MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:34): I thank members for their contributions in this debate so far, and I take this opportunity to address some of the issues raised by members here and of course in the other place. A number of members have spoken about concerns that…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:17): This morning it was my pleasure to announce the Andrews Labor government’s $44.6 million investment in RMIT’s CBD north precinct activation project. Through our $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund we are helping universities to realise their longstanding goals, establishing partnerships that…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:04): Today I would like to acknowledge the important role of community centres. They are the hub of learning, creativity, friendships and so much more. In late April I spent some time at SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale. Dianne Bennett, president, and Anne…
A grants program for youth groups in the Barwon South West region is encouraging the next generation to have their say and take action on climate change planning. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced two $9,000 grants have been awarded to youth groups in the Barwon South West region through its climate…
The community of Golden Plains Shire will soon have a new Youth Hub, which is set to improve health, education and employment for young people. Representing Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane, Labor Member for Western Victoria, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, today attended the project’s official sod-turning at Bannockburn. The project is supported with…
Works are set to commence to upgrade a popular camping destination, nestled in Otway rainforest alongside spectacular waterfalls. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is delivering the $225,000 upgrade of Beauchamp Falls Campground, east of Beech Forrest. The funding has been provided by Victoria’s Great Outdoors, a…
Eight local organisations, clubs and groups in south west Victoria will share in over $102,000 of VicHealth funding to help deliver locally-led solutions to support residents hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced South West Sport Inc, Portland Football Netball Cricket Club, South West Victorian Football Association,…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:32): Today I am proud to rise to speak of the outstanding commitment of our trade teachers and trainers throughout the state. Many trade teachers have been in the VET system for many decades and have witnessed firsthand the changes in training but…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:23): I am proud to rise to acknowledge the outstanding work of our TAFE teachers and support and administrative staff in seamlessly adapting to online delivery. If last year taught us anything, it is that when a government properly invests in TAFEs they…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:37): Today I would like to focus on the important Reconnect program, which the Andrews Labor government established in 2015 to support disadvantaged Victorians to gain access to education, training and skills. Since that time thousands of Victorians have participated in the Reconnect…
Farmers in Western Victoria can look forward to a smoother journey from their farm gate to market thanks to a $20 million Andrews Labor Government investment. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the funding which is being delivered through the AgriLinks Upgrade Program to improve Victorian’s vital network of local roads in the…
Work to improve the iconic Queenscliff boat ramp is another step closer, with the contract awarded to expand the popular facility. Drapers Civil Contracting has been awarded the $3.7 million contract to carry out the work at Queenscliff, which will include expanding the boat ramp from two to three lanes as well as dredging, replacing…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:08): As a society and a community we must work together to achieve cultural change to support survivors of family violence. We must never lose sight of the importance of improving safety and support for people who are leaving violent or abusive relationships.…
The beauty of the Anglesea Heath section of the Great Otway National Park can now be appreciated close-up thanks to completion of the $100,000 Yan Wirring Mirr walking trail. Meaning ‘walk, listen, look’ in the language of Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung, the Yan Wirring Mirr trail will take visitors through heathlands that are considered one…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:55): Coming off the back of volunteer week I was so pleased to see the impact of budget announcements in south-west Victoria. It was great to bring good news to Port Fairy SES volunteers, who have worked long and hard to obtain a…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:04): Last week’s budget continues our work to make Victoria’s TAFE and training system better than it has ever been. I have already taken the chamber through a number of initiatives in this year’s budget, but I am excited to share a few…
Portland’s Alexandra Park is set for a major transformation, thanks to a $3.22 million funding boost from the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the project was one of 42 initiatives that secured funds in the second round of the program.…
Locals and visitors using the Warrnambool boat ramp will benefit from better facilities to launch and retrieve their vessels with the Andrews Labor Government investing in critical repair works. The $3.5 million upgrades announced in the Victorian Budget 2021/2022, will replace the two-lane concrete boat ramp surface, which is in poor condition. The new ramp…
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring residents in Victoria’s south west have access to the mental health support they need, close to home. The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will invest $10.9 million to deliver an additional five acute mental health beds at Warrnambool Base Hospital. The investment will also redesign the hospital’s acute mental health inpatient…
Better facilities are on their way for students at six south west schools with works commencing on important upgrades thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced works are underway at Bolwarra Primary School, Allansford and District Primary School, Warrnambool Primary School, Cobden Primary School, Forrest Primary School and…
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting support four local Aboriginal organisations, creating jobs and ensuring we can all recover strongly from the global pandemic together. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Services and Kirrae Health Service Incorporated have received a…
Students in Beeac will get creative and learn new skills with professional artists with thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Creative Learning Partnerships program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the news that Beeac Primary School is one of 14 across the state selected to take part in the 2021 round of the…
Students in Nullawarre will get creative and learn new skills with professional artists with thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Creative Learning Partnerships program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the news that Nullawarre and District Primary School is one of 14 across the state selected to take part in the 2021 round…
Bellarine Peninsula’s historic railway will be given a facelift to encourage more visitors to the region, with new investment from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Drysdale Railway Station to inspect the early works taking place to revitalise this nationally-significant destination, which has received more than $3.4 million funding…
Forty-three grassroots sport clubs and organisations in Western Victoria are set to bolster their coaching skills, administration expertise, or score new sports equipment thanks to a share in more than $6 million from the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the successful applicants in Western Victoria of the latest rounds…
The Andrews Labor Government is helping more schools build inclusive play areas, sensory gardens and outdoor learning areas to support students with disabilities and additional needs. In total there are 74 projects across the state that will share in over $12.5 million under Round 6 of the Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund. Labor Member for…
The Ocean Grove Tennis Club is now game, set and match ready for future events thanks to the completion of the new pavilion at the Bellarine tennis hub. Duty MP for the Bellarine, Gayle Tierney, today joined club and community members at local celebrations to formally open the new facilities, made possible by a $860,000…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:54): I move: That the second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard. Motion agreed to. Ms TIERNEY: I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: Support for zero and low emission vehicles in transitioning to a low-carbon…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (10:39): Since 2011 the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll has recognised Aboriginal Victorians past and present who have made outstanding contributions to our state, and I am proud to advise that one-quarter of the 130 people on the roll are from the electorate of Western…
TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:53): I move: That the second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard. Motion agreed to. Ms TIERNEY: I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: In October last year I was pleased to introduce the Transport Legislation Amendment…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:51): I move: That the second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard. Motion agreed to. Ms TIERNEY: I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: Introduction Non-emergency patient transport sector and commercial first aid providers play an…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07): Today is an exciting day for TAFE and training in Victoria, a day when this government takes the next step to make TAFE and training better than ever. When we came to government, the training system was absolutely— Members interjecting. Ms Shing:…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:04): Yesterday the TAFE network’s annual reports were tabled. As always, I am always in awe of the work of our TAFEs. They deliver for our local communities across the state and in doing so give Victorians high-quality training for the jobs that we…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:43): On 30 March I joined the Acting Premier, my good friend Ms Watt, employers, unions and many apprentices at the metro launch of Apprenticeships Victoria. Apprenticeships Victoria is a new division of the Department of Education and Training. It will help support thousands of…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:30): 2020 was a year like no other. Bushfires devastated many regional communities, only to be followed by the COVID pandemic. The communities of the Alpine and surrounding regions rallied together, where strength, courage and compassion came to the fore. In Bright today…
Thirty-four grassroots sport clubs and organisations in Western Victoria are set to bolster their coaching skills, administration expertise, or score new sports equipment thanks to a share in more than $6 million from the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the successful applicants of the latest round of the Victorian…
The fast-growing northern Bellarine Peninsula is about to get a new library and community hub thanks to support from the State Government. Duty MP Gayle Tierney, on behalf of Member for Bellarine , Lisa Neville has announced City of Greater Geelong will receive $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. The funding…
Schools in South West Victoria will receive a funding boost to help get kids moving as they return to school for Term 2, thanks to the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced five schools in Victoria’s south west are among 96 schools across the state to receive a $30,000 funding…
The Colac community has received funding from the Victorian Government to support veterans and honour their service. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today welcomed the announcement in the lead up to ANZAC Day.by the Minister for Veterans, the Hon Shaun Leane MP as part of the Labor Government’s Anzac Day Proceeds Fund. Colac Legacy Club will receive…
Friday, 16 April 2021 CURLEWIS INTERSECTION SAFETY UPGRADE GETS UNDERWAY The State Government is delivering on a 2018 election commitment to improve safety at a busy Curlewis intersection, with vital upgrade works kicking off this week. After listening to the local community, and with the support of Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, the State Government is…
A new mobile library van will soon hit the rural roads of Glenelg Shire thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has announced Glenelg Shire Council will receive $47,783 from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. The funding will help fit out a new van with…
Thirty-one grassroots sport clubs and organisations in Western Victoria are set to bolster their coaching skills, administration expertise, or score new sports equipment thanks to a share in more than $6 million from the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the successful applicants of the latest round of the Victorian…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:08): Today I am proud to speak of Respect and Equality in TAFE, a project that I had the privilege to launch last week. At the heart of this project is ‘change the story’, and that is to achieve gender equality and prevent gender-based…
Construction works have started on the new Queenscliffe Hub, set to transform the town’s historical museum, library and visitor information centre into a thriving community space, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Duty MP Gayle Tierney today represented Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville to turn the sod on the project, alongside representatives from…
Community input is being sought ahead of a $448,000 upgrade of Dando’s Campground in the Otways. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the upgrade is part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors, a $105.6 million Victorian Government investment to boost regional economies by upgrading and building better facilities in forests and parks including tracks, trails…
Community input is being sought to assist with future planning and an upgrade of two popular destinations near Portland, in the Mount Clay State Forest. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Sawpit Campground and nearby Whalers Lookout Walk will be upgraded as part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors, a $105.6 million investment to deliver better forests, parks, tracks, trails and campgrounds for regional Victoria. Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are partnering with Traditional Owners…
Students at Birregurra Primary School and Lorne P-12 College are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, with architects appointed to design both school’s exciting upgrades. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Haskell Architects has been appointed to design Lorne P-12 College $8.972…
Students at more than 200 schools across Victoria are set to benefit from an essential maintenance boost, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced 9 schools in south west Victoria are among the 230 schools that will share in $10.4 million of Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) funding.…
Students at Merrivale Primary School are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, with an architect appointed to design the school’s exciting upgrade. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that De Atielier has been appointed to design the school’s $5.385 million upgrade, funded in…
Students at Skipton Primary School are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, with an architect appointed to design the school’s exciting upgrade. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that VTAS Architecture Pty Ltd has been appointed to design the school’s $4.197 million upgrade,…
The Andrews Labor Government’s new Jobs Victoria is helping more Victorians get back to work and businesses to find the right workers. As part of the initiative, the Government is investing a record $619.4 million to help people looking for work to access the information, advice and support they need to find the right job…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:27): Last week I was in Warrnambool to announce the construction of the state-of-the-art learning and library hub at South West TAFE as part of the Big Build apprenticeship program. The learning and library hub is an investment that will benefit all community…
WESTERN VICTORIA CLUBS SCORE SPORT GRANTS Fourteen grassroots sport clubs and organisations in Western Victoria are set to bolster their coaching skills, administration expertise, or score new sports equipment thanks to a share in more than $6 million from the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the successful applicants of…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:25): I thank Dr Bach for his new interest in TAFE and the TAFE system. Members interjecting. Ms TIERNEY: Are we done? We are very supportive of TAFE. As you know, we have made record investments into the TAFE system, and of course our…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:21): Next week we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, which coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians make significant contributions to our society. It is our commitment to enhance capacity and build opportunities via…
MS TIERNEY: On another note, I would like to congratulate nine high-achieving Western Victorian students who have received $5000 in education scholarships over the final two years of their senior secondary education. This program started in 2019 and recognises students who show high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway and who have strong results…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:55): Last week I joined two school communities in celebrating fantastic upgrades to their buildings and facilities. Brauer College in Warrnambool and Mortlake College P–12 can now experience an up-to-date education environment. $4.4 million has enabled Brauer to move to excellent new specialist spaces…
The Andrews Labor Government has invested $1,244,950 in emergency services in Western Victoria to provide essential operational equipment, vehicles, appliances and minor facility improvements for local volunteers. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced 23 local Country Fire Authority (CFA), Life Saving Victoria (LSV), Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) and Victorian State Emergency…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:51): The Andrews Labor government’s $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund continues to provide much-needed stimulus to Victoria’s universities as they respond to the challenges of COVID-19. Last week I joined Darren Cheeseman, the member for South Barwon, at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds…
Government schools in Western Victoria are set to become greener and more environmentally sustainable while reducing their electricity costs, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Merri River School, Warrnambool College – Warrnambool Campus, Warrnambool East Primary School, Derrinallum P-12 College, Deans Marsh Primary School and Lorne…
Brauer Secondary College students now have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities to learn in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today visited Brauer Secondary College to officially open its $4.4 million upgrade. Ms Tierney said Brauer Secondary School students and teachers have access to state-of-the-art facilities, with…
Mortlake P-12 College students now have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities to learn in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today visited Mortlake P-12 College to officially open its $2.1 million upgrade. Ms Tierney said Mortlake P-12 College students and teachers have access to state-of-the-art facilities, with…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:29): I move: That the second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard. Motion agreed to. Ms TIERNEY: I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: Victoria is widely regarded as having the best planning framework in Australia. This…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:38): I rise today to congratulate volunteers working with three wetland projects in south-west Victoria—BirdLife Australia, the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network and the Nature Glenelg Trust—each receiving a $20 000 grant as part of the Volunteering Innovation Fund, which is part of Victoria’s Great…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:21): Teachers know that some of their students will experience mental health issues during their school career, and many of those young people will need expert assistance to help them to be well enough to focus on learning. Early mental health intervention is…
Hawkesdale P-12 College will receive funding from the Accessible Buildings Program, to improve school facilities and infrastructure that supports students and staff with disabilities, thanks to the Victorian Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Hawkesdale P-12 College has been allocated funding from the Accessible Buildings Program to promote inclusive learning…
Volunteers and community groups along Victoria’s south west will share in funding from the Andrews Labor Government’s Volunteering Innovation Fund. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, today congratulated Birdlife Australia, Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network and Nature Glenelg Trust on receiving a grant from the $2 million fund to support their conservation projects. The…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (10:07): Today I draw the house’s attention to good news for schools in western Victoria. Mortlake P–12 joins Hamilton’s Baimbridge College and Murtoa College in a new tri-school partnership, which has been granted $40 000 to work together to significantly broaden the VCE curriculum.…
Students in Mortlake will have more VCE options under a new partnership that will see them come together to broaden their subject choice. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Mortlake P-12 had been successful in securing funding as part of Round 4 of the VCE Collaboration Fund. The VCE Collaboration Fund…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:39:019:): Two weeks ago I joined Minister D’Ambrosio and Steve Dimopoulos in Clayton to announce the Andrews government’s $10 million investment in the Victorian Hydrogen Hub. This grant, which was awarded to Swinburne University of Technology, is the government’s latest investment in the university…
Construction of new coastal infrastructure to manage the impacts of beach and foreshore erosion will get underway in Apollo Bay over the next few weeks. Phase one of the project will see two new 70-meter-long groynes constructed south of the existing Milford Street revetement and to the south of Milford Creek. Sections of rock seawall…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:08): I rise today to discuss this government’s commitment to apprentices and the value of an apprenticeship. Members will be aware that in this year’s budget we are investing over $33 million in the Big Build apprenticeship program and almost $20 million in growing apprenticeships.…
The iconic Colac Botanic Gardens will be rejuvenated – thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants Program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced that Colac Otway Shire will receive a $47,500 grant for the construction of mulch and material bays at the gardens work depot,…
The iconic Port Fairy Botanic Gardens will be rejuvenated – thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants Program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced that Moyne Shire will receive a $20,000 grant to rejuvenate and enhance the formal entrance of the garden. The project will…
The iconic Camperdown Botanic Gardens and Arboretum will be rejuvenated – thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants Program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced that Camperdown Botanic Gardens and Arboretum will receive a $83,000 grant to deliver a new gateway and entrance planting, management…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (14:13): I am pleased to rise and speak on the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020. It is a bill that should remind us all of how what we do in this place can actually make a big difference to people’s lives.…
The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to improve safety for communities on the Great Ocean Road, introducing a new speed limit at Marengo. The existing 80km/h speed limit will be extended to cover the stretch of the route between Cemetery Road and Elliott Road, on the western fringe of Marengo, to provide drivers with…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:15): In 2016 the Andrews Labor government proudly released Marrung, our 10-year Aboriginal education plan. Marrung’s vision is simple. We want a state where every Koori person achieves their potential, succeeds in life and feels strong in their cultural identity. We want Koori…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (10:19): 2020 was a tough year for our music industry, with many festivals and programs disrupted. In January I was pleased to be able to tell some of my constituents that they had received a really significant boost of over $155 000 for local…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:09): I am pleased today to rise and update the house on the Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy review. As members will know, this is a major review commissioned by the government to reform and revitalise our post-secondary education and training system to…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:23): We know Victorian universities have been hit hard by the fallout of COVID. We also know what a critical role Victorian universities play in our economy and communities. That is why the Andrews government has established the $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment…