COLAC RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO DETOX YOUR HOME

Find out how to Detox Your Home when the Andrews Labor Government’s latest mobile chemical collection next visits Colac on Saturday 15 October 2016. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP encourages locals to take advantage of the service enabling the safe disposal of potentially toxic household chemicals. Research from the Australian Competition and Consumer…

UPGRADE TO DANGEROUS COASTAL INTERSECTION

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $1.5 million to boost safety at two busy intersections along the Great Ocean Road. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced the upgrade which will address a history of run-off-road, rear end and intersection crashes at the intersection of Great Ocean Road, Childers Cove Road and Mathiesons Road…

NEW MEN’S SHED FOR COLAC WOODWORKERS GUILD

The Andrews Labor Government has announced a new Men’s Shed for the Colac Woodcrafters Guild Inc thanks to a $60,000 grant. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the new shed will boost space for community programs and support the physical and mental wellbeing of locals. The new Colac Woodcrafters Guild Shed will involve…

WESTERN VICTORIA TO HAVE ITS SAY ON COMMUNITY ENERGY PROJECTS

Communities in Western Victoria are invited to join the conversation on the future of community renewable energy projects in Victoria. Local residents can join the wider Victorian community, local government and industry to have input on the future of community renewable energy projects in Victoria. The Andrews Labor Government recently launched the Community Renewable Energy…

LIBERALS AND NATIONALS SPLIT ON FRACKING

It has been four weeks since the Andrews Labor Government announced the nation’s first permanent ban on fracking and coal seam gas, yet it is still unclear whether the Liberals and Nationals will support the ban. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP is calling on the Coalition to come clean to Victorians: do they…

COMMUNITY GRANTS TO KEEP VICTORIANS SAFE FROM CRIME

Nearly $100,000 has been awarded to support 10 local crime prevention projects in Western Victoria under the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Community Safety Fund grants. The Community Safety Fund provides up to $10,000 for councils and community groups across Victoria to help reduce local crime and improve community safety. The latest round of…

ANGLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL RECOGNISED FOR HELPING TO BUILD MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Outstanding Victorians who have helped their communities become safer and better prepared for emergencies have been recognised at the 2016 Resilient Australia Awards ceremony in Melbourne today. The national awards recognise local projects that help communities become more resilient before, during and after natural disasters, such as bushfires, heatwaves and storms. Minister for Emergency Services…

Bannockburn P-12 School

On Monday morning I had the pleasure of attending the site of the new Bannockburn P–12 school for the turning of the first sod. I want to thank all those who attended — students, teachers, parents and school councillors — for braving the weather to come out to help turn the sod. Construction is due to be…

Banyul-Warri Fields

On another note, I had the pleasure last Sunday of attending the official opening celebration for the Banyul-Warri Fields recreation zone along with members of the Torquay community, Surf Coast council representatives and other dignitaries. The Andrews government contributed $50 000 towards the project. The recreation zone was developed for people of all ages. It has…

Monica Hayes

Monica Hayes, a friend and constituent in western Victoria, passed away on 26 August. Monica was a community activist extraordinaire, an outstanding exemplar of commitment and advocacy in her communities — in Essendon when she was a councillor and mayor, and on the Bellarine from 2001. Monica was a social reformer and an agent of change, especially…

Doctors in Secondary Schools

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, James Merlino. It is in relation to the Doctors in Secondary Schools program that has been recently announced. As I understand it, this $43.8 million program was definitely an election commitment that was made by us prior to coming to government. The reason that we have undertaken…

SANDYS LANE LEVEL CROSSING UPGRADED

Boom gates and flashing lights have been installed at the Sandys Lane level crossing in Gnotuk, boosting safety for passengers at the intersection. Sandys Lane, now fitted with warning lights, bells and booms, is the second crossing upgraded as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million Safer Country Crossing Program, after work at Phalps…

SOAPY ROCKS TO BENEFIT FROM COASTCARE FUNDING

Local community and environmental group ANGAIR (Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora & Fauna) has had their hard work acknowledged by the Andrews Labor Government in the latest round of Coastcare grants. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said community organisations were encouraged to apply for funding from the $150,000 Coastcare Victoria…

Coleraine and Casterton: Flood Funding Relief

My constituency question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Since late last week the towns of Coleraine and Casterton have been inundated with heavy rain, causing severe flooding. The Glenelg River rose to about 6 metres yesterday morning, with more rain predicted this week. Already we have seen 14 homes across the two towns impacted by…

UPGRADE A STEP CLOSER FOR MACARTHUR PRIMARY SCHOOL

An upgrade to Macarthur Primary School is a step closer with architect firm, Cooper Scaife Achitects appointed to design the $299,000 school upgrade. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the $299,000 for Macarthur Primary School, which was announced in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget in April, would go towards an upgrade to the school’s…

MAKING MATHS FUN FOR WESTERN VICTORIA STUDENTS

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP is urging Western Victoria students and their families to take part in the first Victorian Maths Challenge. The Andrews Labor Government launched the inaugural challenge for Victorian pre-school and year 5-8 students this week. It involves activities for students and their families that link maths to real-world situations.…

HAVE YOUR SAY ON NEW WARRNAMBOOL TRAIN SERVICES

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering more trains, more often, for Warrnambool residents. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the Labor Government wants to hear from the community about the proposed new weekday and Sunday services for Warrnambool. As part of the Regional Network Development Plan, a new 9:05am service from…

REVITALISED TOWN HALL MARKS A NEW ERA FOR POMONAL

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today officially opened the new Pomonal Community Hall, providing residents with a modern, multi-use space to better meet the community’s needs. The redeveloped Pomonal Community Hall forms a new centrepiece for the Pomonal Community Precinct, and will support a greater range of sporting, community and tourism related events and…

WESTERN VICTORIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO GET A DOCTOR

Students in Western Victoria will have regular access to a doctor and the healthcare they need at school. The Andrews Labor Government today announced the 100 schools taking part in the Doctors in Schools Program, with Casterton Secondary College, Colac Secondary College, Lavers Hill P-12 College, Camperdown College, Heywood District Secondary College, Portland Secondary College…

Port Fairy Folk Festival

The highly successful Port Fairy Folk Festival has been operating for 40 years under the helm of its founder, Dr Jamie McKew, who has now handed over the reins to the new director, Caroline Moore. In 1977 Dr McKew — and the Geelong Folk Club — saw the potential for something special for the booming folk music scene in this…

WESTERN VICTORIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO GET A DOCTOR

Students in Western Victoria will have regular access to a doctor and the healthcare they need at school. The Andrews Labor Government today announced the 100 schools taking part in the Doctors in Schools Program, with Casterton Secondary College, Colac Secondary College, Lavers Hill P-12 College, Camperdown College, Heywood District Secondary College, Portland Secondary College…

Victorian Gender Equality Strategy

My constituency question today is directed to the Minister for Women, Fiona Richardson. Recently the minister and I attended the Victorian gender equality strategy consultation in Warrnambool, held at the Lighthouse Theatre. The consultation was a chance for people from all walks of life to contribute their ideas and priorities for how the strategy should…

Cancer Council Victoria: Report 2015

I am pleased to make a statement on the Cancer Council Victoria Annual Report 2015. I note from the outset that as a result of the Cancer Council Victoria’s conversion to a company limited by guarantee on 1 October 2015, the financial reports are for the period 1 January to 30 September 2015 only. The cancer council continued…

Employment

The Andrews Labor government is leading the way to create job opportunities and drive economic growth across regional Victoria. Before the 2014 state election Labor committed to creating 100 000 full-time jobs in the first two years of government, and we are on track to deliver that commitment and deliver it ahead of time. Data released in…

Western Victoria Region Bushfire Preparedness

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Emergency Services in the other place. It is in relation to fire safety in my electorate of Western Victoria Region. Fire season is fast approaching, and it is important for all people across the state to be prepared. Fire brigades within my electorate and across the state…

PORTLAND RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO DETOX YOUR HOME

Find out how to Detox Your Home when the Andrews Labor Government’s latest mobile chemical collection next visits Portland on Saturday 10 September 2016. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP encouraged locals to take advantage of the service enabling the safe disposal of potentially toxic household chemicals. Research from the Australian Competition and Consumer…

SMALL BUSINESS EXPERTS HEAD FOR WARRNAMBOOL

Small businesses in the Warrnambool area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on growing their business at a workshop to be held on Wednesday 14 September 2016. Last year more than 4,000 people participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops across the State. In total 395 workshops were held in the last…

GIVING TOMORROW’S LEADERS A GREATER SAY TODAY

The Andrews Labor Government is giving young Victorians in Western Victoria more opportunities to have a greater say in the decisions that affect their communities. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced a new grants round for the Labor Government’s Rural and Regional Local Government Youth Engagement Program is open, which is giving…

UPGRADE A STEP CLOSER FOR CASTERTON SECONDARY COLLEGE

An upgrade to Casterton Secondary Colleges is a step closer with architect firm, Cooper Scaife Achitects appointed to design the $750,000 school upgrade. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the $750,000 for Casterton Secondary College – announced in April from the 2016/17 Victorian Budget – would go towards an upgrade to the school’s…

UPGRADE A STEP CLOSER FOR GROVEDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE

An upgrade to Grovedale Secondary Colleges is a step closer with architect firm, 1:1 Architects appointed to design the $7 million school upgrade. This follows an announcement in April from the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP that $7 million for Grovedale Secondary College from the 2016/17 Victorian Budget would go towards an upgrade…

UPGRADE A STEP CLOSER FOR PORTLAND SECONDARY COLLEGE

An upgrade to Portland Secondary Colleges is a step closer with architect firm, 1:1 Architects appointed to design the $2 million school upgrade. This follows an announcement in April from the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP that $2 million for Portland Secondary College from the 2016/17 Victorian Budget would go towards an upgrade…

South West Roads

It will be of no surprise that my question also is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan. I do recall that I raised the issue of the state of roads in the south-west prior to the winter break. I am pleased that Mr Purcell also raised it again today, and I am…

Forrest-Apollo Bay Road

Last month I had the pleasure of announcing $323 000 worth of Andrews Labor government funding for yet another road safety improvement project on the Forrest-Apollo Bay Road. This funding will address a history of run-off-road crashes, near misses and head-on collisions due to the curves along these roads, by installing guide posts, curve alignment markers,…

Warrnambool Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum

On another note, I was delighted to represent the Minister for Mental Health in Warrnambool last month at a wellbeing service provider forum. The forum was a chance to have a discussion with key figures in the mental health sector in western Victoria regarding the unique circumstances facing farmers in regional Victoria who may be…

Mount Moriac Reserve

On a final note, I wish to thank the Surf Coast shire and local members at Modewarre as well as the state government for providing moneys to revitalise the Mount Moriac Reserve at Modewarre with resurfaced tennis courts, the addition of basketball and netball rings and the creation of an open play space — — The ACTING…

WESTERN VICTORIA REMEMBERS THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN

Western Victoria will pay tribute to Victoria’s brave servicemen and women on Vietnam Veterans Day on Thursday 18 August, the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today that 8 schools from Western Victoria would attend a special service at the Shrine of Remembrance. Their travel…

Local Learning and Employment Networks

Tonight my adjournment matter is for the Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert. I take this opportunity to thank him for ensuring that learning and further education are again at the centre of the state’s priorities in Victoria. The point I want to raise is the issue of the countless number of people who…

Battle of Long Tan Commemoration

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August, Vietnam Veterans Day, I am pleased to congratulate two students from western Victoria who have been selected to take part in the 2016 Vietnam history study tour. The students, Lauren McIlveen of Camperdown College and Georgia Perris of Horsham College, are among…

GRANT TO HELP PORTLAND SMALLBORE RIFLE CLUB GROW

The Andrews Labor Government is helping the Portland Smallbore Rifle Club upgrade its shooting range facilities. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced a $15,000 Shooting Sports Facilities Program grant. The club is one of 74 across the state sharing in more than $3 million funding. The grant will go towards an…

GRANT TO HELP WARRNAMBOOL RIFLE CLUBS GROW

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Warrnambool Rifle Clubs upgrade their shooting range facilities. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced that 2 of the 74 clubs across the state sharing in more than $3 million Shooting Sports Facilities Program funding were from Warrnambool. Recipients included: Warrnambool Field and Game Inc –…

FIGURES SHOW AMBULANCE SERVICE IMPROVES IN MOYNE SHIRE

New figures show Moyne Shire patients are receiving a quicker response from their ambulance service. Released by Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, James Merlino, the new Ambulance Victoria figures show significant improvement since the election of the Andrews Labor Government. The average time for an ambulance to reach the scene of a Code 1 accident…

FIGURES SHOW AMBULANCE SERVICE IMPROVES IN WARRNAMBOOL

New figures show Warrnambool patients are receiving a quicker response from their ambulance service. Released by Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, James Merlino, the new Ambulance Victoria figures show significant improvement since the election of the Andrews Labor Government. The improved performance reflects Labor’s determination to fix the ambulance crisis, left by the previous Liberal…

FIGURES SHOW AMBULANCE SERVICE IMPROVES IN GLENELG

New figures show Glenelg patients are receiving a quicker response from their ambulance service. Released by Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, James Merlino, the new Ambulance Victoria figures show significant improvement since the election of the Andrews Labor Government. The average time for an ambulance to reach the scene of a Code 1 accident or…

FIGURES SHOW AMBULANCE SERVICE IMPROVES IN GOLDEN PLAINS

New figures show Golden Plains patients are receiving a quicker response from their ambulance service. Released by Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, James Merlino, the new Ambulance Victoria figures show significant improvement since the election of the Andrews Labor Government. The average time for an ambulance to reach the scene of a Code 1 accident…

FIGURES SHOW AMBULANCE SERVICE IMPROVES IN CORANGAMITE

New figures show Corangamite patients are receiving a quicker response from their ambulance service. Released by Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, James Merlino, the new Ambulance Victoria figures show significant improvement since the election of the Andrews Labor Government. The average time for an ambulance to reach the scene of a Code 1 accident or…

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR LIFE SAVING VICTORIA – SOUTH BARWON

Life Saving Victoria volunteers in South Barwon will share in almost $735,000 in Victorian Government grants to buy new equipment.  The Andrews Labor Government today announced the recipients of the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 provided by volunteer groups to help them buy additional…

TORQUAY VOLUNTEER COAST GUARDS GET EQUIPMENT BOOST

Volunteer coast guards in the Surf Coast will share in more than $300,000 in Victorian Government grants to buy additional new equipment.  The Andrews Labor Government today announced the recipients of the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 provided by volunteer groups to help them…

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR LIFE SAVING VICTORIA – POLWARTH

Life Saving Victoria volunteers in Polwarth will share in almost $735,000 in Victorian Government grants to buy new equipment.  The Andrews Labor Government today announced the recipients of the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 provided by volunteer groups to help them buy additional trucks,…

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR LIFE SAVING VICTORIA – SOUTH WEST

Life Saving Victoria volunteers in the South West will share in almost $735,000 in Victorian Government grants to buy new equipment.  The Andrews Labor Government today announced the recipients of the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 provided by volunteer groups to help them buy…

BOOST FOR CORANGAMITE SHIRE KINDERS, WIN FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Young families in the Corangamite Shire are set to benefit as Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria today congratulated 2 kindergartens and childcare centres which will receive the Andrews Labor Government’s minor infrastructure and IT grants. A total of $1.22 million in grants will assist kinders across Victoria upgrade their facilities and IT. The Corangamite…

BOOST FOR WARRNAMBOOL KINDERS, WIN FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Young families in Warrnambool are set to benefit as Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria today congratulated 2 kindergartens and childcare centres which will receive the Andrews Labor Government’s minor infrastructure and IT grants. A total of $1.22 million in grants will assist kinders across Victoria upgrade their facilities and IT. The Warrnambool services are…

BOOST FOR HAWKESDALE KINDER, WIN FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Young families in Hawkesdale are set to benefit as Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria today congratulated the Hawkesdale & District Family Services Centre which will receive the Andrews Labor Government’s minor infrastructure and IT grants. A total of $1.22 million in grants will assist kinders across Victoria upgrade their facilities and IT. The Hawkesdale…

BOOST FOR GLENELG SHIRE KINDERS, WIN FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Young families in the Glenelg Shire are set to benefit as Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria today congratulated the 4 kindergartens and childcare centres which will receive the Andrews Labor Government’s minor infrastructure and IT grants. A total of $1.22 million in grants will assist kinders across Victoria upgrade their facilities and IT. The…

SMALL BUSINESS EXPERTS HEAD FOR HEYWOOD

Small businesses in the Heywood area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on growing their business at a workshop to be held on Wednesday 24 August 2016. This workshop is part of the 2016 Small Business Festival Victoria, which will run through the month of August.  The Festival, now in its…

SMALL BUSINESS EXPERTS HEAD FOR CAMPERDOWN

Small businesses in the Camperdown area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on growing their business at a workshop to be held on Wednesday 17 August 2016. This workshop is part of the 2016 Small Business Festival Victoria, which will run through the month of August. The Festival, now in its…

SMALL BUSINESS EXPERTS HEAD FOR PETERBOROUGH

Small businesses in the Peterborough area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on growing their business at a workshop to be held on Tuesday 16 August 2016.  This workshop is part of the 2016 Small Business Festival Victoria, which will run through the month of August.  The Festival, now in its…

SERVING UP AN ACE NEW PLAYSPACE FOR MODEWARRE FAMILIES

Modewarre children and families can now come together and embrace the outdoors at a new playspace and social tennis court at Modewarre Reserve. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today officially opened the new Modewarre Reserve Tennis and Play Space Project. The Andrews Labor Government is giving communities all over Victoria the safe, modern sport…

SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUBS SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES IN HAMILTON

Children from families in Hamilton are getting a brighter and healthier start to the day, with George Street Primary School continuing its highly successful School Breakfast Club funded by the Andrews Labor Government’s School Breakfast Clubs program. Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria, visited students at George Street PS this morning to see firsthand…

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN PLACE FOR FARMERS

Farmers in the Western Victoria are being encouraged to tap into counselling and support services being made available as part of the Victorian Government’s $1.5 million assistance package. Victoria has more than 4000 dairy farms and local Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP urged farmers to contact local mental health providers and seek support.…

SHADE GRANTS PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR WESTERN VICTORIA

Western Victoria schools have received an Andrews Labor Government grant for some much needed protection from harmful UV radiation by installing sun shade around their school. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced the recipients of grants from the first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program. The Labor Government…

SAFETY BOOST FOR SKENES CREEK AND FORREST-APOLLO BAY ROAD

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a package of road safety improvements to reduce the number and severity of crashes along Skenes Creek Road and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road between Skenes Creek and Forrest. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP welcomed the $323,000 announcement, which will address a history of run-off-road crashes and head-on collisions…

BOOST TO SURF COAST FOR CREATIVE ROAD SAFETY THINKING

Road safety in the Surf Coast has received a boost after the Amy Gillett Foundation received $10,000 from a Transport Accident Commission grants program. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP this week welcomed the funding for a project to improve cyclist safety. The TAC’s Community Road Safety Grants Program provides grants of up to…

BACKING INDEPENDENT ARTS IN PORT FAIRY

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has welcomed the announcement that the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival will receive funding from the Andrews Labor Government. The Labor Government announced it will back 90 of the state’s small, medium and independent arts organisations with more support for the sector to fuel Victoria’s creative economy…

LABOR GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RECORD FUNDING FOR COLAC AREA HEALTH

More patients will receive the care, treatment and surgeries they need sooner with the Andrews Labor Government spending a record $16.47 billion across the entire health system this year. Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced the 2016/17 budget allocations for every Victorian health service, including $24.42 million for Colac Area Health. This is $498,000…

LABOR GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RECORD FUNDING FOR TIMBOON AND DISTRICT HEALTHCARE SERVICE

More patients will receive the care, treatment and surgeries they need sooner with the Andrews Labor Government spending a record $16.47 billion across the entire health system this year. Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced the 2016/17 budget allocations for every Victorian health service, including $4.3 million for Timboon and District Healthcare Service. This…

LABOR GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RECORD FUNDING FOR WARRNAMBOOL HOSPITAL

More patients will receive the care, treatment and surgeries they need sooner with the Andrews Labor Government spending a record $16.47 billion across the entire health system this year. Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced the 2016/17 budget allocations for every Victorian health service, including $125.34 million for Warrnambool’s South West Healthcare. This is…

LABOR GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RECORD FUNDING FOR OTWAY HEALTH

More patients will receive the care, treatment and surgeries they need sooner with the Andrews Labor Government spending a record $16.47 billion across the entire health system this year. Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced the 2016/17 budget allocations for every Victorian health service, including $3.06 million for Otway Health. This is $48,000 more…