APOLLO BAY RECEIVES $16,000 HERITAGE BOOST

The Colac Otway Shire Council has received a $16,000 heritage grant, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The $16,000 heritage grant to the Colac Otway Shire Council will be for roof repairs, to address ongoing water…

WARRNAMBOOL RECEIVES $19,100 HERITAGE BOOST

Warrnambool has received two heritage grants, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Warrnambool City Council will receive $13,600 for the conservation of cannon and artillery pieces in Warrnambool. Ms Tierney said these pieces, located at…

PORTLAND RECEIVES $110,000 HERITAGE BOOST

The Glenelg Shire Council has received two heritage grants worth $110,000, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. A conservation management plan has been completed on Portland’s Former Drill Hall and identified a number of works. The…

CAMPERDOWN RECEIVES $23,000 HERITAGE BOOST

Camperdown has received two heritage grants, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Corangamite Shire Council will receive $18,000 for structural and flashing repairs to the Camperdown Clock Tower Ms Tierney said. “The Camperdown Clock Tower…

STUDENTS RISE TO PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE

A record number of Victorian Prep to Year 10 students have embraced a challenge set by Premier John Brumby to read more books. More than 210,000 avid bookworms across the state participated in this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge, with more than 117,000 completing the challenge. State Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated students…

TWO GRANTS A BOOST FOR HERITAGE IN THE GLENELG SHIRE

Heritage in the Glenelg Shire will receive a $17,000 boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. Ms Tierney said the Glenelg Shire had received two grants in the 2008/2009 program, including $14,000 to employ a heritage advisor and $3,000 to digitise its heritage records.…

BETTER CARE FOR WARRNAMBOOL HERITAGE

Heritage in Warrnambool will receive a $14,000 boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. Ms Tierney said Warrnambool City Council was one of 52 local councils to share in $400,000 worth of heritage advisor grants in 2008/2009. “This grant will allow Warrnambool property owners…

BETTER CARE FOR CORANGAMITE SHIRE HERITAGE

Heritage in the Corangamite Shire will receive a boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. “The Corangamite Shire Council was one of 52 local councils to share in $400,000 worth of heritage advisor grants in 2008/2009”. “This grant will allow Corangamite Shire property owners…

BETTER CARE FOR MOYNE SHIRE HERITAGE

Heritage in the Moyne Shire will receive a $12,000 boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. Ms Tierney said the Moyne Shire Council was one of 52 local councils to share in $400,000 worth of heritage advisor grants in 2008/2009. “This grant will allow…

BETTER CARE FOR COLAC OTWAY HERITAGE

Heritage in the Colac Otway Shire will receive a boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. “The Colac Otway Shire Council was one of 52 local councils to share in $400,000 worth of heritage advisor grants in 2008/2009”. “This grant will allow Colac Shire…

PLANNING: BRUCES CREEK

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. It is in relation to the Creating Better Places program and an application for funding by the Golden Plains Shire Council for the Bruces Creek open space corridor project. I had the opportunity of having a tour of the area several months ago with…

HESSE RURAL HEALTH SERVICE: REPORT 2007-08

I rise to make a statement on the Hesse Rural Health Service 14th annual report, which is for 2007-08. This reporting period has been a very exciting time in the further development of Hesse Rural Health Service with the signing of contracts to commence the building of the specialised, 10-bed rural dementia wing. I would…

LAKE BOLAC TO ARARAT BUS SERVICE HITS THE ROAD

Travel between Lake Bolac and Ararat has been made easier with the Brumby Government delivering a new trial bus service. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said the Brumby Government was taking action to improve transport in communities across Victoria. “Residents in Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Willaura and Maroona will be provided with a low-cost…

MANUFACTURING: INDUSTRY STATEMENT

 I rise to make comment on the sad but so consistent comments made by the shadow minister for industry and state development, Richard Dalla-Riva. However, before I do so I would like to draw the attention of the house to this most recently announced manufacturing and industry policy, Building Our Industries for the Future —…

PLANNING: ARMSTRONG CREEK DEVELOPMENT

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Geelong is an important regional centre to the state of Victoria and is experiencing significant levels of population growth. Can the minister advise the house of the Brumby Labor government’s actions to make sure Geelong accommodates this growth in a…

CLUNES AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOW

 On 15 November I attended the Clunes annual show and enjoyed the wonderful festivities in that beautiful town. I enjoyed the opportunity of talking to members of the community on issues of mutual concern. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the Clunes and District Agricultural Society for their…

DON WALLACE RESERVE, TEESDALE: PAVILION

On Friday, 31 October, I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs to officially open the new pavilion at the Don Wallace Reserve in Teesdale. The new pavilion enhances the previous smaller facility and now provides more space for local clubs to host events and accommodate the increasing number…

PORT FAIRY: COMMUNITY CENTRE FUNDING

I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, in relation to the Port Fairy community centre. The Port Fairy community centre is a $2.8 million project. I had the pleasure in June this year of representing the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development in announcing…

STATE TAXATION ACTS FURTHER AMENDMENT BILL

 I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the State Taxation Acts Further Amendment Bill 2008. The bill is divided into six parts and makes amendments to a number of acts. It amends the Duties Act 2000, the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994, the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 and the Taxation…

MULTICULTURAL VICTORIA AMENDMENT BILL

 I am pleased also to rise to make a contribution on the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill 2008. What we have before us this afternoon is a bill to enact an election commitment taken by the Labor Party to the 2006 election. That commitment was to merge the Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs with the Victorian…

FORD AUSTRALIA: GEELONG PLANT

On 18 July 2007 the Ford Motor Company announced that it would close the Ford engine plant in 2010. It was a dark day for Ford workers and a sad day for Geelong. A question mark hung over Ford’s future, but with the change of government in November 2007 hard work began on a new…

TIERNEY OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW FACILITIES IN MORTLAKE

Mortlake residents can now enjoy better sporting facilities with the official opening of the new synthetic green at the Mortlake Bowling Club today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. The Mortlake Bowling Club were successful in receiving a $60,000 grant to replace their grass green with a synthetic green under the 2007-2008 round…

$204,000 TRAINING FOR DARTMOOR MILL WORKERS

Dartmoor mill workers will receive up to $204,000 worth of training after Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced a package of Brumby Government assistance. Representing Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan, Ms Tierney said training through the Skill Up program would help equip the retrenched workers to secure high demand occupations after…

$214,000 TRAINING FOR DARTMOOR MILL WORKERS

Dartmoor mill workers will receive up to $214,000 worth of training after Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced a package of Brumby Government assistance. Representing Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan, Ms Tierney said training through the Skill Up program would help equip the retrenched workers to secure high demand occupations after…

$40,000 GRANT TO DARTMOOR COMMUNITY RECREATION RESERVE

The Dartmoor Community Recreation Reserve will receive a new boundary fence with the help of a $40,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney. Representing Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan, Ms Tierney said the grant would be provided to Glenelg Shire Council through the Small Towns Development Fund…

FUNDING BOOST FOR OTWAY ODYSSEY

The Otway Odyssey has received a $5,000 funding grant from the Brumby Government’s Country Victoria Events Program (CVEP), Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. “Events and festivals such as the Otway Odyssey contribute to the prosperity, growth and community spirit of regional areas,” Ms Tierney said. “They are a fantastic way of boosting…

VICTORIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY HONOURS ITS FINEST

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated the Otway Estate – Winery and Brewery from Barongarook for being honoured at the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards. Otway Estate – Winery and Brewery received the Minister for Tourism’s Encouragement Award. “The tourism industry is worth $15.1 billion to the Victorian economy and provides jobs…

LOCAL COMMUNITY HEROES HONOURED FOR THEIR EFFORTS

A courageous resident from Apollo Bay who went to the rescue of others involved in medical emergencies has been honoured for their bravery and compassion. John DiCecco from Apollo Bay was recognised by the Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella as a winner of the 2008 Ambulance Victoria Community Hero…

PUBLIC LIBRARIES AWARDED $1 MILLION FOR PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE

Victoria’s public libraries have received $1 million from Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Fund to support the 2009 campaign. Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the funding highlighted the important role public libraries in Victoria play in supporting students undertaking the Premier’s Reading Challenge. “The Brumby Government is taking action to help more of Victoria’s young…

TIERNEY ANNOUNCES $42,425 GRANT FOR TIMBOON FIRE BRIGADE

Local member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today said Timboon Fire Brigade would receive $42,425 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP). Ms Tierney said the funding would help the brigade secure a Field Command Vehicle – Nissan Patrol. This would boost its response capacity by providing transport and enhanced control capacity for…

TIERNEY ANNOUNCES $41,407 GRANT FOR COBDEN FIRE BRIGADE

Local member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today said Cobden Fire Brigade would receive $41,407 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP). Ms Tierney said the funding would help the brigade secure a Field Command Vehicle – Nissan Navara Dual Cab. This would boost its response capacity by providing transport and enhanced control…

LORNE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: REPORT 2007-08

 I rise to make a statement on the Lorne Community Hospital annual report 2007-08. I would like to begin by saying that the Lorne Community Hospital does an absolutely marvellous job servicing the health needs of residents in Lorne and surrounding areas, and visitors to the area during the lead-up to the Christmas break and…

BUSES: COLAC-LORNE

It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on another fantastic announcement for Western Victoria Region under the Brumby Labor government’s $18 million Transport Connections initiative. This summer a new bus service connecting people living in the Colac area to Lorne will operate seven days a week. There has been a longstanding need for…

FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN SIMPSON

The Simpson and District Community Centre Inc in has received a funding boost from the Brumby Government to introduce new people to volunteering and to train and support them to get more involved in the community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today that the Simpson and District Community Centre Inc had received $3,260…

FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN THE SOUTH WEST

The South West Sports Assembly Inc and the Warrnambool City Landcare Group Inc have received a funding boost from the Brumby Government to introduce new people to volunteering and to train and support them to get more involved in the community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today that the South West Sports Assembly…

FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN PORT FAIRY

The Port Fairy Cricket Club Inc in has received a funding boost from the Brumby Government to introduce new people to volunteering and to train and support them to get more involved in the community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today that the Port Fairy Cricket Club Inc had received $1,000 from the…

FORD AUSTRALIA: GEELONG PLANT

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan. Last Monday saw the announcement of a historic new car plan from the Rudd government which will provide $6.2 billion to the industry. This funding will provide a serious future for the industry. Leaving that announcement to one side, there has…

STALKING INTERVENTION ORDERS BILL

I rise to speak on the Stalking Intervention Orders Bill 2008. This bill essentially seeks to preserve the current system of stalking intervention orders, with minor and technical changes, until the stalking intervention order system can be comprehensively reviewed by the Department of Justice. To provide some background to this, the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s…

TIERNEY ANNOUNCES $36,020 GRANT FOR TERANG VICSES

Local member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today said Terang VICSES would receive $36,020 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP). Ms Tierney said the funding would help the unit secure Local Headquarters extensions. In total, 20 VICSES units will buy more than $1.2 million in extra emergency equipment by matching almost $809,000…

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Australia is one of only 15 countries in the world where vehicles are manufactured. Vehicle manufacturing is important to general industry, the Australian economy, employment, skill levels and innovation. Yesterday I was at the Automotive Centre of Excellence when the Prime Minister announced A New Car Plan for a Greener Future. The plan defends all…

EMPLOYMENT: GEELONG

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Acting Minister for Industry and Trade, John Lenders. Can the minister outline to the house how the Brumby Labor government is listening to and working with regional communities and stakeholders, and more specifically how it is doing so in the Geelong area? Mr LENDERS (Acting…

TIERNEY WELCOMES HUGE BOOST FOR AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

 Western Victorian MP, Gayle Tierney today welcomed the $6.2 billion Rudd Government new car plan in response to the Bracks Automotive Review. “What we have today with this massive investment announcement is a path through uncertain times,” Ms Tierney said. “There is a heavy focus on new product, new jobs and importantly, hope for workers…

$120,000 FOR BARWON DOWNS PARK UPGRADE

The Victorian Government is supporting the upgrade of open space in Barwon Downs with a $120,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. “Barwon Down has a central piece of open space that is neglected, run down and badly in need of attention,” Ms Tierney said.  “With space located in a…

$18,901 FOR AIREYS INLET HALL UPGRADE

The Victorian Government is contributing $18,901 towards the redevelopment of the Aireys Inlet Hall, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. Ms Tierney said the project would encourage greater use and improve the long-term sustainability of the facility through the installation of a commercial kitchen and provision of a portable stage. “Aireys Inlet…

PORTLAND: VIDA GOLDSTEIN SEAT

At last there is a very special seat for that dangerous and persuasive woman, the pioneering suffragist Vida Goldstein, in Portland, the town where she was born nearly 140 years ago. At last Vida Goldstein has been recognised for the significant role she played in helping Victorian women win the right to vote 100 years…

BUSES: LAKE BOLAC

 My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Community Development. Last Friday I had the pleasure of launching the Mt Gambier to Portland Transport Connections trial bus service in Nelson when over 40 community members were in attendance. It would be no news to people in this chamber that I am a serious fan of…

INNOVATION: BETTER PLACE PROGRAM

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister please inform the house how the Brumby government is supporting innovative approaches to reducing vehicle emissions? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and for…

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY (REPEAL) BILL

I am also pleased to make a contribution to debate on the Labour and Industry (Repeal) Bill 2008. This bill actually gives effect to an election commitment by this government to reduce the regulatory burden, by reviewing legislation and repealing any act or regulation that is assessed as being redundant. As part of this commitment,…

DORRIS TRAINOR

On another note — a sad note — I would like to mention the recent passing of Dorris Trainor at the astonishing age of 104. I recently spoke in this place about Dorris, who was a resident of the Allambi Elderly People’s Home in Dimboola, and I would like to extend my sympathy to Dorris’s…

HEYWOOD: FITZROY RIVER PRECINCT

 Last Friday I had the pleasure of officially opening the improvements to Heywood’s Fitzroy River precinct, made possible with the help of $63 000 from the Small Towns Development Fund grant from the Brumby Labor government. The improvements included a new footbridge over the Fitzroy River to provide a pedestrian link between both sides of…

WYNNE ANNOUNCES $107,300 FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF CORANGAMITE LIBRARIES

Residents of Corangamite Shire Council will soon be able to enjoy updated facilities at a number of their libraries following a revitalisation program as part of the Brumby Government’s Living Libraries Program. The Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne, announced today the Brumby Government’s $107,300 grant for the renovations.  “The Brumby Government’s $107,300 Living Libraries…

TIERNEY LAUNCHES HEYWOOD’S FITZROY RIVER PRECINCT PROJECT

Improvements to Heywood’s Fitzroy River precinct, including building a new footbridge, have been completed with the help of a $63,000 Victorian Government grant Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Small Towns Development Fund grant was provided to the Glenelg Shire Council for the $94,500 Fitzroy River Precinct Upgrade project. Ms Tierney said…

AT LAST THE SEAT FOR VIDA IS UNVIELED IN PORTLAND

Pioneering suffragist Vida Goldstein has at last been recognised for her contribution to helping Victorian women win the right to vote in 1908. An artist-designed ornamental seat was today unveiled in Portland – her place of birth – as part of Victorian Women Vote 1908 – 2008 celebrations. The seat was commissioned by Historic Buildings…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN APOLLO BAY

More than 7 extra nurses have been employed across Otway Health and Community Services since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 57.7% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN HEYWOOD

More than 11 extra nurses have been employed across Heywood Rural Health since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 81.2% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the Brumby Government…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN COLAC

More than 24 extra nurses have been employed across Colac Community Health since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 19.3% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the Brumby Government…

TIERNEY WELCOMES FENCE LAW OVERHAUL

Colac residents will benefit from a review of Victoria’s fence laws, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. The reforms were announced today by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls, as part of Justice Statement 2, the Brumby Government’s next chapter of reform for Victoria’s justice system. Ms Tierney said that a dedicated review…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN THE SOUTH WEST

More than 91 extra nurses have been employed across South West Healthcare since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 29.3% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the Brumby Government…

TIERNEY WELCOMES FENCE LAW OVERHAUL

Corangamite Shire residents will benefit from a review of Victoria’s fence laws, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. The reforms were announced today by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls, as part of Justice Statement 2, the Brumby Government’s next chapter of reform for Victoria’s justice system. Ms Tierney said that a dedicated…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN PORTLAND

More than 31 extra nurses have been employed across Portland District Health since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 31.5% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the Brumby Government…

WELCOME BOOST TO NURSE NUMBERS IN MOYNE

More than 11 extra nurses have been employed across Moyne Health Services since 1999, Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria announced today. Ms Tierney said that the 33.7% increase in local nurses since 1999 was a product of Australia’s most successful nurse recruitment and retention campaign, and the continuing effort by the Brumby Government…

GRANT PROGRAM BOOSTS COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND ASSETS IN CORANGAMITE

Community facilities on Corangamite Shire crown land have received a boost through extra funding from the Brumby Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said over $625,000 has been provided to community volunteers under the Government’s Stewardship in Action Program including Dixie, Kennedys Creek, Carpendeit and Deep Lake. “The Stewardship in Action Program supports the…

HORSHAM SPECIAL SCHOOL: FUNDING

This evening my adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education in the other place, Bronwyn Pike. It is in relation to the Horsham Special School. I have had an opportunity to visit the school and two of the facilities and to meet staff, parents and of course students. I thank all involved in providing…

SOUTH WEST SPORTS ASSEMBLY

On another matter, I would like to congratulate the South West Sports Assembly which was awarded the Go for Your Life community participation award at the Brumby government’s 2008 sport and recreation awards. The South West Sports Assembly was awarded for its Up the Garden Path project, which brought together volunteers to design and build…

SUE HESTER

I rise to make mention of a Colac resident, Sue Hester, who was recently awarded the volunteer involvement award at the Brumby Labor government 2008 sport and recreation awards. After being diagnosed with a rare disability at the age of 25, Sue Hester began volunteering as a netball umpire, coach and committee member. Today Sue…

Warrnambool receives $24,000 Brumby Government funding to improve sustainable transport options

Warrnambool City Council has received a $24,000 Brumby Government boost to improve local access to public transport and walking and cycling facilities. The project named TravelSmart Champs will be delivered thanks to joint funding from the Brumby Government’s TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program Grants and Warrnambool City Council. “I am delighted to announce funding…

BOATING SAFETY BOOST FOR THE SOUTH WEST

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced an $87,757 boost to boating safety in the South West through the Brumby Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program 2008-09. Ms Tierney said the Brumby Government was committed to working with the community to provide safe boating facilities and a safer boating environment. “The projects funded through…

BOATING SAFETY BOOST FOR CAMPERDOWN

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced a $66,057 boost to boating safety in Camperdown through the Brumby Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program 2008-09. Ms Tierney said the Brumby Government was committed to working with the community to provide safe boating facilities and a safer boating environment. “The projects funded through the Boating…

MARINE PARKS: INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister inform the house of how the Brumby Labor government is helping to promote Victoria’s unique marine environment to the world? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) — I thank Ms Tierney for…

ABORTION LAW REFORM BILL

I would like to start my contribution by thanking very much the many constituents of Western Victoria Region who have contacted me in relation to this bill. We have been inundated with letters, emails and telephone calls, and that in itself is testimony to our democracy. However, the health of our democracy lies in our…

BUSES: COLAC OTWAY SHELTERS

On 29 September I had the pleasure of officially launching 10 new bus shelters in the Shire of Colac Otway, along with the mayor, Cr Chris Smith, and Crs Riches and Mercer. On that day we were joined by local Colac residents Roberta Hay and Peggy Hose, who said the shelters were a fantastic improvement…

INVERLEIGH BRIDGE UPGRADES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today welcomed the completion of the first of two bridge upgrades to improve public safety in the township of Inverleigh. The $140,000 bridge upgrade project on Spring Creek Road, Inverleigh was completed on 3 October 2008. The second $140,000 bridge upgrade project on Peel Road, Inverleigh would commence…

ECONOMY: INTEREST RATES

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Treasurer. I ask him to inform the house of the effects on Victoria’s working families of the 1 per cent interest rate cut announced yesterday by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Mr LENDERS (Treasurer)— I thank Ms Tierney for her question. Mr Drum interjected. Mr…

CLOVERDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE

On another matter, I would like acknowledge the Cloverdale community centre, which has created three banners in homage to the women’s suffrage movement under the Victorian Women Vote community grants program. The banners highlight the hopes and concerns of women and girls in Corio and Norlane, and we were lucky enough to have one of…

FANNY BROWNBILL LUNCHEON

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of hosting the eighth Fanny Brownbill luncheon in Geelong, which commemorates the first woman Labor member of the Legislative Assembly in this state. It was fitting to hold such a celebration during the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Victoria. Minister Maxine Morand spoke on the fight for women’s…

BOOST FOR CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARKS

The Brumby Government is providing almost $1.3 million for upgrades to Victoria’s Crown land caravan and camping parks including $19,800 for Skenes Creek Caravan Park. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said 50 tourist parks would receive the grants to upgrade facilities and improve their environmental performance including Skenes Creek for sewerage connection. “Camping and…

BOOST FOR CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARKS IN PORT CAMPBELL

The Brumby Government is providing almost $1.3 million for upgrades to Victoria’s Crown land caravan and camping parks including $140,000 for the Port Campbell Recreation Reserve. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said 50 tourist parks would receive the grants to upgrade facilities and improve their environmental performance including Port Campbell Recreation Reserve to design…

BOOST FOR CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARKS IN LORNE

The Brumby Government is providing almost $1.3 million for upgrades to Victoria’s Crown land caravan and camping parks including $100,000 for the Lorne Caravan Park Kia Ora. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said 50 tourist parks would receive the grants to upgrade facilities and improve their environmental performance including Lorne Caravan Park Kia Ora…

BOOST FOR CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARKS IN NELSON

The Brumby Government is providing almost $1.3 million for upgrades to Victoria’s Crown land caravan and camping parks including $44,962 for the Kywong Caravan Park. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said 50 tourist parks would receive the grants to upgrade facilities and improve their environmental performance including Kywong Caravan Park for a communal cooking…

MONSTER PETITION AND THE CENTENARY OF SUFFERAGE

100 years ago Victorian women won the right to vote. In celebration of the centenary, the State Government is inviting people to sign a replica of the original ‘monster’ petition presented to Parliament in September 1891. During 2008, 170 calico banners displaying the Victorian Women Vote 1908-2008 logo are traveling to metropolitan, rural and regional…

WESTERN VICTORIAN AMBULANCES NOW BETTER EQUIPPED TO SAVE LIVES

Residents in Western Victoria suffering from cardiac arrest will benefit from a multi-million dollar roll-out of new life-saving equipment in country ambulances. Gayle Tierney, member for Western Victoria announced today that local ambulance services in Western Victoria are now fitted with the latest state-of-the-art defibrillators. Ms Tierney said the new defibrillators will benefit paramedics and…

$38.2 MILLION RECORD FUNDING FOR VICTORIA’S LIBRARIES

Victoria’s libraries will share in a record $38.2 million Brumby Government funding allocation in 2008/09. Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the Brumby Government has increased the allocation to the Public Libraries Grants Program by $1.5 million, which is almost a five percent increase on last year. “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure…

$38.2 MILLION RECORD FUNDING FOR VICTORIA’S LIBRARIES

Victoria’s libraries will share in a record $38.2 million Brumby Government funding allocation in 2008/09. Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the Brumby Government has increased the allocation to the Public Libraries Grants Program by $1.5 million, which is almost a five percent increase on last year. “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure…