Australia’s first ever Paramedic Practitioners are one step closer to heading out on the road in 2026, with the second cohort of paramedics beginning their studies at Monash University last week.

Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday visited the university’s state of the art simulation facilities to meet some of the students who will soon be able to deliver regional Victorians care once they complete the Paramedic Practitioner master’s degree.

The new specialised role will give graduates an expanded role – allowing them to independently deliver urgent care while also reducing pressure on Victoria’s busy ambulance services and emergency departments.

Under the expanded role, Paramedic Practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose and treat many conditions locally without the need to transfer patients to hospital.

The biggest change will see Paramedic Practitioners able to handle and administer scheduled medicines, so they can prescribe and supply medicines on the spot to Victorians.

Developed alongside Ambulance Victoria, Safer Care Victoria, paramedics, clinicians, and unions, the first 25 students will be deployed to regional and rural Victoria next year – fulfilling a 2022 election commitment.

Once graduated, they’ll be able to treat conditions that commonly see people visit a hospital – including urinary catheter care, wound care and closure, minor infections, dislocations and fractures.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested $20 million to establish the role of Paramedic Practitioner, including delivering the new degree at no cost to eligible paramedics who have more than five years’ experience.

Since 2014, the state government has invested more than $2 billion into ambulance services – recruiting more than 2,200 additional paramedics, delivering 41 new or upgraded ambulance stations and establishing a new Centre for Paramedicine in partnership with Victoria University.

The state is also supporting the training of 40 additional Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics with AV welcoming their largest cohort of MICA trainees in history.

The latest quarterly performance data reveals Victoria’s hardworking paramedics continue to face record demand, responding to nearly 100,000 Code 1 cases this quarter – an increase of 3,000 from last year. 

Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas: “We will always back our hardworking paramedics – because we know that boosting workforce numbers, delivering modern ambulance branches and rolling out advanced training will mean better, faster care for all Victorians.”

“We listened to our paramedic workforce who told us Australia’s first Paramedic Practitioners will make a huge difference to regional Victoria – delivering urgent care and reducing demand on our regional hospitals.”

Ambulance Victoria (AV) has officially opened the doors of its new Avoca Ambulance Branch, providing local crews with state-of-the-art facilities.

AV Grampians Regional Director Steve Doyle in recent days joined Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas MP and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP to open the new multi-million-dollar facility (pictured above) on Rowe Street, Avoca.

The new ambulance branch includes a three-bay ambulance garage, two rest and recline areas, relievers’ quarters, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, and improved security and car parking.

It is home to a team of seven paramedics supported by two Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) and has been operational since 23 October 2024.

“The opening of the new branch is a great milestone for the Avoca community,” Mr Doyle said.

“The new facilities are already making a real difference to the ambulance crews who service remote communities throughout the Pyrenees Local Government Area (LGA) and beyond.

“It has been custom-built with the modern and safe facilities and support paramedics and first responders need to do their job, responding to life-threatening emergencies and saving lives.

“The location of the new branch on Rowe Street will ensure easy access to major highways and town services such as shops, education, aged care facilities and the recreation reserve.”

Paramedics relocated from their previous premises on 13 Liebig Street. AV will continue to use the previous branch to support paramedic accommodation.

Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas: “We’re making sure the dedicated local paramedics in Avoca have a modern, safe station to support them in doing what they do best – saving lives and caring for their community.”

Mr Doyle said the bigger facility can better accommodate the crews and training and operational requirements.

“It gives them the space they need since the Avoca ambulance service was upgraded to dual paramedic crews,” Mr Doyle said.

“Avoca also remains supported by a dedicated team of local ACOs who continue to be a valued and critical part of our emergency response in rural and regional Victoria.”

Avoca is a keystone location within the Pyrenees LGA, providing care to communities such as Elmhurst, Amphitheatre, Dunolly, Lexton, Learmonth and Maryborough. The team at Avoca attend more than 61 emergency call outs a month.

The branch was funded by the Victorian Government’s Ambulance Victoria Development Program and delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with AV, and builder, Bowden Corporation.

In 2023-24, eleven stations were completed: Inglewood, Gisborne, Rochester, Clyde North, Avoca, Paynesville, Oak Park, Yuroke, Langwarrin, Epping and Morwell.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “This new state-of-the-art ambulance station will make sure our paramedics are well rested and taken care of, so they can continue delivering world-class, lifesaving care when and where the Avoca community needs it.”

This story based on an Ambulance Victoria report. Image: Supplied, AV

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas last week met with nurses and midwives to announce amendments to the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Act to put more nurses and midwives on shift – at all hours of the day.

The legislation, introduced last Tuesday, will see more nurses in the state’s busiest metropolitan and regional intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments (EDs), high dependency and coronary care units, and more midwives in maternity wards. 

The new ratios are the result of extensive consultation with nurses and midwives, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and health services, and will set in stone:

The ‘gold standard’ 1:1 nurse to occupied bed ratio in ICUs on all shifts for all Level 1 and 2 hospitals – meaning that every occupied ICU bed has a dedicated nurse assigned to it at all times. ICUs will also require a team leader and liaison nurse for the very first time.

Improved staffing ratios in resuscitation cubicles in EDs on morning shifts – bringing morning shifts in line with afternoon and night shifts.

Patient ratios of 1:4 midwife to patient in postnatal and antenatal wards on night shifts – down from 1:6.

An in-charge nurse on night shifts in stand-alone High Dependency Units and Coronary Care Units.

The changes are aimed at improving care across the state’s health services, with ICUs benefitting from additional specialist nurses who can expertly manage critically ill patients with multiple and complex needs. 

Patients in EDs will also benefit from a dedicated nurse in each resuscitation bay on every shift – recognising that EDs always have critically unwell patients that need care.

The changes will also increase the number of midwives working night shift – delivering the best and highest level of care to families around the clock. 

Premier Jacinta Allan: “Anyone who’s experienced the incredible care of our nurses and midwives knows just how special their work really is. These reforms will mean an extra pair of hands, and an extra set of eyes, for some of our most precious patients.”

An in-charge nurse on night duty in high dependency and coronary care units will also help to ensure oversight of these critical areas on all shifts. 

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “We’re strengthening ratios – because it means better care for Victorians and more support for our hard-working nurses and midwives.” 

The improved ratios have been backed by a $101.3 million investment to support health services with hiring or rostering additional nurses and midwifes.

This story based on a state government media release

Marking World Cancer Day, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas last Tuesday announced six post-doctoral fellowships would be awarded in partnership with the Cancer Council Victoria. 

The $2.7 million fellowship funding will go to support early-career researchers who have not yet received significant research funding to investigate the causes, prevention, detection, and supportive care or treatment of cancer.

In alignment with this year’s theme, United by Unique, this year’s recipients are focusing on a diverse range of research areas – highlighting that every experience of cancer is unique. 

The recipients of the early-careers funding include:

• Using physical therapy to improve frailty outcomes for children with leukaemia – Dr S Grimshaw, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Preserving female fertility and long-term endocrine function following cancer treatment by inhibiting PUMA – Dr L Alesi, Monash University
• Investigating how parity can protect against triple negative breast cancer – Dr B Virassamy, University of Melbourne
• Blocking key protein interactions to treat mesothelioma – Dr J Troung, RMIT
• Taking the MYC out of colon cancer – Dr L Jenkins, Latrobe University
• Dissecting the role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in gastric cancer – Dr R O’Keefe, La Trobe University

The investment is also supporting Cancer Council Victoria’s Grants-in-Aid program to support the best and brightest to achieve breakthroughs in cancer research – by discovering and improving prevention, detection, treatment, and care for Victorians affected by cancer. 

Supporting cancer research forms a critical component of the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028 launched in September last year – with the new plan focused on improving cancer survival rates and achieving equitable health outcomes for all people living with the disease.

The state has invested more than $400 million to achieve a cancer-free future – by improving diagnoses and survival rates, including $100 million for advanced cancer treatments, $50 million to build the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, and $35 million for the Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “Victoria has some of the best cancer survival outcomes globally, but there’s more to do – that’s why we’re backing our world-leading researchers, whose dedication could see the next big breakthrough in treatment and care.”

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson: “We want a future that is cancer-free, and research is critical – from helping to improve early detection, clinical trials, or innovative, lifesaving new treatments.”

Victoria’s health miniser Mary-Anne Thomas has this month announced 400 grants, worth up to $40,000, have now been awarded to medical graduates who take up a career in general practice.

A further 400 grants are available in 2025 for those commencing a GP training program in Victoria.

Doctors who commenced their training this year and who had applied, enrolled and were accepted on or after 27 November 2022 are also eligible.

The $32 million program aims to address some of the disincentives that stop young doctors from pursuing a career in general practice, such as the higher remuneration typically on offer in other medical specialties.

Ms Thomas, in a media release, says the grants are already making a difference to primary care in Victoria, with a survey of applicants showing:

• 59 per cent of recipients are now doing their placement in regional Victoria
• 13 per cent said they moved to Victoria from overseas or interstate because of the program
• 64 per cent said it had some influence on their decision to enrol in GP training in Victoria
• 44 per cent said they would have pursued a different career path in medicine if they program did not exist.

Graduates can apply for a grant directly through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) once they have been successfully accepted and enrolled into one of the relevant GP training programs.

Applicants are assessed against an eligibility framework and preference is given to applicants who are Australian medical graduates and doctors training in rural locations and areas of workforce need.

It comes as 2023/2024 marked Victoria’s biggest ever yearly workforce growth, with a massive 6.7 per cent jump in new roles, that saw 7,664 nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and other frontline positions filled.

Minister for Health and MP for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “So many Victorians have built trusted relationships with their GP over a number of years, but we know for many others, it is a lengthy wait or too expensive – that’s why we have stepped in to make primary care more accessible.”

“Supporting more graduates to pursue a career in general practice and improving access to primary care will help to ease pressure on our busy emergency departments and prevent delayed care.”

More information about the grant program is available at health.vic.gov.au/general-practitioners-grant-program .

The state government’s Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.

The state’s minister for community sport, Ros Spence recently announced the statewide adoption of the policy.

All of Victoria’s 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities including the shires of Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Mount Alexander and Moorabool in Macedon.  

Since being launched in August 2022, the Roadmap is helping councils and their local sporting clubs to create equal access and opportunities for women and girls so all Victorians  can take part in the sports they love.  

As part of the Roadmap, councils must have policies in place to be eligible for community sport program funding.

The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to  achieve long-term change resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.  

Examples include how women and girls will be considered when it comes to allocating community sport facilities, like ovals, changerooms and courts.  

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence:  “Victoria is proud to lead the nation in creating a level playing field for women and girls, so  they have the same access and opportunities as men when it comes playing the sports they  love.”  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “This policy will make a big difference for the women and girls of Macedon, ensuring they  get access to the sport facilities and opportunities they deserve.”

Developed in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, the Roadmap supports councils with obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

Those interested can learn more about  the Fair Access Policy Roadmap at changeourgame.vic.gov.au/initiatives/fair-access-policy roadmap.  

This story based on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas

The state government says it is boosting funding for Victoria’s wildlife rescue volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos recently opened applications for the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants with up to $3,000 in funding available as part of a $300,000 investment to support wildlife rescue volunteers provide native animals in need of rehabilitation.

Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for funding to cover a range of expenses, including equipment, vet fees, training, feed and medication. Wildlife shelter operators can up apply for up to $3,000. Foster carers can apply for up $2,000.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “These grants will help our dedicated volunteers who feed, house and care for our precious wildlife when they need it most.”

Applications opened on Wednesday 27 November 2024 and close on Wednesday 5 February 2025.

For more information visit on Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants and to submit an application
visit, wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants/

The state government says it’s supprting more regional businesses to attract the workers they need, with another round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund now open. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP in recent days has welcomed the opening of applications for the program’s second round. 

The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund supports shovel-ready projects, with co-investment from private businesses, industries, regional councils, or local community groups to deliver the worker housing that local industries and workforces need to support communities in regional Victoria to thrive for years to come. 

Eligible local housing projects will be fit-for-purpose to meet the skills needs of key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and tourism – from self-contained units, worker villages, family dwellings, shared accommodation, and studios – and unique to the needs of the local community. 

Regional Victorian cities and towns that have robust, shovel-ready ideas in partnership with local business and industry are strongly encouraged to apply in this second round. 

The opening of applications for round two comes on the back of last month’s announcement of funding for more than 20 successful projects that unlock nearly $250 million in combined private and public investment through the program’s first round, boosting affordable housing options for workers and their families. 

Applications opened from Monday, 18 November and will remain open to Friday, 31 January.

For more information about the fund, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf. 

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney: “We’re working closely with private sector businesses, industry and community groups to build the homes and accommodation our towns need – supporting Victoria’s regions to have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper.” 

“The second round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is one of the ways we’re creating more housing where it’s needed most.” 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “This program will help our communities in Macedon secure much-needed housing for local workers, supporting regional businesses to grow and thrive.” 

Victoria’s state government says it is empowering thousands of young Victorians to protect and care for the state’s natural environment and wildlife into the future. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week celebrated the achievements of four local schools recognised as part of the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program.

 • St. Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford will receive $4,999 for their Biodiversity Nature Trail

 • St. Brigid’s Primary School in Gisborne will receive $4000 to improving Gisborne Botanical Gardens’ biodiversity by planting indigenous vegetation and creating habitats.

 • Hesket Primary School will receive $1750 for their Biodiversity Blitz

 • Candlebark School will receive $567 for the Tye Estate BioBlitz 

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program has awarded more than $409,000 to support the important work of 103 childcare centres, kindergartens, schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups. 

Grants of up to $5,000 were awarded for educational activities that engage children conservation and environmental projects that improve and expand habitat for native plants, insects and wildlife. 

Since 2018, $3 million has been invested to support more than 47,000 young people undertake on-ground conservation projects and activities. 

Since then, these initiatives have achieved incredible results – including 99,000 new indigenous plantings and more than 1000 student excursions to wildlife sanctuaries. 

The Victorian Landcare Program forms part of the Labor Government’s continued commitment to combat the decline of the state’s native plants and animals, building on a record $609 million investment in the delivery of Victoria’s landmark 20-year Biodiversity plan since 2014.

Anyone keen to get more information about the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program can visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-junior-landcare-and-biodiversity-grants. 

Some big things are headed to Victoria’s tiniest towns with new support through the state’s Tiny Towns Fund set to make some of the smallest communities even better locales to live, work and discover.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday welcomed the announcement that Round
2 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund was opening for applications from Monday, 26 August.

Grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available through Regional Development Victoria to boost tourism, liveability and community pride in towns with up to 5,000 people.

From new barbecues, bike tracks and walking trails to club and community hall upgrades, the
grants will support towns to bring to life projects that celebrate community spirit and make a
positive difference to locals.

The first round of the Tiny Towns Fund is already supporting more than 200 projects in 181
towns across regional Victoria and interface councils – with $7 million provided to projects
that matter to local communities.

Townships that have not yet received a Tiny Towns grant, or that have worthy project ideas
to boost community resilience, recovery and economic growth, are encouraged to come
forward in this round.

The application process has also been updated to make it even easier for smaller, volunteer-run community groups to apply.

The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in
projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.

For more information those keen to know more can visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or
suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund online.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality.

“I’m looking forward to the tiny towns across the Macedon electorate stepping forward with great ideas for projects that celebrate community connection and ensure they continue to shine brightly as welcoming destinations for visitors.”

Round 1 had thirteen successful applications in the electorate of Macedon:

• Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee received $50,000 for upgrades to the
  Lyonville Hall to improve accessibility and increase use
• Hepburn Shire Council received $44,970 for the installation of outdoor fitness
  equipment at the Trentham sports ground
• Hepburn Shire Council received $37,500 for the installation of an accessible
  equestrian mounting ramp, landing area and path at the Glenlyon Recreation
  Reserve
• Hepburn Shire Council received $50,000 for the development of a master plan for
  the Victoria Park Reserve in Daylesford
• Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Committee of Management received $16,000 for
  an upgrade of the BMX track at the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve.
• Kyneton District Business and Tourism Association received $10,000 for the
  development of a Town Centre Activation Plan for Malmsbury
• Macedon Ranges Halls Inc received $42,000 for the Lauriston Community Hall
  upgrades including landscaping, seating, car parking and play area
• Mount Alexander Shire Council received $50,000 for new playground equipment,
  BBQ, picnic table, and landscaping at the Fryerstown Public Park
• Malmsbury Fire Brigade received $29,104 for the installation of a community and
  visitor information screen at Malmsbury
• Macedon Community House received $38,840 for a community capacity building
  project for local horticulture and permaculture education
• Newham Mechanics Institute received $8,170 for flooring upgrades at the Mechanics
  Institute in Newham
• Tourism Macedon Ranges received $10,000 for the development of a Town Centre
  Activation Plan for Riddells Creek
• Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve Committee of Management received
  $50,000 for new interpretive facilities at the Mt Macedon Memorial Cross
  
  

Daylesford hospital’s new operating theater has officially opened and has already started being used to provide locals with much-needed procedures, with the hospital also putting on new staff.

The new theatre, funded with a $6.14 million grant through the state’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, has started being used gradually from last month with 21 patients from across the local region undergoing scope procedures there.

Last Tuesday it was officially opened with a visit from the state’s Minister for Health Infrastructure, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and delighted staff, board members and management from the local hospital and wider Central Highlands Rural Health Service of which it is part.

Central Highlands Rural Health acting CEO Phil Catterson says that initially the long-anticipated new theatre will be used to provide scope procedures, such as endoscopy and laparoscopy.

He says it will also be used to  deliver eye procedures, a strategic niche area for the local health service to pursue.

Mr Catterson says the range of procedures able to be provided at the new theatre is ultimately planned to increase.

Director of Nursing Meagan Harding says that currently the new theatre is providing an average of seven procedures a week, on Fridays, with this number also expected to increase into the future.

A total eight new permanent staff and 12 additional casual roles have been created at the health service as well, with expectations that more staffing hours will become available into the future.

The new theatre represents the first major upgrade to the hospital’s operating theatre space since the late 1980s and is being very much welcomed by staff and management – as well as locals keen to have procedures done closer to home.

“It has taken over 12 months to build,” Mr Catterson said.

“SJ Weir did the work and they’ve been wonderful.”

He said work to secure the state funding some 16 months ago, had began about two years prior with the community raising $100,000 for a master plan.

“It’s great for the community. Safer, and we’ve also got new equipment and new staff,” Mr Catterson said.

The works have also included upgrades to the patient waiting area, recovery and admission areas, as well as the sterile stock storage area and the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) processing area – replacing ageing patient monitoring and CSSD medical equipment.

The upgrade is now supporting the hospital’s dedicated doctors and nurses to deliver more surgery and get more locals off waiting lists and into surgery and treatment, sooner – and closer to home.

Words: Eve Lamb

Thousands of families have managed to slash an annual $279 million  off their energy bills with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, and help from the state’s Solar Homes program.    

As of this month, Solar Homes has delivered 2 gigawatts of power across Victoria – close  to double the amount generated by Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.    

The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state,  with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.    

The program has seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  through rebates and interest-free loans.    

The electorate of Macedon represents over 4480 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  since the program began in 2018.    

The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7,873 approved applications last month – including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.    

Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.    

Customers who maximise their solar can save around $1,000 each year on their energy bill. Combined with hot water, heat pump savings can be up to $1,400 a year or at least $1,600 with a battery.    

Victorians are taking control of their energy bills with solar now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes – a significant increased from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.

Since then, the program has also supported 5,500 jobs and delivered  free training for plumbers and electricians to upskill, says Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Macedon is leading the charge to take up solar energy, cutting emissions while saving    households thousands”    

The state government is backing a new initiative that will see local councils, universities, sporting clubs and community organisations join forces to help stop young people vaping.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas late last week announced a $2 million investment to deliver workshops, community events, and develop a peer-to-peer digital platform for young people aged 14 to 25 – to educate young people about the harms of vaping.

The two-year project will be delivered by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) in partnership with UNCLOUD, a digital platform which provides peer-reviewed and scientifically backed information about vaping and allows young people to share their stories with each other. 

More than 30 local councils, including Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Moorabool and Mount Alexander Shires, five sporting teams, and five universities will join the project by sharing the UNCLOUD platform at community events and activations. 

Sporting bodies and teams including Swimming Victoria, Athletics Victoria, Melbourne Vipers, Deakin Melbourne Boomers and Hockey Club Melbourne, will share and promote the UNCLOUD platform at sporting carnivals, youth holiday programs, events, and across social media platforms. 

As part of the project, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will upskill coaches at sporting clubs across Victoria with anti-vaping education. 

Tertiary institutions including the University of Melbourne, Federation University, Monash University, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, will use the funding to establish student advocates, while others will others will offer education and training on- site to health staff. 

VicHealth, Quit Victoria and the Department of Health will provide guidance and support to these organisations. The Victorian Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories on the implementation of the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024.

Banning retail sales and making vapes available only through pharmacies is expected to ultimately keep vapes out of children’s hands. 

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas: “We know the impacts vaping has on our health and this initiative will allow young people to learn about the risks – empowering them to make health-led decisions.” 

“We’re working with sporting clubs, universities, and all of our local councils across Macedon to share anti-vaping messaging to the community.” 

Executive Manager, Health Promotion Systems at VicHealth Michelle Murray: “This initiative is about giving young people the tools to warn each other about vaping through real, authentic stories – because we know the best way to reach young people is through other young people.” 

Consultation has opened for the state government’s new creative industries strategy with residents in the Macedon electorate encouraged to share their ideas to help shape the future of the state’s creative sector.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging the local community to  contribute to the consultation process which is now open to all Victorians – whether you are a professional artist, a bookworm, a filmmaker, a music fan or would like to see more  creativity in your area.

Macedon residents can complete an online survey about what creativity means to them and  how Government should prioritise investments and initiatives for the next three years,   setting the stage for longer-term success.   

A discussion paper summarising current issues and opportunities for the sector – from the   rapid expansion of AI to cost of living pressures – is also available and community members are invited to make a written submission to share ideas, solutions and feedback to feed into the strategy.

Spanning music, visual art, film, theatre, dance, literature, design, digital games, comedy,  fashion, circus and much more, the creative industries are a big part of life in Victoria.

More   than 97% of Victorians engage with creative activities whether that’s listening to music, reading books or attending performances, exhibitions or festivals.   

The creative industries contribute $40.3 billion to the Victorian economy, the equivalent to   7.5% of the total state economy. Almost one in 12 Victorian workers are estimated to be employed in the creative sector, which is 318,244 people and translates to 8.6% of the total Victorian workforce.   

The Creative State Strategy consultation process is open to all community members, based  in all parts of the state, until 26 August. To find out more or submit ideas, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/creative-state-consultation.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:   “Our creative community impacts our everyday lives in so many ways by entertaining us,   enhancing education, promoting social cohesion, improving liveability and wellbeing and   boosting our economy and global reputation.”

“I encourage Macedon locals to share their ideas through this consultation process, ensuring the views of our community are reflected in the strategy and that we can all experience the   benefits of Victoria’s creative and cultural life.”   

The state government says it’s supporting the health and well-being of local communities with grants to build and improve men’s sheds in Victoria. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging applications from Men’s Sheds in Macedon to the 2024-25 Men’s Shed Funding Program grants. 

Grants of up to $100,000 are available to build new men’s sheds – which includes converting a building into a men’s shed – and refurbishing, extending or upgrading existing men’s sheds. 

Men’s sheds are important places for men to connect, socialise, learn new skills and work on projects that give back to their communities. 

They benefit the health and well-being of members through social support, and the ability to work on meaningful projects, talk about issues and seek support from peers in a healthy and inclusive environment. 

Activities for shedders are diverse and range from community projects such as making toys for local childcare groups to assisting with emergency responses and preparedness. 

There are more than 350 men’s sheds across Victoria, with an estimated 20,000 engaged members. The 2024-25 grants are part of ongoing support for men’s sheds through the Men’s Shed Funding Program. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “I encourage our local Men’s Sheds to apply. These grants will help men’s sheds grow and welcome new members, providing a place for people across our community to connect and supporting their well-being.” 

Applications for Men’s Shed Funding Program grants are open until 16 October 2024.

Those keen to apply for a grant or get more information can visit vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program.