FUNDING BOOST FOR WESTERN VICTORIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers in Western Victoria are receiving a welcome funding boost as part of a state-wide investment in new emergency services equipment by the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Emergency Services, Lisa Neville recently announced 294 new grants totalling more than $13.75 million as part of the 2019–20 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Labor Member…

START YOUR ENGINES AT SIMPSON SPEEDWAY

Enthusiasts at the Simpson Car Club near Cobden will now enjoy more accessible and safe events, thanks to upgraded lighting funded through an $88,781 investment from the Andrews Labor Government’s Pick My Project initiative. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the Simpson Speedway upgraded lighting, which had become outdated and in vital need of…

NEW MEN’S SHED SET FOR WARRNAMBOOL

More men in Warrnambool will be building new friendships, skills and community connections, thanks to a Victorian Government grant for a new men’s shed. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Warrnambool Men’s Shed would receive $80,000 towards their much needed new shed. The grant will build a new 32 x 12 metre…

EXTENDED MEN’S SHED SET FOR HEYWOOD

More men in Heywood will be building new friendships, skills and community connections, thanks to a Victorian Government grant for an extended men’s shed. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Heywood Men’s Shed would receive $14,000 towards their much needed shed extension. The grant will build an extension of the existing shed…

GEOFF HANDBURY

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:53:38): I rise today to reflect on the contribution to regional Victoria, and especially western Victoria, made by Geoff Handbury, PhD, AO. Mr Handbury died this week, aged 94, after a lifetime supporting the community at a local, regional, state and even national level.…

MINISTER’S STATEMENTS: AUSTRALIAN TRAINING AWARDS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:28:38): Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the Australian Training Awards. The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for the vocational education and training sector, and again this year Victorian TAFEs did not disappoint. For the fourth year in…

MINISTER’S STATEMENTS: GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENTS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:22:58): Last Sunday marked the year anniversary of the re-elected Andrews Labor government. The gift of government is something we do not take for granted, and we have not wasted a day since. We have continued our proud record of building an education…

AN IMPROVED MEN’S SHED FOR ANGLESEA

The Victorian Government is getting behind local communities and men’s mental health and social wellbeing, by opening a much improved men’s shed in Anglesea. A $20,000 Victorian Government grant has supported the refurbishment of the Anglesea Men’s Shed in Cameron Road. The refurbishment includes a new main entry, separate metal working area, a large community…

PROVIDING GREAT RESOURCES TO KINDERS IN PORTLAND

Children in Glenelg Shire are set to benefit from technology upgrades ahead of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten starting next year, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced four early childhood services in Portland would share $10,500 in funding to purchase tablet computers through the Labor Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital…

PROVIDING GREAT RESOURCES TO KINDERS IN COLAC

Children in Colac are set to benefit from technology upgrades ahead of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten starting next year, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced two kindergartens would receive funding to purchase tablet computers through the Labor Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Program (CFCP). The Children’s Facilities Capital Program…

PROVIDING GREAT RESOURCES TO KINDERS IN CORANGAMITE

Children in Corangamite Shire are set to benefit from technology upgrades ahead of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten starting next year, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced seven kindergartens in the Corangamite Shire would share $10,370 in funding to purchase laptop computers through the Labor Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital…

MINISTERS STATEMENT: ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:06:39): Today is a historic day for adult community education in this state. At lunchtime today I will officially launch the ministerial statement on The Future of Adult Community Education in Victoria 2020–25. The ministerial statement will give the sector the acknowledgement and…

MEMBERS STATEMENT: GEELONG ARTS CENTRE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:08:53): Last night I had the privilege of attending the formal opening of the Geelong Arts Centre, the revitalised and redeveloped facility that was funded by the Andrews Labor government to the tune of $37 million, and it certainly is a great facility.…

BAG BAN BEGINS IN WESTERN VICTORIA

The Victorian Government has delivered on its promise to ban lightweight plastic shopping bags in Victoria to reduce plastic pollution and help protect the environment. The ban will apply from 1 November bags being provided at point of sale by all retailers, including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores, and service stations and…

DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT (PENALTY REFORM) BILL 2019

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:19:41): I thank all the members who have contributed to this debate today and given accounts of what has been occurring in their electorates. In particular Mr Meddick, who shares my electorate, outlined some of the things that our constituents have faced in…

TAFE COMPLETION RATES

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:17:19): What I can advise the house is that when I go around and visit TAFEs, which I do on a very regular basis, people advise me that their classrooms are full and that there is a real emphasis on completing their course…

TAFE COMPLETION RATES

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:14:41): This is sort of a re-run in terms of a matter that was before the media during the winter recess. Clearly the member still has not got the memo, and the memo is this: that the data is two years old. It…

TRAINING AND SKILLS FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:08:36): I again thank the member for giving me an opportunity to talk about TAFE and free TAFE. I can say that I am a little bit surprised that Ms Wooldridge, who normally conducts herself, I think, in a very, very professional manner,…

TRAINING AND SKILLS FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:05:39): I am aware of the comments made by the shadow minister, Tanya Plibersek, in relation to the underspend. It is very disappointing that that money was not spent in a way that was more targeted in areas where there are government priorities,…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: CHISHOLM INSTITUTE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:31:20): I am pleased to rise and inform the house of a new Andrews government initiative announced last week to support free TAFE students to complete their studies. Last Wednesday I joined the member for Nepean, Chris Brayne, at the Chisholm Mornington Peninsula…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: APPRENTICESHIPS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:26): I rise to update the chamber on how the reintroduction of trade papers by the Andrews government is rebuilding the status of apprenticeships. Last week I visited Ringwood Training with a member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Sonja Terpstra, who is an absolute…

MELTON TAFE FACILITY

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:33): I thank Dr Cumming for raising this question. The provision of post-school education in our suburbs and our regional towns and provision for our rural communities is incredibly important but particularly so in areas where we have high population growth. I can advise…

MELTON TAFE FACILITY

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:35): I thank Dr Cumming for her question again. The area of adult education is incredibly important and it is part of the post-school sector. I have had a lot of engagement in that sector in recent times. I called a summit of…

TAYA DAVIES

MS TIERNEY: Taya Davies from Barwon Heads is the 2020 Victoria Young Australian of the Year. Taya works with the Department of Education and Training in the Geelong region in support of disengaged young people of high school age, currently as a coordinator and manager. She brings her social values not only to these programs…

ARCHIE ROACH

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:08:21): I rise today to celebrate the achievements of two people whose work has impacted on the lives of western Victorians. I begin by congratulating Archie Roach, iconic musician and performer, who has been named the 2020 Victoria Australian of the Year. Archie…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: CHISHOLM INSTITUTE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:44:45): I wish to update the house on capital works in the TAFE sector. Recently I joined the Premier, along with the member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, the member for Mordialloc, Tim Richardson, and the member for Nepean, Chris Brayne, at Chisholm lnstitute’s…

$55,000 AWARDED TO COLAC TO PREVENT CRIME

The Andrews Labor Government has awarded $55,000 to the Colac Otway Shire Council to tackle community safety concerns under the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Colac Otway Shire Council would receive funding for the Queen Street Shared Path – Street Lighting Upgrade project. The Colac Otway Shire…

PRINCES HIGHWAY DUPLICATION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (10:02:09): Last week I had the opportunity to take a close look at a project that will improve road usage not only for locals from Colac and its region but for all who use the Princes Highway through western Victoria. The replacement of…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: RAISING EXPECTATIONS PROGRAM

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:12:46): I would like to update the house on the Raising Expectations program. Last week I joined the member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor, at Swinburne’s Croydon campus. We met with a number of the participating students in the Raising Expectations program. This program…

BACK TO BACK THEATRE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:40:28): I rise today to share a recent experience in which I felt privileged to gain an insight into what it means to live with a disability. I attended the opening in Geelong of Back to Back Theatre’s production The Shadow Whose Prey…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WURREKER AWARDS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:33:54): I wish to update the house on the Wurreker Awards and Indigenous language courses. Recently I had the pleasure of attending my third Wurreker Awards at the Aborigines Advancement League. The awards are an annual event hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Education…

NEW ANGLESEA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB

Construction on the new Anglesea lifesaving clubhouse has officially commenced thanks to funding support from the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today toured the construction site for Anglesea’s modern, fit-for-purpose clubhouse and thanked the club and the community for their work to deliver the new facility. The new building will…

ESP WOOL PRODUCTION PROGRAM WINS PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

A finewool-growing family operation near Winslow in Victoria’s south-west won the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the Small and Medium Enterprises Award at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2019 for their sustainable wool production. Kia Ora Merino’s E.S.P. or Ethical, Sustainable, Profitable wool production is now a feature of the Finnigan family farm, pulling together existing…

HELPING TO CELEBRATE COLAC OTWAY CHILDREN

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the Colac Otway community to host fun and free educational activities and events for local families and children as part of this year’s Children’s Week celebrations. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced three local organisations were among the 118 recipients to receive a grant to help host…

HELPING TO CELEBRATE SOUTH WEST CHILDREN

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the South West community to host fun and free educational activities and events for local families and children as part of this year’s Children’s Week celebrations. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced two local organisations were among the 118 recipients to receive a grant to help host…

HELPING COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS GROW

Children and families in Aireys Inlet and Winchelsea will be well supported thanks to new grants funded by the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today announced local playgroups will share in funding from the $50,000 Great Start Community Playgroup Grants program. Each grant of up to $1000 value will help to…

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:55:00): Today I rise to inform the house of fantastic programs being put into practice in Western Victoria. Congratulations to the recently announced finalists in the Victorian Early Years Awards; seven of the 20 are located in my electorate. They are Delkaia Aboriginal…

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

MS TIERNEY: In the south-west, four colleges—Apollo Bay P–12 College, Lavers Hill K–12 College, Lorne P–12 College and Colac Secondary College—are leading the way in supporting the mental health needs of regional Victorians. Recruitment is already underway to appoint mental health practitioners to work with students in each school every week starting in term 4.…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:13:01): I rise to update the house on Australia’s performance at the recent WorldSkills event in Russia, commonly known as the Olympics of skills and training. Recently our Australian representatives, known as the Skillaroos, including three Victorians, returned home after finishing eighth out…

TANYA MCDONALD

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:40:54): I rise to share several inspiring achievements of residents of Western Victoria. Last Friday I presented the Victorian Training Awards to some fantastic individuals. Outstanding amongst those is Tanya McDonald. Tanya’s award of Koorie Student of the Year recognises a student who…

STAYCEE CHARLES AND BIANCA LAURICELLA

MS TIERNEY: On another note, two constituents were recognised in the Ricci Marks Awards for outstanding young Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a range of fields. Staycee Charles won one of the top awards, which brings a bursary of $5000, for her work in climate change advocacy. Her passion for protecting the…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN TRAINING AWARDS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07:40): I rise to update the chamber on the outstanding success of regional Victoria at this year’s Victorian Training Awards last Friday night. Now in its 65th year, the Victorian Training Awards recognise the achievements of Victoria’s VET sector. Regional Victoria won big-time…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: EDUCATION FIRST YOUTH FOYER PROGRAM

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:33:46): Last month I joined the Minister for Housing, Richard Wynne, and a member for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell, at the launch of the Education First Youth Foyer evaluation report. Youth foyers provide accommodation and training facilities for young people who are…

VICTORIAN DISABILITY AWARDS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:55:28): It is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate the members of Find Your Voice all-abilities choir from Warrnambool on their recent successes. The choir, led by inspiring Warrnambool musician Tom Richardson and facilitator Kylie Thulborn, was recently awarded the…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07:11): I rise to update the house on data relating to participation in the Victorian training system. Yesterday the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, commonly known as NCVER, released its report on government-funded students and courses for the first quarter of 2019.…

WORK STARTS ON HEYWOOD SCHOOL UPGRADE

Students in Heywood will soon have access to the first-rate classrooms and facilities they deserve, with work under way upgrading Heywood and District Secondary College. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Bowden Corporation has been appointed to build the school’s $600,000 upgrade, which will help it deliver a 21st century education. The…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:31:27): This morning I rise to update the house on the tremendous success of Labor’s free TAFE initiative. More than 25 000 students had commenced training in free TAFE courses at the end of June this year, almost double the commencements in these…

KEEPING SENIORS CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY

Seniors living in Lismore are set to get better connected thanks to a $700,000 funding package from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced South West Healthcare will receive $25,000 for their Lismore Derrinallum Safari Lunch Project as part of the package to strengthen seniors’ involvement in the community and…

COASTAL COMMUNITIES SHARE IN COASTCARE FUNDING

Community groups along Victoria’s south west coast will share in more than $260,000 statewide funding from the Victorian Government’s Coastcare Grants Program in 2018/2019. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said, “The Coastcare Community Grants Program supports small-scale community projects in coastal areas, building environmental and community resilience in a changing environment.” “This funding will…

RUSSELLS CREEK CLUB BENEFITS FROM NEW IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Warrnambool’s passionate footballers and cricketers now have a state-of-the-art automated irrigation system at Mack Oval, keeping the ground in top condition year-round thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today officially opened the new irrigation system, made possible with $90,000 from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. The Russells…

WARRNAMBOOL ICON PROTECTED FOR YEARS TO COME

Warrnambool’s historic Wollaston Bridge is currently being restored to its former glory thanks to a grant from the Victorian Government. The Government contributed $195,000 from the Living Heritage Program towards the restoration of the bridge, with Warrnambool City Council also contributing $100,000. The bridge was first built in 1890 to facilitate access across the Merri…

A BIGGER, BETTER GYM FOR COBDEN

Cobden residents can now work out in a modern, well-equipped gymnasium thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney officially opened the new and fully-equipped Cobden Community Fitness Centre today, made possible thanks to $90,000 in funding from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and a further $185,580…

GREEN FUTURE FOR WINCHELSEA GOLF COURSE

Winchelsea Golf Club now has a state-of-the-art automated irrigation system keeping its course green and in excellent condition year-round thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney officially opened the new irrigation system today, made possible thanks to $75,000 from the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Winchelsea Golf…

SAFETY BOOST FOR HEATHMERE LEVEL CROSSING

Safety for motorists and train passengers in Victoria’s west has been boosted following upgrades to the Princes Highway level crossing in Heathmere thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said works to install new boom gates, bells and flashing lights at the level crossing were aimed at preventing serious collisions…

MAKING KINDERGARTENS MORE INCLUSIVE FOR ALL CHILDREN IN WESTERN VICTORIA

The Andrews Labor Government is helping more kindergartens in Western Victoria upgrade their playgrounds and buildings and buy new equipment to support children with additional needs. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the launch of the 2019 round of the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program for local centres. The Victorian Budget 2019/20 included $6 million…

A BOOST FOR CREATIVITY AT WARRNAMBOOL ARTS GALLERY

Warrnambool Arts Gallery will further connect and inspire audience’s thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated Warrnambool City Council, which has received a $46,405 grant to contract a Curator of Cultural Engagement for the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) Maar Nation gallery. The Curator will receive mentorship…

WORK STARTS ON LISMORE SCHOOL UPGRADE

Students in Lismore will soon have access to the first-rate classrooms and facilities they deserve, with work under way upgrading Lismore Primary School. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that BDH Constructions has been appointed to build the school’s $110,000 upgrade, which will help it deliver a 21st century education. The upgrade will…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION FESTIVALS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:45:35): The Queen’s Birthday weekend saw the small Bellarine village of Portarlington transformed as the National Celtic Festival hit town. This festival attracts not only international and interstate performers but thousands of visitors. It is a festival that relies on the work of its…

WARRNAMBOOL EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL

MS TIERNEY: On another note I congratulate Warrnambool East Primary School on an absolutely wonderful achievement: first prize winner of the Community Leadership School of the Year in last week’s 2019 ResourceSmart Schools Awards, announced by Minister D’Ambrosio at the MCG. Warrnambool East Primary School were among a wide field of schools recognised for their…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: SKILLS UPLIFT PROGRAM

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:30:47): I wish to inform the house about a pilot that is helping to break down barriers when it comes to obtaining work in the construction industry. While there is a high demand for workers in this industry, thanks in no small part…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE GIPPSLAND

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:12:52): I rise to update the house on matters pertaining to Federation Training—or it was previously known as Federation Training. Following extensive consultations with the Gippsland communities, Federation Training has now been renamed TAFE Gippsland. This new name means that local students will…

TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:18:15): I thank the member again for her surprising new and renewed and unexpected interest in TAFE, let alone free TAFE. The reality is that this government has encouraged partnership models between industry, private providers and TAFE. We have done that for a…

PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (14:14:55): I am pleased to rise and contribute to this debate. As I understand it, four members from western Victoria will speak on this motion today. That is of little surprise given that, one, we represent the area but, two, I think everyone that…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: FAMILY VIOLENCE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:14:19): Today I wish to update the house on a valuable education initiative that highlights the unique and important role played by Learn Locals. The financial literacy for women affected by family violence initiative is jointly run by the Department of Education and…