You’re invited to one of three Central Highlands Water online Urban Water Strategy community sessions to help shape the future of water in our region.

Central Highlands Water Managing Director, Paul O’Donohue said, “The online sessions provide a great opportunity to have a two-way conversation and to explore people’s preferences for managing future water supply.”
The strategy explores water security and influences for the next 50 years, including population growth and climate change and is planned to be released in 2022.
An integral part of our planning is talking to our community about how they currently use water and their understanding of the local water cycle, as well as what is important to our customers from a water and wastewater perspective.
“Community input is highly valued and a fundamental part of future planning for our water security and we encourage people to have their say during our upcoming online community sessions,” said Mr O’Donohue.
Community sessions will be held online on the following dates and times:
Maryborough and surrounds: Monday 22 November 2021 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Daylesford and surrounds: Tuesday 23 November 2021 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Ballarat and surrounds: Wednesday 24 November 2021 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
For more information about our sessions and how to register, please visit chw.net.au/waterfuture

Agriculture Victoria has been recognised at the 2021 Australian Biosecurity Awards for its outstanding work in biosecurity.

The department received a Government Award for the management of Australia’s largest ever recorded outbreak of avian influenza.
In addition, two Community Awards were received – one for the Urban Plant Health Network (UPHN) which raises awareness of plant health and biosecurity risks in the backyard and community gardens, and another for the success of the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Areawide Management Program which is funded by Agriculture Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Matt Lowe said he was incredibly proud of the efforts of the dedicated staff to maintain the state’s strong biosecurity system.
“It is a great honour and a tribute to the team for its hard work on these significant projects.”
The avian influenza outbreak spanned seven facilities across three species and regions; with the three different strains detected it was the largest biosecurity emergency response in Victoria for 20 years.
Over 340 staff contributed 7,000 working days responding to the avian influenza outbreak, which lasted more than nine months from July last year.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke said the response was immediate as the disease was threatening the health of commercial flocks, but also the state’s valuable poultry trade.
“Avian influenza is a serious disease that has the power to devastate entire farms in hours and impact Victoria’s reputation as a healthy and safe poultry producer.”
“Almost 1,400 surveillance activities needed to be undertaken and over 21,650 samples were analysed by scientists at Agriculture Victoria’s research laboratory, AgriBio.”
The response included movement restrictions for poultry, poultry products and equipment near the infected properties and a housing order – a first for Australia – where all domestic birds in affected areas were required to be housed to limit interaction with wild birds.
“These efforts also led to new policy areas and innovations that will be useful in years to come.”
“Our strong biosecurity system needs constant effort to ensure we minimise the harm caused by pests and diseases and this recent success is a testament to the determination of Victoria’s whole biosecurity team.”
The UPHN, jointly funded with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, showcased the power of collaboration, innovation and creativity by partnering with industry to engage backyard and community gardeners to take an active role in managing biosecurity risks.
The pilot initiative, which encourages Melbourne gardeners to learn about exotic pests and get involved in general surveillance of high priority pests such as brown marmorated stink bug, red imported fire ants and agriculture.vic.gov.au
exotic bees, utilises apps, social media, web, comics and podcasts to make pest management simple and engaging.
The Goulburn Murray Valley Areawide Management Program, of which Agriculture Victoria is a member, has worked with community to build awareness and improve management of Queensland fruit fly.
Activities have included extensive engagement programs driven by local community groups and control activities supported by pest monitoring, tree removals and personal visits to affected landholders.
This program helps everyone in the Goulburn Murray Valley community contribute to managing this established pest and protect the state’s valuable horticulture.
Agriculture Victoria also extends its congratulations to Associate Professor Dr Kim Plummer from La Trobe University on receiving an Education Award for her work inspiring the next generation of scientists and supporting biosecurity education and advancement.
For more information on avian influenza visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu
For more information on the UPHN visit extensionaus.com.au/urbanplanthealthnetwork/home
For more information on action on Queensland fruit fly in regional Victoria visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has welcomed the announcement from Bushfire Recovery Victoria of a Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program.

The Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program is open to Victorians affected by the June 2021 storms and floods.
The program can connect you to a financial counsellor to help you to:
o access relief for utility bills and other payments
o understand your government income and other entitlements
o negotiate with your bank on debt issues
o identify if your insurance outcome is fair and appropriate
o explore your options and advocate on your behalf.
Speaking to a financial counsellor early can help stabilise your finances, reduce stress and allow you to focus on other areas.
Council’s CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, welcomed the additional support for residents and encouraged people impacted by the 9 June storm to reach out via the hotline.
“We know from community feedback that the cost of storm clean-up is an ongoing concern, whether you’re living in town or out on a larger property.
“If the costs of clean up and recovery are playing on your mind or causing you any anxiety, reach out and use the Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program. Don’t wait until things are dire before accessing this service,” he said.
The Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program is available on the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline, a single state-wide number (1800 560 760).
The Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Hepburn Shire Council is calling on residents to get involved and help shape Council’s updated commitment towards environmental sustainability. Sustainable Hepburn will be an inclusive, aspirational yet realistic, strategy to guide Council’s environmental sustainability ambitions into the future.

A key part of the development of Sustainable Hepburn will be the creation of a Community Reference Group. This will comprise four technical working groups made up of community members with skills, knowledge and experience to help shape this exciting project.

Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said this is a unique opportunity for residents to help to guide Council’s future environmental and sustainability actions.

“When we heard from the community as part of the Hepburn Together project, environmental sustainability was the top community priority. Put simply, we love where we live and want to preserve what we love, now and for future generations,” said Cr Hewitt.

“We invite interested community members to express their interest in shaping Council’s future direction in sustainability and apply for a position on one of the four technical working groups,” she said.

“We are pleased to embark on this journey as stewards for our local environment while maximising local economic opportunities with sustainability at the heart,” she said.

“If you have an interest in helping to guide our future direction in relation to emissions, waste management, climate and water resilience, or natural environment and biodiversity please complete an Expression of Interest to join one of our technical working groups.

“Sustainable Hepburn is our way of acknowledging that sustainability themes are interconnected and there are many benefits in addressing them collectively. We have a number of environmental strategies that need updating, so it makes sense to combine these into the one strategy.”

The four technical working groups are:

• A beyond zero emissions council
• A low waste Shire
• A climate and water resilient Shire
• Natural environment and biodiversity.

Expressions of interest are open until Sunday 28 November 2021.

For more information and to apply, visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/sustainable-hepburn.

The State Government is helping more Victorians find work, with new data out today showing near record low unemployment for regional Victoria.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows regional Victoria’s unemplyment rate is 3.3 per cent, well below the national regional average of 4.2 per cent.
In the three months to October 2021, the unemployment rate in Regional Victoria fell by 0.3 percentage points and most areas of Regional Victoria experienced a decline in unemployment rates.
Ballarat was one of the state’s strongest performers, experiencing a decline of 1.2 percentage points to an unemployment rate of 2.7 per cent. Unemployment in Bendigo was down 0.3 per cent and the rate in Gippsland dropped 0.6 per cent.
The figures also show that the regional unemployment rate is now half what it was when the Labor Government came to office, dropping from 6.6 per cent in 2014 to 3.3 per cent today.
Since November 2014, regional Victoria’s growth has been the highest among regional areas across the states and with the further easing of restrictions, Victoria’s economy is well placed to bounce back quickly.
The results show the Government is continuing on its four step fiscal strategy of creating jobs, returning to an operating cash surplus, returning to operating surpluses then stabilising debt levels.
The most recent Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) Business Outlook report predicted a rapid recovery for Victoria after reopening, with the State expected to regain ground at speed in 2022.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“As the state reopens we‘re expecting job opportunities to continue to grow, bringing the security and certainty Victorians deserve.”
“We’ve halved regional unemployment since coming into office, turning the Liberals and Nationals’ record of job losses on its head and creating work for thousands of people.”
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“Regional Victoria has proved resilient during an incredibly tough time for all Victorians. We are on the path to a new normal and regional Victoria’s unemployment rates are a positive step in that direction.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is reviewing its Nature Strip Landscaping Policy and seeking your feedback.

The policy outlines what can be done to enhance nature strips in the shire. It includes guidelines for residents keen to explore alternate options to traditional grassed nature strips.
Council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden said the policy and guidelines were developed in consultation with the community in 2019.
“Two years down the track we’re keen to find out what’s working, and identify any areas for improvement.
“It’s important that we strike the right balance between adding to the appearance of streetscapes throughout the shire, and ensuring that any designs or treatments are safe for pedestrians and don’t damage our drainage network and essential services such as gas and water infrastructure,” he said.
To have your say, fill out a quick survey at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or send a written submission to PO Box 151 Kyneton 3444 or email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 7 December 2021.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council encourages residents impacted by the June storm to apply for newly available federal disaster recovery payments.

Macedon Ranges Shire has been added to the list of Local Government Areas impacted by the 9 June storm who can access Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
Residents who suffered injury or major damage to their property can apply for the one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
Council’s CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, welcomed the additional funding and encouraged residents to enquire about their eligibility.
“The storm on 9 June had a significant impact on people and properties across the shire. Four months on from the storm, the community is still in the process of cleaning up and rebuilding.
“There was severe and widespread damage across the shire and Australian Government assistance for residents is warmly welcomed,” he said.
AGDRP provides one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by the storms and floods.
AGDRP is available for people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, whose major assets have been directly damaged or are the immediate family members of a person who has died as a direct result of the storms and floods.
Residents have until 31 May 2022 to apply at www.disasterassist.gov.au or by phoning 180 22 66.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is commencing the annual electric line tree pruning and maintenance program in Kyneton and Gisborne.

Council is responsible for these works in the townships of Kyneton and Gisborne, with Powercor and Jemena power companies responsible for these works throughout the rest of the shire.
This program ensures that all street trees in the shire are not at risk of coming into contact with powerlines.
The program inspects street trees and power lines and undertakes works to ensure public safety and prevent electricity supply interruptions caused by overhanging vegetation near powerlines. The program is also an important part of the Council’s fire prevention works.
All electric line vegetation maintenance work will comply with the Electricity Safety Act (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020. The regulations stipulate minimum safe clearances between trees and powerlines.
Council anticipates that the works will be complete by the end of January.
For more information, or to report overhanging trees near powerlines, contact Council on 5422 0333.

Residents in Hepburn Shire Council can dispose of green waste for free at transfer stations in Daylesford, Creswick and Trentham throughout November. When you drop off your green waste, one of the friendly faces you may see is attendant Clem Nemeth.

Two years ago, Clem Nemeth decided to move out of a warehouse into the open air. Lured by an advertisement to work as a Transfer Station Attendant with Council, Clem relishes her new life outdoors in some of the most stunning scenery that Victoria has to offer.

Based mostly at Daylesford, Clem works in, “This amazing environment” and was on hand to assist Council’s Storm Recovery Team when they implemented their early firewood distribution trials.

From a role that mostly involved manual handling of warehouse goods, she now has a loader and a forklift licence and claims the loader to be her favourite.

“Training took four days. I was very nervous, but I picked it up quickly. I already had a Medium Rigid licence, so it wasn’t such a big stretch,” said Clem.

“We use the loader to push down the waste in the bins and to push up the green waste. It’s very slow, but powerful and you can get a lot done quickly as it’s so efficient.”

Clem enjoys the customer service aspect of her job and interacting with people.

At her home in Ballarat, Clem missed the severity of the storm event in June 2021 but the impact of the storm was not lost on her when she returned to work that week. As she approached Daylesford from Ballarat, the roads were closed and there were many barricades.

“It was basically Enter at your own risk. I was surprised at the amount of damage that was done to the forest and it was quickly obvious why I was told to drive carefully, even though the roads were all cleared,” said Clem.

“I got to work at the Trentham Transfer Station and there were great holes in the view of the forest over the road. It was amazing, looking out the front gate at how the forest had changed with the huge trees that fell down,” she said.

One aspect of life that Clem has noticed is the rhythm of community life over the last year.

“Usually, people spring clean in spring. During the pandemic, everybody has done it throughout the year. We got really busy at the start of COVID lockdowns as people were cleaning up their houses and properties, but now it has died down. There’s been no spring rush like we’d normally expect,” she said.

The team have been busy in other ways now with vast amounts of green waste because of the storm.

To make the most of the free green waste disposal during November don’t forget to take along proof of residency in Hepburn Shire. For transfer operating hours visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations. Council will also open more timeslots for residents to collect up to two cubic metres of firewood for free. For more information visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/firewood.

The State Government’s huge redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE has been unveiled, giving local jobseekers in the growing regional city more opportunities to get the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

buildings, refurbished heritage buildings and the relocation of the Bendigo Technical Education Campus to the CBD.
The new precinct celebrates the site’s 165-year training legacy and paves the way for the next generation of workers to get the skills they need for jobs – both locally and across Victoria.
The new campus includes a new Learning Hub, a one-stop-shop for student training and job support, an Indigenous Education Centre and modern flexible teaching spaces where students can connect with industry and community.
The works have also opened the campus to the public, with better access to the TAFE restaurant and hair and beauty salon, giving students hands-on experience to hone their skills in their chosen fields.
The campus will open to students from 2022 in courses including health and community services, Indigenous support studies, business, hospitality and tourism, education, hair and beauty, creative industries and IT.
The redevelopment was designed by Architectus with Six Degrees Architects – led by a Bendigo TAFE graduate.
Construction was undertaken by Kane Nicholson Joint Venture and created 800 local jobs, including many local TAFE graduates as well as 13 apprentices from Bendigo TAFE who helped build their campus while studying.
The City Campus Revitalisation Project was funded through the Labor Government’s TAFE Facilities Modernisation Program as part of its record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education – to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“The redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE is a gamechanger for local students, giving them better access to our world-class TAFE system close to home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“The bigger, better Bendigo TAFE was proudly built by TAFE students and graduates – and will be a place for the next generation of workers to get the skills they need for in-demand jobs in Bendigo and across the state.”
Quote attributable to Bendigo TAFE CEO Sally Curtain
“The improved educational precinct continues to embrace its strong heritage in Bendigo city, while providing state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose facilities to train the workforce of tomorrow.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“It was so exciting watching Bendigo TAFE come to life and creating hundreds of jobs in construction – now the new campus is finally here, it will build thousands more careers for people from Bendigo and beyond.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“It’s fantastic to see this new campus open – I hope all Bendigo locals can head down and support our TAFE with a haircut, a beauty treatment or a great meal in the public facilities.”

The State Government is backing new technology on Victorian farms to improve the resilience, sustainability and efficiency of dairy businesses.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Mark and Kate Walpole’s dairy farm at Yielima today to commend the Northern Victorian dairy farmers for their innovation on farm, while facing the challenges of water security, commodity price fluctuation and climate change.
The Walpoles are working to modernise their property to adapt to climate change and other seasonal challenges by installing dairy freestalls with self-composting bedding and improved cow comfort.
The Dairy Transition project is a collaboration between the Labor Government and Dairy Australia which is supporting dairy farmers like Mark and Kate to adopt new practices and technologies.
This program has been backed by a $556,000 investment from the Victorian Government and provides practical support to farmers to help them make decisions that will make their businesses more sustainable.
Agriculture Victoria specialists have provided advice and support to dairy farmers to allow them to move away from traditional grazing systems to boost farm profitability and better support animal welfare and the environment.
Through the Dairy Transition project, some Victorian dairy farmers have implemented robotic milkers replacing their ageing milking facilities. At Macorna, north-west of Echuca, a dairy business has put into use an eight unit robotic dairy and compost barn which is capable of housing and milking nearly 500 cows.
Other projects include modernising dairy housing systems which reuse water, recycle manure for bedding and can be adapted to capture methane for energy.
To help farmers navigate the complexities associated with transitioning to new production systems or adopting new technologies, Agriculture Victoria has partnered with industry to develop the National Dairy Feedpad and Contained Housing Guidelines.
While the industry has been challenged by dry seasonal conditions and financial stress in recent years it is bouncing back, particularly in the state’s north where there has been a significant improvement in farm profits and a significant uptake of new and emerging farm technologies.
In 2020-21 the Government supported 80 dairy farm modernisation developments worth $577 million which significantly increased milk production and created new jobs.
For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Dairy Transition project is helping Victorian farmers navigate their way through this rapid period of change and modernisation to ensure the sector continues to move ahead with resilience and confidence.”
“I encourage all dairy farmers to take part in this project, by thinking of new ways they can transition into modern technologies, and innovative methods to adapt to the challenges of climate change.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said:
“Dairy farmers are embracing new technology and practices at an unprecedented rate which is why the Dairy Transition project is so timely and important.”

The pandemic has taught people more about biosecurity with measures such as movement restrictions, contact tracing, and proof of vaccination to reduce the transmission of the virus.

Agriculture Victoria Grains Biosecurity Officer Jim Moran said these same measures also apply to good farm biosecurity at harvest time. The movement of grain harvest contractors between farming regions can spread diseases, pests and weeds through soil and plant matter found on clothing, vehicles, machinery and grain handling equipment. “While you’re confirming your contractors’ vaccination status this harvest, why not ask a few more questions relating to their understanding of farm biosecurity while working at your property?” Mr Moran said. “This will ensure productivity on your property and minimise the risk of any pest, weed or disease entering and establishing itself on your property. “Harvest contractors provide valuable services and are very professional in the way they go about their business. “But farmers must be aware of the biosecurity risks that moving from farm to farm can pose and mitigate those risks with some assertive investigation and action.” Six questions for your harvest contractors There are six questions you should ask a contractor before they drive onto your paddocks. Their answers allow you to evaluate the level of risk posed to you and your property and thereby ensures best practice biosecurity management practices. Where did you last work? • It’s important to know where the contractor last worked so you can investigate if any pest, disease or weed issues present in that area pose a risk to your property • Any paperwork that can be provided to document movements and clean-down times is valuable evidence in assisting with preventing the spread of pests to your property.

Scientists are unearthing new knowledge about lentils in research that aims to discover root traits that will help breeders develop drought-tolerant varieties to increase production of the pulse.

The research is the first of its kind in Australian lentil varieties, as root research; particularly in pulses, is still in its infancy.
Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Shiwangni Rao said knowledge of the whole plant is integral to understanding plant growth.
“I think of it as going to war with a spear, but no shield. If you are trying to increase pulse production and you are only looking at above the ground and not below, you are only addressing half the question,” Dr Rao said.
Most of Australia’s lentils are produced in Victoria and South Australia and export opportunities were boosted recently after India cut tariffs on Australian lentils from 30 to 10 per cent.
This research involved planting 36 lentil varieties in PVC tubes in the glasshouse at the Agriculture Victoria Research Horsham SmartFarm.
At maturity, the roots were washed, scanned, and measured for a range of traits such as root length, surface area and average diameter. The second part of the experiment involved planting a range of lentil and field pea varieties under rain-fed conditions in the field, and a hydraulic corer was used to collect root samples for analysis.
“Using the corer – a machine that digs out cylinder-shaped samples, we collected 2,600 cores from 408 plots over the growing season.”
“Rhizotron is like a colonoscopy for soil, and we can use it to visualise the plant roots. We stick a clear tube in the soil at the start of the season, and as the plant grows around the tube, we can pop a scanner inside and obtain images of the roots at any time,” she said.
This research is ongoing; however, the team have so far identified five different root architecture forms associated with different varieties.
“The range of root shapes is greater than we expected, and they differ considerably in terms of distribution, depth and diameter,” Dr Rao said.
One interesting correlation the research team aims to reveal is the use of above ground traits such as canopy temperature to predict root traits.
“It is hypothesised that varieties with cooler canopies have deeper roots, but last

Victorian fans attending major sports and entertainment events will be further protected from scalpers under new legislation that outlaws the back-room bundling of tickets with other items to circumvent existing laws.

The Major Events Legislation Amendment (Unauthorised Ticket Packages and Other Matters) Bill 2021 to be introduced to parliament today will make it an offence to advertise or sell a ticket package to a declared event without the written authorisation of the event organiser.
Victoria’s anti-scalping laws make it illegal to advertise for sale or sell a ticket to a declared event for more than 10 per cent above the face value of the ticket.
The new measure will guard against unscrupulous individuals and companies buying tickets and then obscuring inflated resale prices for the seats in packages involving hospitality, experiences or merchandise.
Amendments to the Major Events Act 2009 will also require resellers of all tickets to declared major events to state the face value, the asking price and the seat details of tickets in advertisements. This will ensure greater transparency for buyers on the secondary market and support authorised ticket officers in enforcing the laws.
The new bundling law will require event organisers to publish a register of authorised sellers of ticket packages for each declared major event on the event website. The authorised package resellers’ trading name, its ABN or ACN number and a link to the website of the company must be included.
Companies will be required to state they are authorised sellers of ticket packages in any advertisement for packages to declared events. It will be an offence to falsely claim to be an authorised seller of ticket packages.
The Andrews Labor Government regularly reviews laws to ensure they are serving their intended purpose – in 2018 the Government expanded the reach of anti-scalping laws to take in major cultural events in addition to major sporting events.
Events declared under anti-scalping laws include the Boxing Day Test, the Australian Open, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Since June 2018, 4,500 listings involving 20,510 tickets have been removed from reselling websites after intervention by authorised officers. More than 60 infringement notices have been issued, including eight related to this year’s Australian Open and Anzac Day blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon.
The Major Events Act 2009 provides for penalties ranging from $908 to $109,044 for individuals, and up to $545,220 for companies. Victorians who suspect a scalping offence has taken place can make a report at djpr.vic.gov.au/ticket-scalping/report-an-offence, which will trigger an investigation by an authorised officer.
Martin Pakula said: “Victorians love turning out to big events and it’s important fans can have confidence they are not being ripped off when they pay for their tickets.”
“These changes will provide more safeguards and greater transparency for the passionate and dedicated Victorians who are the backbone of events in this state.”

Ballarat dementia advocate Anne Tudor OAM has received the 2021 Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the
Year for her tireless work campaigning for dementia awareness and inclusive aged care services for the LGBTIQ+
community.

After Anne’s wife Edie Mayhew was diagnosed with dementia at age 59, Anne and Edie committed to sharing their story of dementia and accessing aged care services as an LGBTIQ+ couple.
Anne also initiated Australia’s first dementia-friendly bushwalk at Ballarat’s Woowookarung Regional Park, which
opened earlier this year.
Edie sadly passed away from complications of younger onset dementia in 2020. Anne continues to raise awareness
and educate the community about younger onset dementia.
For more than 25 years, the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have recognised the volunteer work and
community contributions of older Victorians. This year’s awardees highlight the resilience, compassion and
commitment of senior Victorians, particularly during the pandemic.
Local leader John Thuy from Ashburton received the 2021 Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for his volunteer
work to strengthen social connections and increase belonging among Vietnamese seniors, including through weekly
online singing get-togethers during the pandemic.
First Nations Elders are also honoured with Warrnambool local and proud Gunditjmara man Uncle Locky Eccles
receiving the Healthy and Active Living Award for his intergenerational leadership, sharing language, culture and
his passion for sport with the community.
Aunty Frances Gallagher receives the Ageing Well Award for her highly respected work supporting and mentoring
young people and advocating and caring for fellow Elders, particularly those who are isolated or dealing with health
issues.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are presented annually as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. Award
recipients will be celebrated in person with a ceremony at Government House in early 2022.
For more information about the 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year awards and a list of winners, visit
seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino said: “Despite the challenges of 2021, senior Victorians continue to step up and give back to their community – and the
awards give us the chance to say thanks for all that they do.
“Anne and Edie’s advocacy has helped raise awareness about the need for dementia-friendly communities and
inclusive care, and is inspiring other communities to consider how they can best support seniors.”
“Congratulations to all 2021 Victorian Senior Award recipients and nominees.”