NATIONAL CENTRE FOR FARMER HEALTH: PARTNERSHIPS

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, and relates to the National Centre for Farmer Health and diabetes prevention. The Baillieu government’s decision to cut $1 million annually from the state government contribution is now being felt and is taking its toll as a number of staff have been terminated in recent weeks.…

SCHOOLS: FUNDING

As a result of the Baillieu government’s education cuts families have missed out on assistance with paying for schoolbooks for their children, uniforms, transport costs and excursions. Some families who previously relied on assistance through the education maintenance allowance may simply have to say to their children that they will have to miss out on…

TIERNEY TACKLES EDUCATION CUTS IN PARLIAMENT

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has called on the Baillieu Government to immediately reinstate education funding as families feel the impacts of education program cuts at the beginning of the school year. Ms Tierney said families had missed out on assistance with purchasing school books for their children, uniforms, transport costs and excursions after…

PORTLAND BAY SCHOOL: SUPPORT SERVICES

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My adjournment matter is for the Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession, Mr Hall, and it is in relation to the Portland Bay School. During the six-plus years that I have had the privilege of representing Western Victoria Region it has always struck me how the Portland community has cared for…

RAIL: NORTH SHORE STATION

In a recent Geelong Advertiser article regarding the North Shore railway station a spokesperson for the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder, stated that the state Labor government had failed to invest in Geelong’s northern suburbs train stations. I take this opportunity to correct the record. As many northern suburbs residents are aware, the previous…

PETER AND CHRISTINE FORSTER

I take this opportunity to congratulate Peter and Christine Forster from Ararat on the recent recognition of their work in environmental planting projects. Just over three weeks ago, Peter and Christine were joined by the then federal parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, who inspected their excellent work. They have been…

RAINBOW RIDERS: FUNDING

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Community Services and relates to an organisation called Rainbow Riders, which is based in Connewarre in my electorate. Rainbow Riders is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2001 which assists young people, in particular those who live with disadvantage. It was created by Ross and Dee Clancy, who…

SOUTH WEST INSTITUTE OF TAFE: REPORT 2011

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to make some comments on South West Institute of TAFE. Members might recall that I often talk about TAFEs in western Victoria. That is largely because they do such an amazing job. They provide access to education for a number of students in their local communities, which would not…

AUSTRALIA DAY: WESTERN VICTORIA REGION

On another note, I would like to congratulate Torquay’s Tom Harding and Anglesea’s Diana Patterson, who were both presented with Order of Australia medals in ceremonies on Australia Day. Mr Harding was recognised for his services to the community through historical and service organisations, and Ms Patterson received her Order of Australia medal for services…

WATER SAFETY: ST LEONARDS BOATING ACCIDENT

During summer we all get many water safety messages, particularly along the coast. They are a good reminder for visitors, but the message is there for all of us: we cannot take water safety for granted, even the most experienced water users. This morning I would like to praise the actions of Glenn Smith, Stephen…

TIERNEY ASKS FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has raised the issue of emergency services communication in Parliament after two large fires ravaged parts of Western Victoria last month. It has been reported that there were a number of complaints made in the Snake Valley area west of Ballarat, regarding a communications “black hole” during the height…

BUSHFIRES: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Bushfire Response, and it is in regard to emergency services communications. I take this opportunity to say that whilst my adjournment matter this evening is about my electorate, I want to acknowledge that there are fires still raging in other…

AUSTRALIA DAY: SHIRE OF SURF COAST

I would like to congratulate the Lions Club of Torquay on a well organised and entertaining event and barbecue on Saturday, 26 January, at Taylor Park in Torquay. Kevin Egan and the team reminded people of our history and culture. In her speech Surf Coast shire mayor Libby Coker gave the audience a timely reminder…