Victorians are being urged to be well rested and take breaks when traveling over the festive period, as many people prepare to take summer road trips for the first time in two years.

People will be relishing the chance to reunite with loved ones, with many driving long distances, at higher speeds and on unfamiliar roads for the first time in a long time.
One of the biggest risks associated with driving in these circumstances is fatigue, with Transport Accident Commission data showing drowsy driving contributes to 16-20% of all fatalities on Victorian roads.
Sleep deprivation is a key risk factor. Research shows being awake for 17 hours has the same effect on your driving ability as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 and going without sleep for 24 hours has the same effect as a blood alcohol level of 0.1 – double the legal limit.
As well as being well rested before hitting the road, the key to a relaxing and safe road trip is planning ahead, and drivers are encouraged to plan a rest break every two hours.
The TAC will be helping drivers stay rested this summer with ‘Pause Stops’ along major regional routes, where people can enjoy complimentary barista-made coffee, comfortable deck chairs for a 15-minute powernap and games to entertain children while parents relax.
Pause Stops will also host a range of market stalls run by local businesses to support local economies after what has been another difficult year for the state’s tourism industry.
The TAC has worked closely with the VICSES to identify key locations for rest stops along major, high-traffic arterial roads. The TAC’s Pause Stops will complement the SES’s Driver Reviver sites which will also be set up across the state.
Further information on the Pause location sites and map of their locations can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/pausest Minister for Roads Ben Carroll said:
“Taking a break during long drives not only helps combat drowsy driving, it is also a great opportunity to contribute to local economies on your way to visit family and friends this summer.”
“Fatigue is a major cause of crashes in Victoria – we mustn’t let our excitement of reuniting with loved ones distract us from the risks posed by driving long distances. The best present you can give your loved ones this festive season is your presence.”
Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore said:
“Victorians deserve a happy and relaxing summer with those closest to them, and the key to that is planning ahead.”
“If you find yourself daydreaming, missing exits or drifting from your lane, take a break and consider a 15-minute powernap. There are plenty of places to stop all throughout the state, take your time so you can get to your destination safely.”

A $10 million national awareness campaign will hit iconic Australian beaches this summer to remind Australians to be UV aware and stay safe in the sun in 2022. The campaign is part of a $20 million Australian Government investment over the next two years in skin cancer awareness activities.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the new campaign would continue to spread the important message of sun safety this summer.

“With many Australians looking to spend the summer outside, it is important that we all remember to take care of ourselves this holiday period, including our skin,” Senator Henderson said.

“I encourage everyone to be UV aware make sure they remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide this summer.”

“Australia has long been known as the sunburnt country, we love getting outside and enjoying long summer days, particularly after the challenges of the past two years,” the Prime Minister said.

“But it’s important that we protect ourselves against the dangers of sun and that we all know exactly how to guard ourselves against skin cancer, with Australia having one of the highest rates of melanoma cancer in the world.

“The good news is skin cancer is avoidable. The new awareness campaign reminds Australians of how they can be UV aware and what simple actions they can take to protect against sunburn and skin cancer this summer.”

The Australian Government has engaged the experts at Cancer Council Australia to create a national campaign that follows the renowned Sid from the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign of the 1980s. 

Jimmy and his faithful side kick Fido will hit screens across the country and appear at awareness raising events from Bondi to Cottesloe to remind Aussies to check the UV index and be SunSmart this summer.

The campaign is designed to educate people that when it comes to skin cancer protection, it’s ultraviolent radiation (UV) – not heat – that people need to be aware of.

The campaign will be on free-to-air TV, digital and social media, outdoor advertising, and radio stations across Australia. It will be backed by events in every State and the Northern Territory, where people can pick up free sunscreen, Cancer Council hats, play games, and grab some shade under a Cancer Council cabana.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said skin cancer is estimated to cause more than 1,315 deaths in Australia in 2021, a figure that is far too high.

“While we need to protect ourselves through vaccination from COVID-19, we also need to protect our skin from melanoma,” Minister Hunt said.

“This summer, make sure you cover up with a hat, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen and sunglasses. This is the best way to protect yourself against melanoma.”

While melanoma risk increases with age, people under 30, and even teenagers, can develop this cancer and die. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, melanoma is estimated to be the most diagnosed cancer among 20 to 39-year-olds in 2021.

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Dr Tanya Buchanan welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and the campaign ahead.

“Skin cancer is Australia’s most common, most costly cancer, and it is almost entirely preventable.

“In Australia this year, there will be more than a million treatments for skin cancer, and it is estimated nearly 17,000 Australians will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma. That’s why it’s critical that we continue to fund and promote ongoing public awareness campaigns about being SunSmart.

“The message is simple, whenever the UV index is 3 or above, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

“Raising awareness of SunSmart behaviours is critical both this year, and in the years to come to reduce incidence and save lives from skin cancer. Cancer Council welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and looks forward to a summer of sun safety.”

Cancer Council Australia will deliver this campaign on behalf of the Australian Government. The Cancer Council is a household name, trusted by generations of Australians to provide the best advice and support to prevent, treat and better detect cancer.

Victoria’s livestock producers have recorded some of their best profit performances in almost 20
years and are using the good times to prepare for the future.

Agriculture Victoria Farm Business Economist Sam Henty said the results of the 51st Livestock
Farm Monitor Project showed 97 of the 113 participating farm businesses recorded a positive
2020-21 profit result.
“The 2020-21 project results identified strong red meat prices and good seasonal conditions helped
keep farm incomes and stocking rates high,” Mr Henty said.
“Sheep and cattle producers are using the favourable conditions to prepare for future challenges,
such as climate change, by investing in new or upgrading machinery, repaying debt and applying
capital fertiliser to pastures.”
The South-West had the highest profit of all the regions with farms maintaining quality pastures
and increasing stocking rates to the second-highest level ever recorded.
The livestock sector has faced seasonal challenges in Gippsland and northern Victoria with
drought, fires and floods in recent years and the improved performances in these two regions is
welcome news.
Farmers in Northern Victoria doubled their profit in 2020-21 compared to the previous year and
recorded the highest average gross farm income in the project’s history for this region.
Northern Victorian farmers achieved this by increasing livestock and feed inventories and using the
additional pasture growth to rebuild stock numbers, particularly in sheep enterprises, to the highest
levels recorded in 17 years.
Favourable rainfall at key times in East and Central Gippsland increased pasture availability and
reduced variable costs due to a lower reliance on supplementary feed.
Gippsland farmers took advantage of the record high beef prices, with farms recording their third
highest profit in 17 years of the project.
Participation in the 2020-21 project was the highest in 12 years with increased participation
underpinned by Agriculture Victoria’s sheep and beef networks known as the BestWool/BestLamb
(BWBL) and BetterBeef (BB).
Livestock Farm Monitor participants’ identity is kept anonymous and each receives a confidential
individualised report to use to understand the cash, profit and wealth position of their business
which helps inform investment decisions (including loan applications), on-farm decision making
and resilience building.
Farmers who participate in the project increase their understanding of their farm business which
builds resilience and improves their ability to adapt to change which is a commitment of the
Victorian Government’s Agriculture strategy.
For more information about the Livestock Farm Monitor Project visit:
agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockfarmmonitor

To put us in the best position to respond to Omicron, Victoria will expand its vaccination booster program to deliver up to 300,000 doses a week, support GPs and pharmacies to deliver even more, and take steps to ensure the community’s safety over the holidays with updated mask rules to protect Victorians.

With expert modelling and health advice showing that a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be vital in the fight against Omicron, the Government will invest $31.6 million to support the Commonwealth’s booster program.
The massive scale-up will support a significant expansion of state-run vaccination centres, as well as the rapid recruitment and training of new workers – ensuring up to 900,000 doses can be delivered every week in Victoria.
To help increase vaccination capacity, temporary sites are being set up at prominent shopping centre locations. Pop-up sites at Watergardens and Emporium open today, while pop ups have already opened at Highpoint, Pacific Werribee and Eastland – so people can get their third dose while doing their shopping.
Over the coming weeks, 28 vaccination pop-ups will open and current fixed sites will expand to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The flagship centre at the Royal Exhibition Building will stay open until late March.
A re-run of a successful grants program for GPs and pharmacies will help them deliver vaccinations across the 23 Local Government Areas where there is lower primary care coverage, with expressions of interest for the grants of up to $15,000 opening today.
While the Commonwealth is responsible for the third dose rollout in private residential aged care, the Victorian Government is taking further steps to protect aged care residents by making more booster shots available to them, with every resident in Victoria’s public aged care facilities set to be offered a booster by Christmas Day.
Lockdowns are not under consideration because Victorians have made the state one of the most vaccinated places in the world.
As a sensible measure to reduce hospitalisations, from 11:59pm tonight masks will return indoors (except in the home) for people aged eight and over. This means masks will be required when moving around major events with more than 30,000 people, however not when patrons are seated outdoors.
To protect themselves and others, Victorians are being encouraged to take advantage of this festive period to work from home – until more data about the spread of the emerging Omicron variant is gathered and examined.
Those who want to be as COVIDSafe as possible are also strongly encouraged to stick to seated service while inside hospitality venues rather than moving around crowded venues, and to save their dance moves for dancefloors in well ventilated outdoor areas.
As the Government awaits updated dose interval ATAGI advice, the planned scale up to support third doses will launch on 4 January 2022.
All Victorians who are eligible for a third dose five months after their second shot are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible – especially those at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as healthcare workers.
For information about coronavirus visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.
Ensuring children are protected from coronavirus is also vital, and parents are encouraged to get their kids vaccinated when the rollout for five to 11-year-olds begins on 10 January 2022.
Parents can be confident that the scale up of the booster program will not delay their child’s protection as paediatric vaccination appointments will be ringfenced in the booking system.
Acting Premier James Merlino said:
“We’re able to keep our state open because more than 90 per cent of Victorians got vaccinated, in record time. We’re not going back to lockdowns, we’re vaccinating our way through.”
“These are modest but meaningful steps we can take over summer to ensure we stay open see the people we love this Christmas. Masks and boosters mean less COVID exposure, fewer workers in isolation, and more businesses open and disruption free.”

Minister for Health Martin Foley said:
“If you’re eligible, it’s vital that you step forward to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious disease, and keep our state safe, open and thriving.”
“These changes will help us protect the most vulnerable people in the community while more Victorians go and get their third dose.”

Victorian business and industry will be encouraged to help kickstart investment in Zero Emissions Vehicles and reduce the transport sector’s carbon footprint as part of a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The State Government today opened expressions of interest for a new $5 million Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund as part of an $100 million package to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.
Business will drive the scheme, with the best, most innovative and cost-effective proposals attracting funding to boost Zero Emissions Vehicle purchases in commercial settings.
Commercial vehicles currently account for about 36 per cent of transport sector emissions in Victoria and the Fund will provide targeted support to encourage businesses to invest in Zero Emission Vehicles technology by offering grants to eligible applicants.
Fleet vehicles in particular offer a great opportunity for ZEV innovation. ZEVs can deliver operational savings for fleet owner/operators, and because fleets make up around 50% of new car sales, transitioning Victoria’s fleets to ZEVs will really help to reduce our transport emissions.
The CSIF will further encourage the uptake of ZEV technology in commercial settings including the commercial passenger vehicle, freight, service-sector and infrastructure industries.
Grants will be available through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. A wide range of innovative proposals will be welcomed, including trials of ZEV technology with specific commercial uses, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles, vehicle-charging infrastructure and development and training that will accelerate the industry’s transition to Zero Emission Vehicles.
Earlier this year, the Labor Government announced that Volgren will build zero and low emissions buses for the new Metropolitan Bus Franchise, Kinetic, which will create more than 60 new jobs in Melbourne’s south-east.
The Government also recently announced the $20 million Zero Emission Bus Project to support the transition to zero emissions buses, and has already funded a Zero Emissions Vehicle subsidy program and more charging infrastructure across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
An Expert Advisory Panel has also been established to advise the Government on what additional new policies, programs and investments are required to successfully reduce Victoria’s transport emissions.
For further information on eligibility and proposal submission visit www.transport.mysocialpinpoint.com/csif
Applications will close on 18 February 2022.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said:
“Reducing emissions in our transport sector is vital to reaching our net zero emissions target and this Fund will encourage the commercial sector to play a leading role in identifying innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions.”
“This is not only another step towards achieving zero emissions, but it also creates jobs and proves a boost to the economy.”
Media contact: Nat MacGregor 0404 828 991 | nat.macgregor@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said:
“The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to our greenhouse gas emissions.”
“This initiative will drive quick uptake of zero emission vehicle technology in commercial settings as we work towards
halving Victoria’s emission by 2030.”

All Victorian frontline police and Protective Services Officers will be equipped with conducted energy devices to help them safely respond to violent offenders and keep the community safe.

The State Government will deliver $214 million over five years, and $40.5 million ongoing, to roll out the CEDs (sometimes referred to as tasers) to all frontline police officers and PSOs – ensuring they have more non-lethal options to safely resolve dangerous situations.
CEDs have been in use by specialist police units since 2004 and are also used across regional Victoria, with the rollout of CEDs to 37 regional 24-hour police stations completed in 2018. This experience has demonstrated how successful CEDs can be in resolving critical incidents.
Currently, metropolitan frontline police and PSOs have three tactical options available to them as part of standard equipment provided for their duties, including a baton, oleoresin capsicum spray or foam, and a firearm.
The use of CEDs will provide an additional resource for police and PSOs to resolve dangerous incidents involving volatile or violent offenders quickly and safely, allowing them to better protect themselves and the community.
Specialist training will be provided to all police officers and PSOs, while police stations will also be fitted out so the equipment can be stored safely and securely.
The broader rollout will begin in early 2022, with the allocation of CEDs to police stations to be determined by Victoria Police based on operational needs.
This funding builds on the Victorian Government’s record $3.8 billion investment in police, including 3135 new sworn police officers, a new police training facility, new and upgraded police stations, high-tech Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology for all highway patrol cars, an expanded Air Wing, mobile technology and new police powers.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said:
“Victoria’s dedicated police officers and PSOs go above and beyond to keep our community safe, which can involve dealing with volatile situations, and dangerous individuals.”
“The statewide rollout of conducted energy devices means we are ensuring police and PSOs have more non-lethal tools at their disposal to continue their vital work in keeping all Victorians safe.”
“This builds on our record investment in police resources including more than 3000 new sworn police officers on the front line keeping us safe by 2022.”

The State Government is backing Victorian research into new coronavirus treatment, including a nasal spray
medication that envelops the virus and reduces household transmission.

Acting Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $13.3
million in grants for seven research projects examining a range of coronavirus treatment options.
University of Melbourne and Monash University have received $4.2 million to establish a six-month clinical trial,
developed in collaboration with Oxford University, of a heparin-based nasal spray to be used in households where a
person has coronavirus.
The second most widely used drug in the world and primarily prescribed as a blood-thinner to treat or prevent blood
clots, heparin forms the base of the nasal spray treatment which is already being hailed as a success for its easy
administration, stability at room temperature and global availability.
The IntraNasal HEpaRin Trial (INHERIT) will be led by the Northern Hospital, using the Covid (Oximetry) Monitoring and
Early Treatment (COMET) platform that has enabled researchers to access and treat patients within 24 hours of their
diagnosis, speeding up treatment and providing remote patient monitoring through portable oximeter devices that
measure oxygen levels in blood.
Other research projects receiving funding include $2 million for a Walter and Eliza Hall Institute trial of antiviral cocktails
for immunocompromised patients unable to receive coronavirus vaccines, and $1.8 million for a Burnet Institute study
on a suite of biological medications that could neutralise and kill virus-infected cells. For the full list, go to
djpr.vic.gov.au/medical-research/initiatives/covid-19-research.
In the past year, the Labor Government has invested more than $590 million in medical research – including up to $400
million for a new Australian Institute of Infectious Disease to lead the fight against future pandemics. Clinical trials held
in Victoria contribute more than $300 million annually to the state’s economy.
Last week, Victorian scientists and manufacturers reached a major milestone, unveiling Australia’s first mRNA COVID19 vaccine candidate after a research period of just five months. Clinical trials will commence in early 2022.
Acting Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“Coronavirus is not going away any time soon and our amazing researchers are doing work that stands to make a real
difference. These projects will benefit not just Victorians but people around the world.”
Director of Lung Health Research Centre University of Melbourne Professor Gary Anderson said:
“Our study shows immense potential – studies show that intranasal heparin can wrap around the virus like a python,
preventing it from infecting you or spreading the virus to others.”
Director of Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre Monash University Professor Michelle
McIntosh said:
“The team has done everything possible in the laboratory to suggest this treatment will be effective, but the only way
to answer the question is with a robust clinical trial.”

The State Government is ensuring more food relief is available for Victorian families during the Christmas period with the delivery of an extra 220,000 meals through community food relief programs.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $6,182 for Kyneton Caring Community It is one of 17 organisations sharing in more than $850,000 through the third round of Food Relief Financial Reserve grants.
The grants build on $3.5 million already delivered through the program, which is providing more than 2.3 million meals and supporting 41 full-time equivalent food relief jobs. The funding will assist community food relief providers to deliver more food to Victorians in need as Victoria turns to economic and social recovery.
The Labor Government has invested more than $38 million to expand community food relief across Victoria since February 2020.
This includes $5 million in grants to 93 community food relief organisations for additional storage and equipment to deliver more food relief to Victorians in need.
The Government has also established a Food Relief Taskforce to provide system leadership and advice to government on strengthening and enhancing the community food relief system in Victoria. For the list of organisations receiving funding, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We are proud to support Kyneton Caring Community in ensuring a meal is available for everyone who needs it – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.”
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines said:
“We are supporting food relief organisations across the state to continue their important work getting food out to vulnerable members of our community.”

Hepburn Shire Council last night issued a Notice of Decision to grant a planning permit for construction of 60 km of mountain bike trails as part of the Creswick Trails Network.

Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said this is a major milestone for the project.

“This trail network will be a fantastic asset for locals, and a terrific destination for visitors to our beautiful shire,” said Cr Drylie.

“It will be a unique way to explore some of the bushland surrounding Creswick, and ties in with the aspirations in our Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan to provide opportunities for active living in our Shire.

“There are still a number of steps in the process before we can start construction, but this is an important stage in what has proven to be a complex project,” he said.

Appeals by submitters to the application regarding the Notice of Decision of Council to grant the Planning Permit may be made within 28 days of the Notice of Decision. The permit will be issued once this period has passed based on no appeal being made, otherwise it will go to Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal.

A planning permit is a significant step towards realising the Creswick Trails, but it is not the final requirement. A Protected Flora Permit is also required, along with completion of all the requirements for Land Manager Consent to Construct. This includes a finalised Land Use Activity Agreement with DJARRA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation).

The trail network will be located primarily on Crown Land, which is currently managed by DELWP and Parks Vic, along with a section managed by HVP Plantations. Land managers must consent for construction of the trails after the planning permit is issued.

The timeline for construction will depend on the length of time it takes to complete all the necessary approvals.

“A lot of work has gone into progressing the project to this point, and each step is important to ensure we have an exciting network of trails that compliment, respect and highlight the natural, cultural and historic heritage of our region,” said Cr Drylie.

“We’ve provided considerable information to ensure Heritage Victoria is satisfied with the route and the potential impact of the project. We’re confident this project meets all requirements and we look forward to delivering it for our community.”

The Victorian Government has committed $2.65M to the Creswick Trail Network through Regional Development Victoria, with a further $2.1M towards the Hammon Park trailhead through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round. The tender for construction of the trailhead closes in January 2022.

Construction of a community hub at Trentham will start next year, with Hepburn Shire Council last night awarding a contract to Ballarat-based builder S J Weir.

The Trentham Community Hub will incorporate a community library, Council customer service centre, visitor information services, large community hall, commercial-style kitchen, playgroup area, on-site parking and landscaped surrounds.

“This hub is a key project for Council, and will help realise a contemporary space for Trentham and surrounding communities,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

“Feedback from the community has shaped the design, which means we will have an incredible facility that will be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Cr Drylie.

The hub project was identified in the Trentham Community Facilities Review conducted in 2013. The project has gained traction since 2019 and undergone a rigorous process of community consultation and review.

“We are very grateful to the Victorian Government, who has committed $3.5 million funding towards the project through the Regional Infrastructure Fund,” said Cr Drylie.

Cr Drylie said the tender had come in higher than initial estimates due to the high volume of work available in the building and construction industry, along with the increasing price of materials.

“We recognise these pressures have impacted the cost of this project, but Council also knows that there has been a thorough process to get to this point in delivering a facility that meets the community’s needs and expectations,” said Cr Drylie.

‘We have also applied for a significant grant of $1.12 million through Living Libraries Victoria, the result of which will be announced early next year. We are hopeful of securing a positive response from this application with a decision due in the next few months,” he said.

Incorporated into the design is a diesel-powered generator that will provide electricity during power outages due to storms, floods, bushfires or other events. This important feature will provide a high level of service to affected community members and aid recovery efforts during any future emergencies.

Council is establishing an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee to provide it with advice on programs and services to improve inclusion throughout the Shire and nominations are now open.

Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said that Council is proud of its diversity and believes that communities are enriched when people regardless of their background or identity are embraced and supported to participate and contribute to community life.

“Membership on the committee will represent the range of interests and needs of LGBTIQA+ people in the Hepburn Shire. We want diversity, including culture, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, employment, life stage, and community groups,” said Cr Drylie.

The objectives of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee are to:

• Advocate on behalf of LGBTIQA+ people within the Hepburn community and beyond
• Provide feedback and advice to Council on its policies, plans and services that impact on the LGBTIQA+ community
• Consider and provide advice on key government initiatives, programs and reviews that impact on LGBTIQA+ communities
• Consider funding and other opportunities as they may arise
• Assist Council to promote the benefits of diversity and enhance understanding about the barriers to equality facing LGBTIQA+ communities, and
• Promote and assist Council to celebrate LGBTIQA+ days of significance and events.

The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee is a reference group and not a decision-making body.

Community members are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest form by 27 January 2022.

Find more information and an application form at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/lgbtiqa-advisory-committee.

Hepburn Shire Council will support nine local groups to deliver a variety of projects as part of the latest round of Council’s Community Grants.

“We are supporting a wide range of projects through these grants, including a self-guided walking booklet to be developed by the Daylesford and District Historical Society, a laptop for the Trentham Trumpet, instruments for Creswick Brass Band and solar panels for the Mt Prospect Tennis Club,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

Other projects include an Indigenous component for Cresfest, power supply for work benches at the Cool Country Men’s Shed in Trentham, a new stove at the Creswick Smeaton RSL, interactive cyber safety training for students at Creswick Primary School and support for the Clunes Men’s Shed to investigate is expansion.

“It’s such a diverse collection of projects, and Council is very pleased to be able to once again contribute to our community in this way,” said Cr Drylie.

The next round of Community Grants opens on 8 February and closes on 1 March. Find out more at https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/community-grants-program/.

A new free and accessible website has been launched to assist land managers, pest controllers and community groups to manage rabbits, gorse and serrated tussock on their properties.

A new free and accessible website has been launched to assist land managers, pest controllers and community groups to manage rabbits, gorse and serrated tussock on their properties.
The Virtual Extension Officer website (VEO) was developed by the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) in collaboration with the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, to help people take control of pests.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Leader Nicole Garfi said rabbits, gorse, and serrated tussock are widespread in Victoria and impact agricultural productivity and the environment.
“The VEO was developed to enable landholders battling one of these species, to replicate their individual situation online and gather relevant information, in one location, without leaving their home.”
“In just four clicks of a button, the user can choose their property location, species, infestation size and type of control they are interested in, and the VEO will advise the most appropriate methods of control,” she said.
According to Ron Cosgrave, VGT Chair, communities battling rabbits, gorse and serrated tussock will find great value in the website.
“We have tried to simplify finding best practice information for those affected by these species, so they can apply it to their own situation.
“We hope it gives people the right advice and a little bit more confidence to start effectively managing their pest species,” he said.
Funding for the website was provided by the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria.
The website can be accessed at virtualextensionofficer.com.au
For more information, please email the Victorian Gorse Taskforce at

The State Government is ensuring that more Victorians are getting the dental care they need, where they live – with more “catch-up” care beginning in January.

A new $27 million package to deliver more check-ups and treatments will kick off right across Victoria and run until June.
This funding will help public dental providers catch up and meet increased demand for dental services – targeting waiting lists and providing immediate access to public dental services and treatment for Victorians who have delayed or deferred treatment during the pandemic.
The package will reach every corner of the state and help an additional 40,000 Victorians get the check-ups and treatments they need.
This funding boost is in addition to theState Government’s Smile Squad program which will provide free dental care for students at all government primary and secondary schools, and is rolling out across Victoria now. This additional dental funding is part of the State Government’s $91 million investment over four years for responding to community-based healthcare demand, which has increased because of deferred care during the pandemic.
The funding will be directed to catch-up care for dental services, cancer services and maternal and child health services to ensure clients who were unable to engage over the past 12 months receive the care they need.
The State Government has invested a record $360 million into oral health in the Victorian Budget 2020/21.
However there is more to do – which is why Victoria together with other jurisdictions – are calling on the Commonwealth to properly fund dental services and are continuing to advocate for long-term, sustainable funding arrangements as well as a reversal of their 30 per cent cut to public dental services.
Health Minister Martin Foley said:
“Good dental health is critical for good overall health – that’s why we are taking action to give Victorians across the state access to catch-up dental care and slash our waiting lists.”
“We know that a lot of Victorians delayed heath care throughout the pandemic – including dental check-ups and treatment – this will help dentists treat more than 40,000 Victorians and get them off the waiting list.”
“But we know there is more to do, which is why it is critical that the Commonwealth Government reverses their 30 per cent funding reduction in public dental services and commits to a long-term funding arrangement.”

RSPCA Victoria says pets should never be left in hot cars

As the summer season sets in and temperatures rise, RSPCA Victoria is reminding the community that keeping pets safe and cool in the summer can save lives.
Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring the safety of pets during summer and basic precautions can reduce the likelihood of animals suffering from heat stress. Keeping pets cool can be the difference between life and death.
Take note of the temperature for animals who live outdoors and adapt plans to keep them cool. Make sure to include pets in holiday plans and never leave pets in cars, even in milder summer weather.
Dr Liz Walker, CEO at RSPCA Victoria said animals should never be left in hot cars, even for a short time, as the consequences can be tragic.
“It only takes six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly and can reach double the outside temperature even on mild days. Tinted windows, parking in the shade or leaving windows down do not reduce the inside temperature significantly.
“None of us want animals to suffer in the heat so always make plans for your pets to be kept happy and safe, even in milder summer weather.”
If pets do need to be left outside on warm days, it’s imperative to provide them with shade and multiple sources of cool clean water. Ensure that water bowls can’t be tipped over and always provide more than one water source to account for leaks, evaporation and accidental spillage.
If animals must be left outdoors all day, take note of where the sun and shade fall at the time of your departure and account for how they will shift throughout the day, making sure to provide more than one option for shelter.
When preparing for a holiday, it’s important to include pets in plans, either including them in the travel or ensuring they have proper care from friends, family, neighbours or a pet sitting service.
If pets are left in the home to be cared for by someone else, make sure to let neighbours know so that they don’t mistakenly believe pets have been left alone. RSPCA Victoria received 1163 reports of abandoned animals last financial year, with 384 of these reports during last summer alone.
Responsible pet ownership comes with legal and moral obligations to keep pets safe, including provision of food and water along with adequate shelter and veterinary care. RSPCA encourages pet
owners to be aware of their responsibilities and to make sure their approach to caring for animals is
adapted to warm weather in spring and summer.