnover. For example, a business with a turnover of 40 per cent of pre-pandemic levels could only be charged 40 per cent of its rent.
Of the balance, at least half the rent must be waived, with the remainder to be deferred. The freeze on rent increases will continue.
The majority of landlords and tenants will negotiate in good faith to reach agreement. The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) will continue to provide information and free mediation to tenants and landlords if help is needed for all parties to reach an agreement.
Many commercial landlords have already backed Victorians businesses by providing rent relief to commercial ten-ants.
Eligible commercial landlords will continue to receive support from the Victorian Government, with more details on a new round of the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund to be announced shortly.
The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme was first launched in 2020 and reintroduced in July 2021. It has provided financial relief and rent protections for thousands of Victorian businesses.
Full details of the scheme including eligibility are available on the VSBC’s website. Tenants and landlords can contact the VSBC for further information on 13 87 22 or visit vsbc.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said: “Small and family businesses are going through a challenging period due to the Omicron wave and that’s why we are extending the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.” “The new regulations will help to ease the financial burden for many small and family businesses that are facing hardship caused by the pandemic.” “I would like to acknowledge and thank those commercial landlords who continue to do the right thing by their tenants during such challenging times.”

Cyclists can soon bring their bicycles when travelling on local bus routes in Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Heathcote, thanks to the extension of the State Government’s Bikes on Buses initiative.

In a win for locals and tourists, bike racks will be installed on all buses travelling 14 local routes in Bendigo, the Bendigo to Heathcote route and all buses travelling six local routes in Castlemaine.
Bikes can be safely secured on racks at the front of the bus, which will hold two at a time, while all operators and bus drivers on the routes will complete training to assist passengers in bringing their two-wheel rides on board.
The newly introduced feature will provide cyclists with additional transport options throughout the region and offer more accessible connections to popular local recreational trails, including the Castlemaine-Maldon Rail Trail, The Goldfields Track, O’Keefe Rail Trail and Bendigo Creek Trail.
The Department of Transport trialled bike racks on several services statewide in 2016, including the route 70 service from Bendigo Station to Strathfieldsaye, with the Government later committing to a broader rollout.
The program has been delivered in partnership with the Bus Association Victoria, providing technical and administrative support with all participating bus operators members of the association.
The bike racks are expected to be installed on buses from early 2022.
For more information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au/busyourbike.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said:
“We’re extending the Bikes on Buses initiative to make public transport more accessible for more cyclists in the Bendigo and Castlemaine region.”
“Whether it’s riding to work or exploring one of the region’s bike trails, Bikes on Buses will better connect cyclists to their destination.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said:
“Whether its opening new stations, getting on with the Bendigo Echuca Line upgrade or getting bikes on buses, we’re making public transport in Bendigo more accessible and giving locals more choices.”
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said:
“Bikes on Buses will give cyclists more options when choosing a route to reach their destination – all while delivering convenient access to the Castlemaine-Maldon Rail Trail, The Goldfields Track, O’Keefe Rail Trail and Bendigo Creek Trail.”

Thousands of kilometres of roads across regional Victoria have been made safer and more reliable as the State Government’s annual road maintenance blitz reaches its halfway mark.

Since September 2021, crews have been out in force across the state, rebuilding and repairing a total of 600 kilometres of roads so far.
520 projects have already been completed on some of the Victoria’s busiest transport and tourist routes, including the Western, South Gippsland and Hamilton highways, delivering safer journeys for tens of thousands of drivers each day.
Works are also currently underway on the Wimmera, Henty, Hume, and Bass highways, along with the Glenelg Highway, Lavers Hill-Cobden Road, and the Princes Highway.
There is still more to come, with the Government focused on delivering major road rebuilding projects, including the Murray Valley Highway, Goulburn Valley Highway and Pyrenees highways over the coming months.
Right across Victoria, the blitz is delivering more than 1,000 maintenance projects on our regional roads, delivering safer and smoother journeys across more than 1,300 kilometres of the network.
In addition to works on the road, crews have also been busy mowing thousands of kilometres of roadside grass and repairing and replacing more than 7,000 roadside signs.
This significant investment continues to deliver for regional economies, keeping farmers, manufacturers, and freight operators connected with trade opportunities and supporting jobs right across the supply chain, from workers on the ground through to suppliers based right across the state.
It’s all part of the Labor Government’s continued investment in regional transport, with major investments in our road and rail network helping Victorians get where they need to go, safely and efficiently.
Since 2018, more than 5,300 kilometres of roads have been rebuilt and resurfaced across the state.
As crews continue to deliver these vital works as part of this year’s maintenance blitz, drivers are reminded to stay patient and alert when travelling through work sites, keeping our workers and other drivers safe.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said:
“Regional Victorians rely on their roads to get to work and school, to transport produce, and to support tourism – our investments make sure this can be done safely and efficiently.”
“Our unprecedented program of road upgrades and maintenance is delivering for the economy in regional Victoria by supporting jobs in our quarries, engaging local suppliers and employing local crews.”

Victorians have voiced their need for better mobile and broadband connections to improve economic growth and community safety.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford today released the Connecting Victoria engagement report, which received more than 11,000 responses through Engage Victoria and more than 110 formal submissions. About 300 people also attended 13 roundtables held across the state.
Peter Brennan, a resident on Mount Dandenong in outer Melbourne, has been campaigning for better connectivity for the ridge-top communities for years with telecommunications outages during storms and bushfires of major concern for locals.
Mr Brennan interviewed local residents and businesses to collect on-the-ground data about connectivity and build a true picture of the services available in the area before submitting the information to Connecting Victoria.
The engagement report shows connectivity challenges exist right across the state, including the need to better support those working and studying remotely, telehealth and improving service quality.
The Government will take into account insights from those who contributed to the engagement process and use it to form part of the decision making process for which locations will be upgraded in future.
The Commonwealth and telecommunications providers will also be encouraged to co-invest in the delivery of new infrastructure.
Locations to receive upgrades or new infrastructure will be announced throughout this year.
To read the report, visit engage.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
“Better connectivity creates enormous opportunities for jobs, boosts community safety and supports growth in some of our most important industries.
“We’re investing in new infrastructure where it is needed most to ensure more Victorians can reap the benefits of a thriving digital economy.”
Mount Dandenong resident Peter Brennan said:
“I’m happy Connecting Victoria has stepped into the breach and that they are considering how to improve safety and emergency management. They have been very proactive in seeking community input and embracing local on-ground knowledge.”

The Federal Government has announced a record $50 million package for Koalas that will improve the health outcomes of the species, extend long-term monitoring and restore and preserve critical habitat.

“This new package will take Government spending on koalas to more than $74 million since 2019, bringing together land managers, researchers, veterinarians and citizen scientists to address a full range of support strategies,” Minister Ley said.

“The extra funding will build on work already happening across the koalas’ range to restore and connect important habitat patches, control feral animals and weeds and improve habitat.”

The additional $50 million investment over the next four years includes:

• $20 million for habitat protection projects – grants for large-scale activities run by Natural Resource Management and non-government organisations, industry, and Indigenous groups, as well as state and territory governments.
• $10 million for community-led initiatives – grants for local habitat protection and restoration activities, health and care facilities, and citizen science projects
• $10 million to extend the National Koala Monitoring Program – to identify trends over time, increase the number of sites sampled, and support the participation of citizen scientists
• $2 million to improve Koala health outcomes – grants for applied research activities and practical application to address health challenges such as retrovirus, herpesviruses, and chlamydia
• $1 million for Koala care, treatment and triage – expanding and continuing national training for veterinarians and volunteers to care for and treat koalas.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the $50 million package will also provide significant flow on benefits for other native species.

“These new measures will help ensure the long-term recovery and resilience of our beloved Koala populations through monitoring, training in treatment and care, and on-ground action to protect critical habitat,” Senator Henderson said.

“We are working with communities and landholders on habitat restoration projects that target thousands of hectares in significant koala areas in Eastern Australia.

“We are also investing in programs to train vets and vet nurses to treat koalas after extreme weather events and we are funding research to determine the genetic strength of populations and how unique DNA variants can provide resistance to diseases such as chlamydia.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said more than 1000 eligible students from regional and remote Australia will have access to a scholarship worth up to $18,000 to support their tertiary education in 2022.

Senator Henderson said applications for Round 6 of the Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program are now open  

“These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for students from regional and remote communities to access financial support to support further study such as a university qualification,” Senator Henderson said.

“I would encourage all students from across regional Victoria to check their eligibility and if eligible, to apply for an RRES scholarship.”

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the scholarships support students to undertake courses from Certificate IV to PhD level.

“Since 2018, these scholarships have helped support more than 4000 regional and remote students to access a tertiary education,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I have heard from scholarship recipients that the application process is easy and the money has helped them to undertake a tertiary education they might otherwise have not been able to afford.

“The Australian Government is committed to reducing the disparity between rural and regional students and their city counterparts, and these scholarships help deliver on that promise.

“I would encourage all eligible regional and remote Australians to apply to access these scholarships to help support them in their higher education.”

The Australian Government has invested $62.6 million in the RRES program since 2017.

For more information, visit https://www.qtac.edu.au/rres-program.

The MANet upcoming I Be Human portrait prize exhibitions will be held at the EDGE galleries in Maldon.

The painting, drawing and mixed media finalists exhibition will be held February 5-13 and photography exhibition February 19-27. All entries for the People’s Choice Award will be at www.maldonartistnetwork.org.au

The I Be Human photography portrait prize will open on February 19 and run until February 27.

Details: maldonmanet@gmail.com

The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $4.5 million toward a major expansion of Bendigo Airport, paving the way for more flights in and out of the region and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

Bendigo is a major regional hub and upgrades to the local airport are required to meet growing demand for air services.

The Government’s funding will support the expansion of the existing airport terminal, including the addition of new departure and waiting lounges, expanded car parking facilities, a security screening area, a baggage claim, an expanded café and restroom facilities.

The project will spark almost $23 million in local economic activity and support 49 jobs during the construction period alone, boosting Bendigo’s recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once complete, the airport’s expanded operations will support a further 19 new jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the airport’s expanded operations would facilitate greater economic activity in the region.

“Bendigo Airport is a vital connection for so many travellers, helping locals in and around Bendigo reach their destination of choice but also facilitating the arrival of visitors to the area,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen greater numbers of Australians holidaying in our regions. These upgrades to Bendigo Airport will facilitate more flights to and from the city, providing a boost for local tourism operators, supporting jobs and driving increased economic activity.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to deliver the infrastructure regional towns like Bendigo need to grow and get ahead.”

Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the commitment to the expansion of the largest capacity airport in north-central Victoria is another example of the Liberal and Nationals Government supporting regional Australia.

“The Bendigo Airport is a central piece of infrastructure providing vital services for several regional centres in both Victoria and New South Wales,” Senator McKenzie said.

“The upgrade will provide a boost to the local economic, business and tourism sectors.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson welcomed the expansion, which is set to be delivered by 2023.

“I commend council, Bendigo Airport and the broader Bendigo community on their vision for this vital expansion,” Senator Henderson said.

“Once operational, the airport will generate a large boost in jobs, deliver tourism and business travel opportunities to the region and increase local economic output each year.

“This builds on the Coalition Government’s investments in Bendigo Airport including $5 million to construct a new runway to suit larger aircraft, $465,000 to expand the airport’s passenger transport apron and construct a run-up area and $300,000 to build a helicopter stand and a fuel truck parking area for emergency services.”

Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the airport’s expansion was necessary to cater for growing demand.

“The City of Greater Bendigo has been in discussions about the Bendigo Airport with the Liberal and Nationals Government over the last 12 months,” Mr Drum said.

“We are proud to support the delivery of new infrastructure that will bring more people to our region and better connect locals to where they need to go.”

City of Greater Bendigo Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said the Federal Government’s funding commitment would breathe new life into the airport and the local region.

“This is fantastic news for our region. By expanding the airport terminal, we are in a great position to welcome more flights, from more locations and bigger planes, which will drive an increase in tourism to Greater Bendigo and central Victoria,” Mr Niemann said.

“This project will also generate new local jobs, both during construction and when the expanded terminal and business park are operational and create exciting new investment opportunities.

“Thank you to the Australian Government for these funds and commitment to this important regional asset.”

Construction on Bendigo Airport’s expansion is set to start later this year and be completed by 2023.

The Victorian Government is contributing $4.5 million toward the redevelopment of Bendigo Airport, while the Bendigo City Council is providing $985,000.

Given the current rate of COVID-19 hospitalisations and cases, a number of important but proportionate changes will be introduced to further protect our highest-risk health care and hospitality settings – and key workforces – from the risk of outbreaks and super-spreader events.

Under new pandemic orders coming into place at 11:59pm Wednesday 12 January, workers in key sectors who are already required to be fully vaccinated must get their third dose before being permitted to work onsite.
This will apply to healthcare, aged care, disability, emergency services, correctional facility, quarantine accommodation and food distribution workers. Workplaces must sight and record proof of vaccination.
Workers eligible for a third dose on or before Wednesday 12 January will have until Saturday 12 February to get their vital third dose. Workers not yet eligible for a third dose will be required to get it within three months and two weeks of the deadline to receive their second mandatory dose.
This means residential aged care workers must receive their third dose by 1 March, and health care workers by 29 March. Disability, quarantine accommodation, correctional facilities, emergency services, and food distribution workers will need to receive their third dose by 12 March.
Food distribution workers includes manufacturing, warehousing and transport (freight/port) workers involved in food distribution. Retail supermarket staff are not included in the mandate.
Victorians in these priority cohorts were among the first required to have their first and second dose vaccination during 2021. The mandatory vaccination requirement will not apply to workers who have a valid medical exemption.
This order responds to the increased risks of COVID-19 exposure to critical workers, their proximity to vulnerable people, the higher risk of the virus spreading in their workplace and the need to protect access to essential goods and services.
All Victorians continue to be encouraged to get their third dose as soon as they become eligible and we’ll continue working with public health experts and industry on vaccination requirements.
As a sensible step to reduce the risks of the virus spreading, indoor dancefloors within hospitality and entertainment venues must close from 11:59pm 12 January. Venues can still operate and there are no changes to the density settings currently in place.
This change reflects settings already in place in other states, including New South Wales. Indoor dancefloors at weddings will be permitted, but wedding hosts and guests should still consider the risks of dancefloors and choose to locate them outdoors if possible.
The strong recommendations that people work from home if they are able and that patrons in hospitality and entertainment venues opt for seated service will continue. It is recommended that people visiting these venues who can access Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) should use them before attending.
Please continue to monitor your health and get tested if you are experiencing symptoms.
Media contact: Hannah Porter 0418 377 715 | hannah.porter@minstaff.vic.gov.au
In addition, further visitor restrictions will be applied to hospitals and aged care settings – reflecting the vulnerable nature of patients and residents in these facilities.
Residents at aged care centres will continue to be permitted up to five visitors per day, but visitors must return a negative RAT result before entering. If no RATs are available at the facility, residents will be permitted no more than two visitors.
Visitors in hospitals must have received two doses of the vaccine or must return a negative RAT result before entering. Adult visitors who are not fully vaccinated must wear an N95 mask during their visit. Standard face masks continue to be mandated for children aged 8 and above.
While test requirements upon arrival remain unchanged, fully vaccinated international arrivals will no longer need to get a second PCR or RAT five to seven days after their arrival. This change is in line with the decision of National Cabinet last week and recognises the high levels of COVID-19 transmission currently in the community.
To ensure Victorians can continue to access essential food supplies, workers in the manufacturing, distribution or packaging of food and beverages including retail supermarket workers may be exempted from close contact isolation requirements in order to attend work from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 January, if it is necessary for continuity of operations and other options have been exhausted.
To mitigate risks, exempted workers must be asymptomatic, undertake daily RATs for 5 days and return a negative result prior to attending work. They can’t enter shared break areas, and employers are asked to facilitate solo break time.
In addition, face coverings must be worn, using N95/P2 respirators if possible. Both the worker and workplace must consent to the worker’s return.
This new close contact isolation exemption for asymptomatic food distribution workers is similar to the arrangements already in place for critical healthcare workers.
Information on updated COVIDSafe settings and third dose vaccination requirements will be published at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au when the orders come into effect at 11:59pm Wednesday 12 January.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said:
“This is a sensible extension of our existing vaccination requirements – ensuring our critical workers and the vulnerable community members they look after are protected.”
“Victoria is open and the community is encouraged to support businesses in a COVIDSafe way. Closing indoor dancefloors is a simple but important step – we know they pose an extraordinary risk of mass transmission.”
“No setting is more vulnerable than hospitals and aged care, and that’s why visitors to hospitals will be required to have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or return a negative Rapid Antigen Test.”
The pandemic orders were made under s165AI of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 after consideration of advice from the Acting Chief Health Officer and Acting Chief Health Officer. The pandemic orders were issued under powers granted by the making of a pandemic declaration under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act on 10 December. The initial orders were in effect for four weeks, and subsequent orders may now be in force for up to three months. The order, the CHO advice, the Minister’s Statement of Reasons and the Human Rights Statement will be published on the Department’s website within seven days of the orders coming into effect.

There is so much to see and do in the Macedon Ranges and the region’s Autumn Festival is one of the newest features of the Victorian events calendar.

Planning for the 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival (26 March to 25 April) is charging ahead, promising a fantastic program that celebrates the area’s uniqueness with events, activities, nature experiences, autumn produce and creativity across the shire.
Highlights of the festival include two works commissioned through Council’s Autumn Festival Artistic Experience expression of interest.
The successful works are an interactive sound and lighting experience in the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens titled ‘A Journey’, and a pair of gentle life-like puppets ‘The Gardeners’, that will entertain audiences in various locations during the festival.
Local artists Kirri Buchler, Thomas Campbell and indigenous artist Tashara Roberts (Dja Dja Wurrung/Yorta Yorta) will create an interactive sound and lighting experience in the Malmsbury Botanical Garden. The work will transport audiences as they contemplate the commonality of ‘journey’ — our own, each other’s and that of nature.
For big and little kids, the gentle Gardeners will appear at the shire’s markets, bringing gifts from the harvest to share with everyone they meet. These life-like creatures are designed by local puppeteers Tamara Rewse and Hamish Fletcher.
Along with the events program, the region’s food and wine businesses will be front and centre presenting the best of the Macedon Ranges’ local produce via the Eat and Drink promotions and the Autumn Pie and Tart Trail.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson is looking forward to the upcoming festival’s diverse offerings and thanked local business and community groups for responding to the call to get involved.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to reconnect, to encourage visitors back to the Macedon Ranges and support businesses that have had a challenging time over the last two years.”
“We’d particularly like to thank our major sponsors TCC Real Estate, Macedon Ranges Home Furnishings, The Block, Channel Nine and the Victorian State Government for their amazing support of the festival,” she said.
The new website will help visitors and locals plan their festival experience and book the many events and culinary delights on offer.
For more information on 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, visit www.visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival/
It’s not too late to get on the program. Submit your autumn inspired activity, food or drink on Council’s website mrsc.vic.gov.au/autumn-fest to be considered.

Victorian workers are putting the final touches on the first of a brand-new fleet of Country Fire Authority tankers, providing our volunteer firefighters with the latest equipment they need to help keep communities safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced the first 20 CFA brigades to receive the new dual cab heavy tankers, which will progressively replace existing single-cab heavy tankers.
The first allocation of new tankers will head to brigades in Inglewood, Shoreham, Dunkeld, Buninyong, Mansfield, Gisborne, Poowong, Penshurst, Ballan, Wangaratta, Caroline Springs, Hastings, Noorat, Creswick, Seymour, Junortoun, Moorooduc, Beaufort, Wallan and Irymple.
The first tankers will begin being delivered to brigades for commissioning and training as soon as next month and are all expected to be on the road by mid 2022, with the full new fleet to be operational in 2023.
The State Government invested $23 million to deliver 48 new heavy tankers and two new light tankers for the CFA, which will soon start rolling out across Victoria.
This was part of a $126 million investment in the CFA to make sure volunteers have access to the best training, facilities and equipment when they turn out to keep Victorians safe.
The full package, which is being rolled out over five years, delivers new training, facilities and appliances for volunteer firefighters across the state, as well as initiatives to support retention and recruitment of members.
Thanks to its multilayered crew protection system, the tankers will be able to withstand fire temperatures of more than 600 degrees Celsius during burn overs.
Other features of the new tankers include electronic monitors, electric rewind hose reels and modern cab chassis enhancements, such as automatic transmission, Anti-lock Braking System and higher levels of emissions controls.
The heavy tankers are being built right here in Victoria with the contract securing 20 jobs at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co (Bell Fire and Rescue) – including in engineering design, plastic and metal fabrication, assembly, electrical programming and final fit-off.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said:
“With its dual cab features and life-saving crew protection systems, these new CFA tankers will ensure our volunteer firefighters have the latest equipment, and best protection to do their vital work.”
“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these new tankers will help support communities and firefighters stay safe across the state for many years to come.”
“We’re delivering record funding for our fire services to keep communities safe, while supporting local manufacturing and local jobs.”

Travelling to places such as the iconic Great Ocean Road will become easier for people with disability, with Victoria’s network of accessible restrooms set to grow.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines today announced grants to build 18 new, fully accessible public restrooms through the Andrews Labor Government’s Changing Places program.
Grants valued at up to $110,000 each have been provided to local councils and not-for-profit community organisations to build accessible restrooms with adult change tables and hoists.
There are now 90 Changing Places in Victoria out of 193 nationally. They are relied on by 326,000 Victorians to access popular tourist locations, parks and events – cementing Victoria’s reputation as the nation’s most accessible state for people with disability.
The grants are funded through a $2.5 million investment to expand the Changing Places network, building on $3.5 million previously invested to build 33 facilities at locations including the MCG, Melbourne Zoo and Hamer Hall.
Grant recipients and new locations can be viewed at providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/changing-places.
To see existing Changing Places locations, visit changingplaces.org.au/find-a-toilet.
Victorian Companion Card holders are now eligible for a free Master Locksmiths Access Key – a universal access key used to open Changing Places facilities. Apply online at masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines said:
“These new Changing Places will open up even more of Victoria, allowing people with disability to enjoy the best our state has to offer.”
”Changing Places make a real difference in people’s lives by removing barriers to getting out and about – whether close to home or at major tourist sites.”

The State Government is delivering upgrades and maintenance to Victoria’s cemeteries, ensuring these important spaces where Victorians reflect and remember those no longer with us continue to be preserved.

More than 70 Cemetery Trusts across Victoria will share in the latest round of funding through the 2021-22 Cemetery Grants Program.

Creswick cemetery will receive a $14,000 grant as part of the almost $750,000 State Government program supporting Victorian cemeteries.

The funding will be used to provide a shed which will help improve amenities for staff and visitors.

The grants program provides financial support to help cemeteries, many of which are volunteer run, continue to function as peaceful and welcoming places of remembrance for the whole community.

The latest funding round will help secure the long-term future of these sites and provide them with the modern facilities expected by the community.

In total, $748,868.62 was awarded through round one of the 2021-22 Cemetery Grants Program, with applications for round two now open.

Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford MP said:

“The State Government recognises the important role cemeteries play in a community, and these grants provide local cemeteries with an opportunity to get those much-needed upgrades.”

“Providing the Creswick community with a peaceful place to see their loved ones is a meaningful way to preserve their memory, and this funding will help provide this.”

“Improving accessibility in cemeteries will allow all members of our community to pay their respects to those no longer with us.”