The state government says it’s ensuring more world-class performances and creative events will be presented across regional Victoria, with applications now open for the latest round of the Touring Victoria program.

In recent days the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas invited applications for the program, which
provides grants of between $10,000 and $150,000 for artists and creative organisations to take their productions, performances and exhibitions to regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.

As well as providing Victorians with access to diverse arts and cultural experiences at their doorstep, the program backs Victorian artists and creative companies to build their profile and audience base across the state while providing an economic boost to the placesthey tour.

Last year, Touring Victoria grants supported six companies to tour more than 20 destinations throughout the state.

The 2024 round of the Touring Victoria program will support artists and shows to hit the road from 1 December 2024. Applications are now open and close on 1 August 2024.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Through Touring Victoria we are making sure that the best live theatre, music and cultural events can hit the road, and entertain and inspire locals here in Macedon- and across the state.”

“I encourage local artists and creative companies to apply for grants to take their work to communities across the state and look forward to more great creative events and experiences touring locally in the years ahead.

The work of RoadSafe Central Highlands is about to be bolstered with the local road safety body among those set to enjoy a funding boost the Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas says.

It, along with more than 90 Victorian schools, councils and not-for-profit organisations across the state is receiving a funding boost to deliver programs that reduce road trauma and save lives.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said 251 initiatives funded as part of the $1.5
million Community Road Safety Grants Program will deliver targeted education programs and
provide local solutions to local road safety concerns.

This program aims to help all road users, including drivers, motorcyclists and bike rider and our
most vulnerable road users in the Hepburn Shire.

This year’s grants program supports the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to
halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.

The government has invested $6.4 million in the Community Road Safety Grants Program across
Victoria in the past five years to help local government, schools and not-for-profit organisations
develop and deliver road safety initiatives. For more information on the programs, please visit the
VicRoads website.

Mary-Anne Thomas MP: “Locals know the road safety issues facing their communities every day – these grants empower them to deliver vital road safety education and really make a difference.”

A key funding recipient is RoadSafe Central Highlands Inc who will roll out the following Programs:

• Bike Ed Instructor Training
• Looking After Our Mates
• Safer Drivers and Passengers Innovation (Road Safety Behaviours)
• Safer Drivers and Passengers Innovation (Distraction Fatigue and Older Drivers)