Victorians will be able to enjoy a wide range of free, inclusive, accessible events as part of the newly released Australia Day 2022 program.

Family friendly activities and a free public concert featuring some of Australia’s most iconic artists are just a small part of the jam-packed 2022 program – which has been developed to encourage reflection, togetherness and everything that makes our state and country strong.
Victorians will experience a day of family-friendly entertainment and free food at Fed Square, with Bananas in Pyjamas and Bluey taking the stage, while the Roulettes provide a spectacular flyover and aerial display overhead.
A free public concert will bring live music to picnickers at Flagstaff Gardens, featuring Daryl Braithwaite, Pierce Brothers, Darlinghurst and more.
Australia Day is a day for all Australians, no matter where we’ve come from or where our personal stories began.
On Australia Day, we recognise First Nations people as the traditional custodians of our land as part of a respectful reflection on what makes our state and nation special to us.
It’s also an opportunity to show our gratitude to our frontline workers – those who go above and beyond every day to keep our state safe.
These Victorians have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to protect our communities, and continue to do so with bravery and compassion.
The Official Flag Raising Ceremony and Australia Day Reception at Government House this year will honour frontline workers, with many in attendance.
Visit the Australia Day Victoria website for more information and to see the full program of events: www.vic.gov.au/whats-on-australia-day-victoria
Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“Australia Day is a day for telling our story, for recognising the contributions of extraordinary Victorians and for acknowledging our strength as a community – this program is delivering a wide range of events where we can do just that.”
“We recognise and celebrate the traditional custodians of our land and aspire to celebrate our nation in ways that respect our First Nations peoples as part of our ongoing work on self-determination and Treaty in Victoria.”

Aboriginal Victorians are among those donning the greens in new jobs to prepare the state for this fire season as part of the State Government employment program.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today visited the Sebastopol Depot to announce the creation of 50 new jobs to bolster the state’s bushfire defences, through the Jobs Victoria Forest Fire Management Jobs initiative, in partnership with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Sixteen Aboriginal forest fire operations officers have so far started work and are earning an income while receiving accredited and on-the-job training, mentoring and cultural support.
The profound and continuing connection of Aboriginal people to country will also be a valuable resource for crews managing the land and preventing and fighting seasonal fires.
The $738,000 employment program will focus on hiring those hardest hit during the pandemic including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people.
The jobseekers will bolster the state’s ranks and increase diversity within the sector, with recruits currently underrepresented in the land and fire management workforce.
The Jobs Victoria Forest Fire Management Jobs initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for people most impacted by the pandemic.
People looking for work can register and apply for roles on the Jobs Victoria online Hub at jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford said:
“This program will help Victoria to better prepare for the fire season and deliver secure jobs to people who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.”
“We are creating job opportunities for Victorians right across the state through programs that provide the right support to help people back into work.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This is a wonderful opportunity for jobseekers across the state to join our fire and land management workers and help keep Victoria safe.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams said:
“This is empowering Aboriginal Victorians to contribute in a role highly beneficial to their community while remaining connected to Country.”
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said:
“It’s great to be in Sebastopol today announcing new jobs helping to protect our community through the fire season.”
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said:
“I’m proud to support this initiative giving more Aboriginal people the opportunity to earn an income while they work on country and gain the skills they need to protect our region.

We can assist you with Support is still available for residents affected by the storms and floods that impacted homes and businesses across Victoria in June 2021, and financial counsellors are urging residents to put their hands up for assistance.

Five community organisations*, funded as part of the Victorian Government’s Storm and Flood Recovery Support Program, are providing free financial counselling to the communities most impacted by the disaster. The financial counsellors want community members to know: it’s not too late to ask for help.

“Don’t wait until things become unmanageable,” says Colin Handreck, Team Leader of the Financial Counselling program at Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat). “Early action is best, and usually the earlier you seek assistance the more options there are available for you.”

Even six months on, it is normal for people to still be experiencing the economic aftermath of an emergency event – with some problems only emerging now. According to Laura Powell, Team Leader at Anglicare Victoria in Bendigo, “disasters create financial impacts.”

“Your house might still be standing, but you may be struggling on a reduced income due to loss of work. You may not have had a financial loss, but if your mental health has been impacted through trauma, that can affect how you’re able to keep on top of your bills and expenses.”

Financial counselling is a free and confidential service to help people experiencing or at risk of financial hardship regain control of their situation. Financial counsellors can help people understand their options, rights and entitlements, and empower them to make informed choices.

Financial counselling is available for anyone impacted by disaster, not just people on low incomes or government payments, and there are no restrictions based on residency or visa-status. It is confidential and judgement-free.

“We see a lot of people who have never had to ask for help before,” explains Kim Hubber, Team Leader at EACH in the Yarra Ranges. “They are usually the ones doing the helping, and for them, putting their hand up to seek assistance can often be the hardest step.”

“You’ve got nothing to lose by giving us a call and finding out how we can support you to get back on your feet,” says South East Community Link’s Head of Financial Wellbeing, Kay Dilger. “Our message to people after any kind of emergency is the same: we’re here to help, and everybody is entitled to assistance.”

While some government assistance payments have already ended, there is still time for eligible residents to apply for the remaining disaster recovery support payments before applications close at the end of May. The financial counsellors, who can support people to access their entitlements, are here to stay.

Leonie Cooke’s team at Anglicare Victoria in Gippsland – who for the past two years have been working to support their community to recover following the Black Summer Bushfires – are now also helping individuals and families affected by the more recent flooding in the Gippsland region.

“A common issue we see after any disaster is problems with insurance,” Leonie says. “We can help you to understand your options, and can even advocate on your behalf with your insurance provider.”

*Residents can contact their local financial counselling agency via the details below:

GIPPSLAND: Anglicare Victoria – 1800 286 260 – fcpgippsland@anglicarevic.org.au

CARDINIA: South East Community Links – 03 9549 5288 – fcs@secl.org.au

YARRA RANGES AND MURRINDINDI: EACH – 03 9871 1817 – fcintake@each.com.au

MACEDON/LODDON: Anglicare Victoria – 1800 244 323 – financial.counselling@anglicarevic.org.au

HEPBURN/CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: Cafs Ballarat – 1800 692 237 – welcome@cafs.org.au

Funding for the Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program is provided by the Victorian Government via Consumer Affairs Victoria.

An informative article ‘Grazing value of summer weeds’ has been published in Spring Sheep Notes
2021, looking into the nutritional value of sheep eating weeds during the summer season.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Raquel Waller said some summer weeds can
cause animal health issues, while others have nutritional value for sheep which may be worth
considering before deciding to spray and remove them.
Ms Waller said green pick over summer can provide protein, which is a necessary component of
the sheep’s diet and is important for the digestion of the low-quality dry feed that may be on offer.
“In the absence of a summer pasture species like lucerne, summer weeds can be of value.
“However, it is important to know your weeds, since toxic weeds can affect the health of the flock,”
she said.
The article outlines the nutritional value of some weeds that are potentially useful over summer.
It is a preview of the work conducted by Jess Brogden and Lisa Miller at Southern Farming
Systems (SFS), and will be published in early 2022 as a Weed Fast Facts booklet on Meat &
Livestock Australia’s (MLA) web hub www.mla.com.au/weeds and LESS WEEDS, BETTER
PASTURE – Southern Farming Systems (sfs.org.au)
Ms Waller said the pros and cons of grazing, rather than spraying out summer weeds in a pasture
needs to be considered in terms of how it affects the preferred grasses and clover during the
growing season.
“There can be competition for resources of light or shade, water and nutrients, problematic seeds
for livestock, issues of toxicity and chances of success. For example, buried wireweed/ hogweed
seed can last for up to 60 years.’
“Generally, a good quality sown perennial pasture will contain 30 – 50 per cent sown grass and 20
– 40 per cent subterranean clover, with annual volunteer weeds making up the rest of the pasture.
“Pastures that dry off over summer, decline in energy and protein as the plants go to seed and die
off. “High-quality pastures may still retain sufficient quality to support non-lactating animals for the
duration of summer–autumn, but poorer quality pastures will not benefit animals.
Find the article and more science-based information from Agriculture Victoria, including a range of
tools, tables and calculators, online via the Feeding Livestock website.

MORE VACCINATORS FOR OUR STATE-RUN SYSTEM

The Victorian Government will train up to 1,000 new vaccinators, helping first-year health students, retired nurses, and more join an expanded workforce to be deployed across state-run centres and boost our vaccination efforts.
Millions of Victorians will become eligible for their third dose over the coming weeks, and a new pool of trained-up vaccinators will mean a broader workforce is available to prepare and administer COVID-19 vaccines, while also freeing up health professionals to return to their normal duties.
The expanded force will join nurse and pharmacist immunisers in state-run vaccination clinics for up to six months and will be supervised by experienced clinicians.
The new vaccinators will be operating in well-established public health service-run sites, with robust processes in place to ensure the new workforce is appropriately trained, supervised and supported.
Known as Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinators, they will be required to successfully complete mandatory Commonwealth and Victorian COVID-19 vaccination training – equivalent to training requirements for other emergency authorised COVID-19 vaccination workforces.
They will also complete a COVID-19 Clinical Skills and Competencies Assessment to ensure they can perform their duties appropriately. They will not be responsible for establishing patient consent and will be authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to people over the age of 18 years only.
The vaccinators will also be supported and supervised by a ‘supervising authorised immuniser’ provided by health services, with relevant skills and experience in the technical aspects of vaccination.
Over the next few months Victorians with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience will be encouraged to join the COVID-19 vaccinator workforce as required.
Victorians with experience working in a health or community service setting, or who are enrolled in a health-related course, are desired – and they should regularly review local health service job advertisements and Department of Health jobs and careers websites. Applications will open in the week starting 17 January.
Victorians aged 18 years and older are eligible to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine four months after their second dose. If you got your second dose in September or earlier, book an appointment through your local GP or pharmacy, or visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine to book at a state-run clinic.
Acting Minister for Health James Merlino said:
“COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective – the best thing all Victorians can do to protect the health system and keep their families safe is get your third dose as soon as you’re eligible.”
“With comprehensive training and supervision – we’re helping 1,000 Victorians in relevant fields get the training they need to join our vaccination efforts.”
“Millions of Victorians will soon be eligible for their third dose, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure the community can access a vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible.” For information about coronavirus visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.

The $260 million National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence has been rolled out, with Victoria receiving their first payment to help address increased demand for frontline services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the Morrison Government was absolutely committed to working collaboratively and cooperatively with our state and territory counterparts to ensure women and children have access to support they need to live free of violence.

“We are providing $65 million in support to states and territories through the first payment under the National Partnership Agreement giving each jurisdiction flexibility to determine where the money is needed most,” Minister Ruston said.

“It is being used to bolster frontline worker numbers, expand crisis accommodation, sexual violence support, counselling and crisis case management, legal support, perpetrator interventions and men’s behaviour change programs.

“Funding is also being directed to help women and children who may have additional barriers to accessing support such as migrants, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and women and children living in rural and remote communities.”

Senator Henderson said this National Partnership builds on the $130 million the Morrison Government provided to states and territories in 2020 which supported more than 450 family and domestic violence frontline organisations and delivered more than 545 activities and services.

“Under the $130 million National Partnership the Victorian Government received funding which supported frontline family domestic and sexual violence services,” Senator Henderson said.

“Among the projects funded there was also a focus on offering services to give women the skills and confidence to leave a violent relationship and live independently such as financial counselling programs and support navigating the legal and courts system which can often be daunting or too expensive.

“This additional support for frontline services also works alongside our Escaping Violence Payment which provides women and children leaving a violence relationship up to $5000 to establish a safe home regardless of their income or assets.”

The National Partnership Agreement is being funded under the Morrison Government’s record $1.1 billion investment into women’s safety and coincides with the next National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 to 2032.

Most state and territories will have received their first payment under the agreement by today with the Northern Territory to receive its first payment in February.

12 January 2022

Applications under round two of the Coalition Government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will open on 28 January 2022.

• Applications for round two of the Agricultural Shows and Field Days program open 28 January 2022.
• $7.9 million is available for eligible organisations.
• Program helps support events after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Senator Henderson said the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program is a way to give show societies a much-needed cash injection after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Agricultural shows and field days generate over $1 billion in sales for small businesses every year,” Minister Littleproud said.

“For some communities and charities, agricultural shows or field days are the financial boost they need to get them through the year.

“Not only are they essential for business, agricultural shows and field days provide a way for people to show off their latest innovations and technology, increasing productivity and profitability for all involved in the agriculture sector.”

Applications for support under this second round of funding open on 28 January 2022 and close on 17 February 2022.

Grants from $10,000 to $70,000 will be available for eligible show societies and field day organisations to help cover significant financial losses over the past two consecutive years due to events being cancelled because of COVID-19.

Applicants will be able to claim for eligible expenditure incurred for events cancelled in the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to the maximum capped amounts listed in the following table:

Senator Henderson said the support would go further than just dollars and cents.

“Economics aside, agricultural shows and field days are a great day out and provide the much-needed opportunity for communities to come together, catch up and support each other,” Senator Henderson said.

“These grants provide show societies and field day organisations with the confidence they need to go ahead and plan their events in 2022 and beyond.”

Fast Facts:

• The Coalition Government is providing over $83 million to support the growth and long-term sustainability of these important events.
• The program is divided into two separate grant opportunities: 
• $13.1m – Capital City Royal Shows

The State Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program has led to a huge reduction in bushfire risk
according to an independent report.

Aurecon’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program Benefits Realisation Report found the program has resulted in a
44.1 per cent reduction in powerline bushfire risk across the state.
The $750 million program − the biggest powerline safety project in Australia − was implemented following the
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, which found more than 70 per cent of deaths in the Black Saturday
fires were caused by fires started by electrical infrastructure.
The program includes electricity asset and network control measures including the installation of giant safety
switches – Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCLs). The switches (located in high bushfire risk areas) prevent
fires starting by shutting off a powerline’s power when it makes contact with vegetation.
The second tranche of the REFCL rollout is complete with the third and final tranche now underway. By May 2023
more than 30,000 kilometres of high voltage powerlines across rural and regional Victoria will be protected.
In the summer of 2019-20 alone, it was estimated that the (then) 19 operational switches prevented 33
potentially catastrophic fire starts. Victoria has already had one REFCL activation this summer in Mildura.
The program also includes the Powerline Replacement Fund, which has seen more than 700 kilometres of
bare-wire powerlines in high bushfire risk areas replaced with underground or insulated overhead conductors.
The REFCL rollout and Powerline Replacement Fund have both been underpinned by research and testing through
the dedicated $10 million Research and Development Fund, which has improved understanding of the impact of
electrical infrastructure on bushfires and identified the most effective technologies for mitigating that risk.
The report also found the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program reduced the risk of electrocution of people working
near powerlines, improved the overall resilience of the electricity network and promoted local industry
development and job creation.
For more information visit: energy.vic.gov.au/safety-and-emergencies/powerline-bushfire-safety-program.

In the biggest change to the COVID-19 testing system since the beginning of the pandemic, Victorians won’t have to line up to get a PCR test and wait for their result to be diagnosed with COVID-19 – meaning shorter wait times and faster access to clinical care.

Under new pandemic orders that come into effect at 11.59pm tonight, people who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be considered probable cases and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test – they must isolate immediately for seven days and notify their contacts.
It will be mandatory to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone – ensuring people can access the care and information they need, including monitoring for worsening symptoms and financial support for isolation.
Once a probable case has reported their positive RAT result, they will be asked questions about their symptoms and directly provided critical information about their next steps, how long they must isolate and how they can get care and advice – just as they would if they tested positive on a PCR test. Probable cases will be reported alongside confirmed cases in Victoria’s daily numbers.
Until RATs are in increased supply, Victorians who have symptoms, or asymptomatic household contacts required to use RATs, can still get a PCR test if they can’t access any RATs.
Moving forward, this change means PCR testing can increasingly be reserved for confirmation of clinical diagnoses in vulnerable settings and critical workforce testing.
A PCR test continues to be recommended for people who test positive on a RAT but don’t have symptoms and who aren’t contacts. Due to the increased accuracy of RATs in higher-risk groups, PCR tests will be discouraged for contacts or people with symptoms.
The online and phone reporting system will go live on 7 January. The process includes a series of simple questions including a symptom check for triaging care. Privacy will be protected, and translation support will be available through the Coronavirus hotline.
In addition, the new pandemic orders require that a density quotient of one person per two square metres be introduced indoors at hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs along with along with entertainment venues including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across Victoria.
This change is similar to the measures already in place in New South Wales and aims to reduce the risk of superspreader events in these settings. It is also recommended that entertainment and hospitality venues and their patrons opt for seated service only and avoid indoor dancefloors.
It is strongly recommended that if possible you undertake a RAT prior to visiting aged care facilities or hospitals.
The strong recommendation to work from home and study from home for adult education if you can will remain in place until Australia Day – this will continue to be assessed.
Non-urgent elective surgery will temporarily be reduced for public and private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne and major regional cities across Victoria, helping hospitals respond to the increasing number of patients with coronavirus.
Media contact: Hannah Porter 0418 377 715 | hannah.porter@minstaff.vic.gov.au
All emergency surgery and urgent elective surgery will continue. Elective surgery procedures where the patient is already scheduled for admission on 6 and 7 January may still occur where it is not safe or logistically possible to postpone.
Yesterday, free RATs were successfully distributed at four of the state’s largest testing centres as part of a pilot which is continuing today and tomorrow – while Victoria awaits the arrival of the first significant delivery of the 44 million ordered tests.
More information on how Victorians can report their Rapid Antigen Result will be on the Coronavirus website from 7 January. Information on updated COVIDSafe settings will also be published when the orders come into effect. Remember to book your third dose, or your child’s first dose, at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine. Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley “Rapid Antigen Tests will be the way most Victorians can confirm they have COVID-19 – they are very accurate among contacts and people with symptoms, and there’ll be no queuing for hours or waiting for days for a result.” “People who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test must isolate and tell their contacts – just like someone who tests positive on a PCR – and they will also be required to report their positive result.” “Now is the right time to introduce these sensible density quotients in high-risk indoor entertainment and hospitality settings, to reduce the risk of superspreader events that can infect hundreds.”

From today, Victorians who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be asked just nine easy questions to quickly access the medical support they need as part of the transformation of Victoria’s response to coronavirus.

Anyone who tests positive on a RAT is now considered a probable case and must immediately isolate for seven days and notify their contacts – just like those who test positive on a PCR.
It is now mandatory to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone.
The new system means fewer Victorians will have to wait on the results of a PCR test before receiving the care and information they need, including monitoring for worsening symptoms and financial support for isolation.
It also means Victorians who test negative on a RAT and are not a household contact will be able to resume their lives straight away instead of quarantining while they wait for a negative result – meaning less disruptions for everyone including for work, school, childcare, and social lives.
A new webform will be available today for positive cases to report their result to the Department of Health. As well as basic personal details such as name, gender, and date of birth, cases will be asked the following questions to determine their level of risk and what support they might need:

1. Have you been told you have recently been in contact with someone who has COVID-19?
2. Have you been recently unwell with COVID-19 symptoms?
3. Do you need any support to stay home?
4. Have you received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine?
5. How many doses of the vaccine have you received, if any?
6. Have you had any symptoms in the past five days?
7. If you have symptoms how sick do you feel?
8. Do you have the following conditions (including currently pregnant or cancer treatment, blood disorder, psychiatric condition or lung, heart, kidney, or liver disease)?
9. Are you happy to contact your GP for your clinical care?
   People who answer no to both question one and two are recommended to get a PCR test to confirm their positive RAT result.
   Positive RAT results can also be reported using the Coronavirus Hotline where translators are available for cases who wish to make their report in a language other than English.
   You can log your positive RAT result online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au or via the Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398.
   Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said:
   “Returning a positive RAT is the same as testing positive on a PCR – you are required to isolate, tell your contacts, and to log your positive result so we can ensure you have the care, information and support you need.”
   “The best thing you can do to protect yourself and the community from coronavirus is to get your third dose vaccination, bookings can be made with GP, pharmacies and at state-run vaccination centres.”

With the number of COVID-19 close contacts continuing to grow, Victoria’s public health team will provide more essential workers with an exemption from close contact home isolation requirements to attend their workplace.

From 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January, workers in emergency services, education, critical utilities, custodial facilities, transport and freight will join workers in the food production sector as being eligible for the exemption.
Under the conditions of the exemption, the worker may return to work if it is necessary for continuity of operations and if other options have been exhausted. The exemption will apply to attending work only, not any other settings.
In order to be eligible, the worker must first notify the employer of their status as a contact, and critically, both parties must consent to the worker returning to the workplace. They are already required to be fully vaccinated.
Strong measures will be required to reduce the risk of a contact attending work while infectious:
• The worker must undertake a daily Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for five days and return a negative result prior to attending work each day
• They must wear a face mask at all times, with exceptions in the case of eating or drinking, or safety reasons, and a P2/N95 respirator is preferred
• The worker cannot enter shared break areas and the employer must try and facilitate solo break time. The employer must also take reasonable steps to deploy the worker in areas where transmission risk is lower
• If at any time the worker develops symptoms or tests positive on a RAT, the exemption no longer applies – they are a case, must isolate for 7 days, and must notify others including their employer
The exemption order is identical to that granted by Victoria’s public health team for key food and beverage workers, and is designed to protect the state’s essential workforce during the continuing Omicron wave.
This exemption also currently applies to hospital workers, disability workers, residential aged care facility workers, and ambulance workers, but the use of an N95 mask at the workplace is a requirement, not a preference.
Close contacts, otherwise known as household and household-like contacts, are people who have spent more than four hours with a case inside a house, accommodation or care facility.
The Department of Health has also updated its contact management guidelines to require workplaces to notify the Department when five cases have attended the work premises within seven days. Previously, workplaces were required to advise the Department and Worksafe of single cases.
More information on the conditions of the exemption and applicable cohorts of workers will be published at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/isolation-exemptions when they come into effect at 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “This is about helping Victorians keep food on the table, lights on in the house and staff on in our hospitals.” “It’s safe and sensible in the eyes of our public health team, but to further protect themselves and the community, workers will have to use a rapid antigen test every day and wear a mask at all times.”
For information about coronavirus visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.
“The worker’s rights are protected, and they can’t be directed to work if they are a contact – the worker has to agree to come in, just as they have to agree to the various preventative measures that will reduce risks for others.”
LIST OF APPLICABLE WORKERS
• Emergency Service such as police, fire services and the SES
• Prisons and custodial services
• Critical utilities such as gas, electricity, water and waste disposal
• Freight and transport operators, including at ports and airports
• Primary, secondary and early childhood education
• Critical care services that support our most vulnerable.

As Australia’s arts and entertainment sector continues to recover from COVID-19, two arts organisations in Ballarat have been awarded a share of more than $19.5 million, under the sixth batch of grants from the Morrison Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the $19.5 million that will flow to the latest recipients of the RISE Fund is supporting nearly 21,000 jobs in more than 600 locations, more than half of which are located in regional and remote Australia.

“The Morrison Government’s objective, in providing this record level of funding for arts and entertainment, is that as the vaccine rollout continues at a strong pace and states and territories open up, arts companies, promoters and festivals are ready to go,” Minister Fletcher said.

“This is an important stage in the resurgence of Australia’s arts and entertainment sector, with this targeted RISE funding providing an opportunity for venues to reopen to audiences; curtains to rise; and performers to come back on stage to a welcoming roar of applause.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the funding will provide critical support for local arts organisations and assist local communities and economies to restart from the pandemic.

“I am pleased to announce that Regional Touring Ballarat has received $490,000 to support its 2022 Red Hot Summer Tour to bring back 30 outdoor live music events to seven regional communities across Australia. I congratulate proprietor Dwyane McDonald who’s business was facing enormous uncertainty after such a difficult 18 months.”

“The Ballarat International Foto Biennale has also received $117,000 to extend this year’s program to January 2022 following lockdowns.

“The Morrison Government’s $200 million RISE Program is providing vital support to the arts and entertainment industry to supports its recovery from the pandemic. I am so delighted that two Ballarat based organisations are being so well supported.”

The Morrison Government has now allocated more than $179 million of the $200 million RISE Fund, creating 190,000+ job opportunities and expanding cultural and creative experiences for audiences across Australia.

Tens of thousands of children across Victoria starting Three-Year-Old Kinder in 2022 will receive a free Kinder Kit from the Andrews Labor Government, with fun and educational toys, books and resources for the whole family.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt visited College Road Kinder in Werribee to unveil the contents of the much-anticipated kits, with the state’s top experts – three-year-old children – on hand to test them out.
The kits are designed to encourage continued learning at home ─ helping parents support their children to thrive in their first year of kinder with activities to develop language and social skills, and express emotions and creativity.
The illustrated Kinder Kit carrycase is made from recycled materials ─ designed and built for flexible, long-term use rather than as a one-off single-use container. It opens out to become a play surface with a whiteboard and markers and can be repurposed for storing kinder or childhood memories.
The kits include Tinta Crayons, Wild Dough playdough, Korango Australian animal magnets, a Micador early start development activity pad, Seed Collection alfalfa seeds, Flip Make Play Family Cards and Pure Baby story cubes designed by Nikita Rotumah ─ a Traditional Owner from the Gunditjmara tribe from the Western District of Victoria and Bunitj tribe from the Northern Territory.
Children will also receive two great books by Australian authors from the following list: My People by Eddie Betts; Windows by Patrick Guest, Tell ’Em! by Rosemary Sullivan and Katrina Germein, Where does a giraffe go to bed? by Craig MacLean, A to Z Story of Australian Animals by Sally Morgan and My Dog Bigsy by Alison Lester.
All Kinder Kit suppliers are Australian businesses, with nearly 70 per cent of the total Kinder Kit expenditure invested in Victoria ─ supporting local economic recovery and employment following the pandemic with more than 300 Victorians involved in some way with the delivery of the kits.
In an Australian-first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs.
From 2022, every three-year-old across Victoria will have access to at least five hours of kindergarten. Services will then scale up their hours to reach the full 15-hour program by 2029.
Families can talk to their local kindergarten and long day care services about enrolling for 2022, and can look for a service near them by visiting the “Find a Kinder Program” website at findakinder.educationapps.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said:
“We’re delivering on our funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten promise across the state ─ giving Victorian children the best start in their education while supporting local businesses with these engaging Kinder Kits.” “We know that two years of early education is better than one – our Kinder Kits are a wonderful celebration of this landmark reform rolling out statewide, helping families and children connect at home with their learning.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is encouraging eligible community groups to apply for a federal Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream Program grant.

The Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream Program provides locally led projects with between $20,000 to $10 million in funding to improve the resilience of communities against natural hazards.
The grant aims to support communities to undertake disaster risk reduction and resilience initiatives that provide public benefit through reducing the impact of future natural hazards on communities, as well as the burden (cost and time) of recovery in communities following future disasters.
Stephen Pykett, Acting Director Planning and Environment said these grants could provide local organisations with a significant funding boost.
“Community organisations are integral to the preparedness, response and recovery efforts of the Macedon Ranges and we’re fortunate to have highly involved and innovative local groups supporting our communities.”
“Macedon Ranges is a fire prone part of Victoria and we are still in the midst of cleaning up following the storms in June, October and November. Once rare extreme fire and other weather driven events are now becoming more common, so I encourage community groups and organisations with disaster risk reduction and resilience initiatives to review the criteria and apply before the 6 January deadline,” he said.
Applications close 6 January 2022. Council’s Storm Recovery team are able to provide some advice for groups on their applications. Please contact recovery@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Further details are available at www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/preparing-australian-communities-local-stream

Victoria’s hardworking Country Fire Authority (CFA) will have a new locally produced uniform, proudly made in country Victoria.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today visited CFA’s new workwear contractor Australian Defence Apparel’s (ADA) warehouse in Bendigo to meet workers and thank CFA members for their service to the community.
The new contract supports 15 jobs in the Bendigo region creating the uniforms. The contracts will also support local suppliers and manufacturers around the state.
ADA will supply the CFA’s main uniforms, while Goulburn Valley E&M will supply belts and buckles, Harcor Security Seals will provide caps and wide-brim hats, and Stewart & Heaton will supply epaulettes and patches.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested $3 million through the Volunteer Support Package, and an extra $6 million through the CFA Capability Funding Package into the project, which will see the creation of 30,000 workwear sets – enough to fit out up to 25 members from every brigade across the state in the first allocation.
More than 90,000 CFA uniforms will be produced at ADA – including shirts, trousers, shorts and jackets – using more than 180,000 metres of Australia-made fabric with the CFA logo and a distinctive ‘Patriot Blue’ colour.
For the first time, uniforms will be available in a tailored womens fit instead of just smaller mens sizes – allowing members to choose workwear that they feel most comfortable in. Skirts will also be included in the ceremonial uniform range.
CFA members have played a crucial role in the final workwear designs, with more than 3,000 volunteers providing feedback during a consultation process. Volunteers will also be given the opportunity to choose their garments.
The uniforms will be worn when CFA members are not required to wear Personal Protective Clothing, such as when attending brigade activities, training, incident management, community activities and fundraising.
The rollout of the new uniforms will start early next year and will take place over the course of eight months.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said: “CFA members can proudly wear these uniforms when they’re out in the community, knowing what it symbolises to locals and that they’re supporting local jobs.” Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan “This new deal delivers for everyone – supporting local jobs and the extraordinary efforts of our CFA volunteers in representing and protecting the Bendigo community.” Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards “Our dedicated CFA volunteers go above and beyond every day to protect Victorian lives and properties – we’re proud the uniform they wear will be made right here in Bendigo.”