WESTERN VICTORIA: TOURISM

Yesterday’s Age newspaper covered Monday night’s The Age Good Food Guide awards with the title ‘Good food puts country towns on the culinary map’. The restaurant of the year award again went to the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld under the guidance of Dan Hunter, and the best new country restaurant was won by Loam…

ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION: AWARDS

On another note, I congratulate a number of finalists in the 2010 adult and community education (ACE) awards. They are Rachelle Collett from Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre in Corio, outstanding ACE learner; Karen Williams from the Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre, outstanding ACE practitioner; Joanna Weeku from the Werribee Community and Education Centre, outstanding ACE learner; and the…

EASTERN RESERVE, COLAC: NETBALL FACILITIES

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of officially opening the newly upgraded netball facilities at Eastern Reserve in Colac. The Brumby Labor government contributed $60 000 to this project, which involved the resurfacing and extending of six old asphalt netball courts to meet current national and international standards, upgrading existing lighting for night games and…

POSITIONING THE WIMMERA-MALLEE PIPELINE REGION TO CAPITALISE ON NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

I rise to make some comments in regard to the Rural and Regional Committee’s report entitled Inquiry into Positioning the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline Region to Capitalise on New Economic Development Opportunities. I begin by thanking the many people who provided verbal and written submissions to the committee. We were blessed by the standard of contributions as…

REJUVINATED NETBALL HUB IN COLAC NOW OPEN

Teams in the Colac and District Netball Association and Colac Summer Netball Association can now utilise six fully compliant courts with lighting in Eastern Reserve. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, visited the Reserve today to officially open the upgraded netball court facility. “If your passion is netball, or you just want to have a…

MOYNE SERVICES WORKING TOGETHER TO TACKLE CHRONIC DISEASE

Moyne residents with chronic diseases will have easier access to support as part of a $1 million Brumby Labor Government funding boost to local service providers. Announcing the boost, Member for Western Victoria, Gaye Tierney MP said Moyne Health Services would receive $18,000 to develop incentive projects to local partnerships between community health services, local…

SOLAR GRANTS TO HELP WESTERN VICTORIA SHINE

Businesses and community groups in Western Victoria are invited to apply for $3 million of grants in the first round of the Victorian Government’s Solar Photovoltaic Hubs program which will help reduce emissions and create green jobs. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the program, part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Action Plan…

JUDGEMENT DAY FOR WOOLSTHORPE PRIMARY SCHOOL

From Ararat to Altona Meadows, from Woolsthorpe to Wodonga and Melton to Murrayville, a panel of judges is traversing the state to find this year’s winners of the Victorian Schools’ Garden Awards. Woolsthorpe Primary School is one of 31 schools across Victoria being visited by the judges in the next two weeks because it is…

FUNDING OUTCOME FOR WEST PORTLAND RESIDENTS

Gayle Tierney MP was in Portland this morning to inform Clarkston Ray, spokesperson for the West Portland Sewerage Scheme Action Group that the Brumby Labor Government has committed more than $767,000 to Wannon Water for the West Portland Sewerage Scheme. The funding will reduce the contribution of each landowner to the sewerage scheme by $5,770…

EMPLOYMENT: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Treasurer, John Lenders. Can the Treasurer report on how we can measure infrastructure and skills investment over the last several budgets?

Mr LENDERS (Treasurer) — There are several ways, but the most succinct way is to say ’98 000 jobs’.

TOURIST AND HERITAGE RAILWAYS BILL

I rise to speak in favour of the Tourist and Heritage Railways Bill 2010, which will provide for sustainable tourist and heritage railway operations in Victoria. There are three key aspects in the legislation before us today. Firstly, the bill establishes a register of tourist and heritage railway assets; secondly, it provides for the modernisation…

STONY RISES PROJECT

On 22 July I had the pleasure of officially opening the Stony Rises Project at the RMIT Gallery. Stony Rises is an area south-east, south and south-west of Lake Corangamite, with a vast number of basalt rocks as a result of volcanic activity. The project brings together 10 contemporary artists and designers, including interpretations of…

COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY: LETHBRIDGE AND MAUDE BRIGADES

On Sunday I represented the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, in handing over two medium tankers in the Golden Plains shire. The first tanker was handed over to Yvonne Perdrisat, the first woman captain of the Lethbridge Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade. Yvonne is a driving force in the local community. Lethbridge…

STAND-FOR-NOTHING OPPOSITION MISLEAD COMMUNITY WITH CHEAP TRICKS

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP today slammed the lazy, stand-for-nothing Liberal National Opposition for misleading the community with blatantly false claims about Victorian Government road safety policy. Ms Tierney said Opposition MPs had recently distributed community surveys about young driver safety issues that incorrectly stated the Government was considering introducing night time curfews…

THE ULTRANET BREAKS DOWN CLASSROOM WALLS

Western Victorian schools are now connected to the Ultranet – the Victorian Government’s new online portal for government schools that will take government students, parents and teachers into the learning environment of the future. “Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority and our government schools are equipped with the best modern technology available” Member…

MAJOR BOOST TO MAUDE AND LETHBRIDGE CFA BRIGADES

The Golden Plains Shire region received a major boost to its emergency services today when local member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney handed over the keys to two brand new firefighting appliances. Two medium tankers were handed over at separate events at Maude and Lethbridge CFA brigades today. Ms Tierney said the new tankers would…

REFERENCE

I rise and indicate that I will be opposing Mr Kavanagh’s motion. At the outset I also challenge Mr Kavanagh’s assertion that those who oppose his motion this evening are people who reject knowledge and demand to be ignorant. That could not be further from the truth. In terms of the particular issue that is…

WESTERN VICTORIA: TIMBER HARVEST COORDINATOR

On another matter, the Minister for Regional and Rural Development also announced $100 000 to employ a timber harvest coordinator, who will assist the Southern Grampians and Glenelg shires with the blue gum harvests in the area. Timber harvesting in the region is expected to create up to 2000 jobs over the next five years.…

PORTLAND: HARBOUR UPGRADE

On 29 June I joined the Minister for Regional and Rural Development in Portland to announce a $4.6 million upgrade to the Portland harbour. The Brumby Labor government will contribute $3.1 million to the project under the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund, with the remaining $1.5 million from the Glenelg shire. This upgrade will ensure that…

STONY RISES PROJECT OPENS AT RMIT GALLERY MELBOURNE

Some of Western Victoria’s most beautiful landscapes and local history are now on display at RMIT Gallery in Melbourne. The Stony Rises Project, which brings together 10 contemporary artists and designers, includes interpretations of various layers of the narrative of the place, geology, history and the literary, cultural and architectural interpretations that have resulted from…

COLAC: MEN’S SHED

I was also in Colac to represent the Minister for Mental Health in officially opening the Colac men’s shed and announcing $50 000 in relation to that shed. I would like to congratulate Mr Paul Durr and the Colac men’s shed team for the wonderful work they do in the community. I also congratulate Ron…

COLAC: BIOGAS PLANT

On 30 June I had the great pleasure of representing the Minister for Regional and Rural Development to announce $1.5 million in Regional Infrastructure Development Fund funding for the Colac biogas plant project. The project is a first for western Victoria, and it will provide a local solution to a local problem of how to…

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2011 VICTORIAN

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today invited the Western Victorian community to honour inspirational women, by nominating them for the 2011 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. “The Honour Roll is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of women from all sections of the community, different areas of life, and diverse backgrounds,” Ms…

$120,000 FOR STORAGE SPACE AT PORTLAND CIVIC HALL

A $160,000 upgrade to the Portland Civic Hall will provide a more flexible community facility, attracting more commercial shows and creating an estimated five jobs during construction, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today. Announcing a Brumby Government grant of $120,000, Ms Tierney said Portland Civic Hall was Glenelg Shire’s largest venue…

COLAC MEN’S SHED OPEN TO NEW CONNECTIONS

Men of all ages living in the Colac Otway Shire are encouraged to come along and check out the new Men’s Shed in Colac opened today. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP officially opened the purpose-built shed at Skills Connections in Pound Road today and said that Men’s Sheds help reduce social disconnection that…

LORNE: SWIMMING POOL

It gives me great pleasure to advise the house of another excellent project in Western Victoria Region funded by the Brumby government’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to the tune of $758 000. The Lorne community will benefit from the $858 000 project, which involves geoexchange technology to heat the Lorne pool. The technology will allow…

PLANNING: COASTAL SETTLEMENTS OF THE FUTURE

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Could the minister outline to the house the details of the newly announced Coastal Settlements of the Future initiative? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest in these matters. Her extensive region has certainly…

REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA: READY FOR TOMORROW

Last Tuesday, 15 June, I joined the Premier, the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, and a number of government members of Parliament for the launch of the Brumby Labor government’s Ready for Tomorrow — A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria, through which $631 million over five years will deliver five new strategies with…

MEMBER FOR WESTERN VICTORIA WELCOMES THE $631 MILLION VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT BLUEPRINT TO DRIVE GROWTH IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said that Western Victorian rural and regional towns and cities are big winners in the Brumby Government’s announcement of the new $631 million blueprint by the Victorian Government. The Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria delivers a new vision, backed by record funding,…

$4.6 MILLION TO UPGRADE KINDERS, MORE FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced Apex Pre-School Ltd in Elliminyt would receive $200,000 to expand facilities so they can deliver more kinder hours. Ms Tierney said Apex Pre-School Ltd is among twenty-three Victorian kindergartens and child care centres to share in $4.6 million of Brumby Labor Government grants to help…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION: FOOTBALL AND NETBALL CLUBS

On another matter, I wish to congratulate the Anglesea Netball Club, the Kolora-Noorat Football Netball Club, the North Warrnambool Eagles Football and Netball Club, and the Merrivale Football Netball Club on their success in receiving $60 000 each for amenity improvements under the state Labor government’s country football and netball program. Each club, along with…

SOUTH WEST INSTITUTE OF TAFE: WARRNAMBOOL CAMPUS

On Tuesday last week I had the honour of representing the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation and the Premier to officially open the new $12.5 million South West Institute of TAFE building in central Warrnambool, of which the state Labor government contributed $11.3 million. This modern, green building is testament to the Brumby Labor…

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CEMETERY TRUSTS

Polwarth cemeteries are set to benefit from a $732,537 Brumby Government funding boost Gayle Tierney MP, member for Western Victoria announced today. The Brumby Government has provided the money for maintenance grants to small and medium-sized Victorian cemetery trusts, Ms Tierney said. Ms Tierney said eighty two cemetery trusts State-wide will share $732,537 in grants,…

PLANNING: TORQUAY AND JAN JUC

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning. Can the minister update the house on actions the Brumby Labor government has taken to help manage growth in Torquay and Jan Juc? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest in these matters, and I note…

ANDREW SCOTT

I acknowledge and thank Andrew Scott, the chief executive officer of G21, for his tireless work in ensuring that during his tenure all members of G21 continued to work cohesively and in a focused manner, which cemented G21 as a premier regional development organisation. Many of us in this chamber were not able to join…

AUSSIE FARMERS DIRECT: CAMPERDOWN PLANT

Last Thursday I represented the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, and the Premier, John Brumby, in Camperdown where I announced $700 000 of state funding to assist in the establishment of a new dairy processing and bottling plant at the former Bonlac factory. The grant to the Aussie Farmers Direct milk processing…

PLANNING: GEELONG

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Can the minister update the house on any recent announcements that demonstrate how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to plan for a growing Geelong? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I thank the member for her…

FUNDING BOOST FOR FACILITIES AT KOLORA NOORAT FNC

The Kolora Noorat Football Netball Club in Noorat is set to benefit from facility upgrades, thanks to a Victorian Government funding program to help improve football and netball facilities across the state. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the club would receive $60,000 as part of the latest round of the $11.2 million Country…

FUNDING BOOST FOR FOOTBALL AND NETBALL IN ANGLESEA

The Ellimatta Reserve Netball courts through the Anglesea Great Courts Project thanks to a Victorian Government funding program to help improve football and netball facilities across the state. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the facility would receive $60,000 as part of the latest round of the $11.2 million Country Football and Netball…

NEW $220,000 RESCUE TRUCK FOR LORNE VICSES

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today handed over the keys to a $220,000 emergency response vehicle to Lorne VICSES. Ms Tierney said the State Government was committed to ensuring the state’s VICSES volunteers have the resources they need to carry out their important work in the community. “The new Lorne VICSES rescue truck…

$60,000 HELPS UPGRADE LAVERS HILL COMMUNITY HALL

The Brumby Government is supporting the upgrade of a local community hall in Lavers Hill, with a $60,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP. Ms Tierney said an upgrade to the Lavers Hill Hall would provide essential community infrastructure for the town and enhance its liveability. “The Lavers Hill…

$2.6 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR SW INDUSTRY PROJECTS

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced Brumby Government funding totalling $2.6 million for two major industry projects in the south west that will create jobs and make industry more sustainable. On behalf of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development Minister, Jacinta Allan, Ms Tierney announced $700,000 funding for the Aussie Farmers Direct…

FUNDING BOOST FOR FOOTBALL AND NETBALL IN WARRNAMBOOL

Two Warrnambool Football Netball Clubs are set to benefit from facility and ground upgrades, thanks to a Victorian Government funding program to help improve football and netball facilities across the state. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the clubs would receive $60,000 each as part of the latest round of the $11.2 million…

WESTERN DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE: REPORT 2009

I rise to make comment on the Western District Health Service annual report for 2009. It has been an absolute pleasure to read the report to Parliament because this service is a leader in providing health services to the local community. It is a leader in community access and the quality of care it provides.…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

During the past few weeks I have met with many local government representatives and community groups to share the joy over successful projects and applications for future projects. These include a number of local men’s sheds at Winchelsea, Anglesea and Camperdown. Local bowling clubs, Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Bowling Club and Derrinallum Bowling Club, both received…

TOOLONG COMMUNITY HALL: UPGRADE

On Thursday, 13 May, I travelled to the small community of Toolong to announce a $110 000 Brumby government grant from the Small Towns Development Fund to upgrade the community hall. This project will refurbish and extend the hall and provide for the renovation of the kitchen area and the installation of the storage area,…

LEGISLATION REFORM (REPEALS No. 6) BILL

I rise to make a contribution in the debate on the bill before us, the Legislative Reform (Repeals No. 6) Bill 2009. The purpose of this bill is to repeal 63 redundant acts of Parliament. The first five acts in the series repealed approximately 200 principal and amending acts, and once it is passed the…

LOCAL STUDENT WINS STATEWIDE SCHOOL EDUCATION AWARD

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today congratulated Megan Balcombe from Terang College, who was today named a winner in the statewide Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Achievement Awards. “Megan should be exceptionally proud of her achievements in VCAL,” Ms Tierney said. “The VCAL certificate is an excellent alternative to the Victorian Certificate…

TERANG HUB SET TO ROLL

Families in Terang will soon have a new place to get together thanks to a $231,493 boost by the Brumby Labor Government  Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said Victorian Community Support Grant funding was the last step needed to start construction on the $900,000 refurbishment of Community Hub and Grandstand. “The Brumby Labor Government understands…

NEW FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN COLAC

The Community Hub Inc in Colac has received a $5,000 Brumby Government funding boost to support for volunteers. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today that Community Hub Inc had received $5,000 from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants. Ms Tierney said the organisation had received the grant for its Beechy…

$110,000 GIVES NEW LIFE TO TOOLONG HALL

Toolong Hall will be given a new lease of life with a major upgrade backed by a $110,000 Brumby Government grant. Announcing the funding today, Member for Western Victoria said revitalising the hall was a priority for the township’s 150 residents. She said the upgrade would produce benefits across the community, from playgroups to emergency…

PORTLAND TAXI RANK A BOOST FOR PASSENGER SAFETY

An upgraded taxi rank in Portland will provide taxi passengers with a safer environment to catch a cab, announced Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria. Glenelg Shire Council has received $62,628 of funding from the Victorian Government as part of the Taxi Rank Safety Program to improve lighting, seating, road treatment and signage at…

$125,000 TANKER A CENTENARY GIFT FOR BARWON DOWNS CFA

Barwon Downs CFA today celebrated its centenary with the handover of a new $125,000 ultra light tanker. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, MP, handed over the keys to the 550-litre tanker on the 100th anniversary of the brigade’s formation. “Today is an historic day for Barwon Downs CFA,” Ms Tierney said. “For the past…

PLANNING: GEELONG

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Can the minister outline to the house any budget initiatives for the planning portfolio that will benefit the Geelong region? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest in these matters, particularly those relating to…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION: MEN’S SHEDS

I take this opportunity to congratulate those involved in the men’s sheds at Camperdown, Winchelsea and Anglesea. Last Friday the Camperdown men’s shed received $20 000 from the state Labor government for heating and cooling. I record my thanks to Len Wiseman, Alan Thompson and Graeme Fischer for all their hard work in ensuring that…

CRIME: GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I am pleased to make a contribution on this issue and to put the government’s initiatives on the record. As members are aware, last week the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, along with the Premier, made a number of announcements, which essentially involved the single biggest boost to police…

KOROIT: SPORTS STADIUM

Ms TIERNEY — On the same day I had the great pleasure of officially opening the Victoria Park sports stadium in Koroit. Again, it was a great community event chaired by the Moyne shire mayor, Cr James Purcell. I visited this complex during its construction with Cr Ken Gale, who deserves the highest praise for…

KOROIT AND DISTRICT PRIMARY SCHOOL: REDEVELOPMENT

Last Friday I had the pleasure of officially opening the $2.1 million redevelopment of the Koroit and District Primary School. The Brumby Labor government contributed $1.4 million to this redevelopment, and the federal government contributed $600 000. The 200-strong audience heard a heartfelt and emotional speech by the principal, Ms Michelle Bickley, outlining the enormous…

VICTORIAN FAMILIES THE BIG WINNERS IN 2010 STATE BUDGET

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has welcomed a 2010 State Budget that invests heavily in services for Victorian families, cuts taxes and builds for the future – including a record $4 billion boost to Victoria’s hospitals and health system. Regional Victorians will now receive a grant of $26,500 when purchasing a new home,…

$40,000 FOR MEN TO GET TOGETHER IN WINCHELSEA

Men in Winchelsea will soon find themselves learning new skills and enjoying time with friends in a new men’s shed, as one of 25 applicants that have been successful in the latest round of Men’s Shed Program funding. Member for Western Victoria said that Winchelsea Community House Inc had received the $40,000 grant for a…

$50,000 FOR MEN TO GET TOGETHER IN ANGLESEA

Men in Anglesea will soon find themselves learning new skills and enjoying time with friends in a new men’s shed, as one of 25 applicants that have been successful in the latest round of Men’s Shed Program funding. Member for Western Victoria said that Anglesea & District Community House Inc had received the $50,000 grant…

KOROIT SPORTS STADIUM OFFICALLY OPEN

Sporting enthusiasts of all ages in the Western Victoria town of Koroit will again be taking the court in their newly-refurbished stadium. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, today officially opened the Victoria Park Stadium on behalf of the Sport and Recreation Minister, James Merlino. Ms Tierney said the project will cater for…

BOOST TO GRASSROOTS SPORT AND RECREATION IN DENNINGTON

Dennington children, both big and small, will have more opportunities to get physically active thanks to $60,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Dennington Playground Redevelopment. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Warrnambool City Council would receive a grant through the Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities Category. “Victorians love their…

FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL SPORT IN WARRNAMBOOL

The Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Bowling Club is one of 49 local sporting venues set to benefit from facility and ground upgrades, thanks to a Victorian Government funding program to help keep community sport alive and provide long term, sustainable, low water use community sporting facilities. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, said the Warrnambool…

FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL SPORT IN DERRINALLUM

The Derrinallum Bowls Club is one of 49 local sporting venues set to benefit from facility and ground upgrades, thanks to a Victorian Government funding program to help keep community sport alive and provide long term, sustainable, low water use community sporting facilities. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, said the Derrinallum Bowls Club…

$20,000 FOR MEN TO GET TOGETHER IN CAMPERDOWN

Men in Camperdown will soon find themselves with more opportunities to learn new skills and enjoying time with friends in an upgraded men’s shed, as one of 25 applicants that have been successful in the latest round of Men’s Shed Program funding. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said that the Corangamite District Adult Education…

CELEBRATING PORTLAND COASTAL CHAMPIONS

An exciting range of projects to foster young coastal advocates, protect and enhance significant coastal wetlands and cultivate important links between coast and catchment, are among the winners of the 11th Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence, 2010. This year’s awards were hosted by the Victorian Coastal Council and attracted 16 finalists across six different categories.…

GAYLE TIERNEY ANNOUNCES RECORD NEW

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, has welcomed a Brumby Labor Government announcement to add an extra 1,966 police across Victoria in the biggest single boost to police numbers in the state’s history. “We are deploying an additional 1,700 officers to front-line policing as well as freeing up an additional 266 police officers to…

BOOST TO GRASSROOTS SPORT AND RECREATION IN TIMBOON

Timboon children, both big and small, will have more opportunities to get physically active thanks to $60,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Timboon Playground Redevelopment. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Corangamite Shire Council would receive a grant through the Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities Category. “Victorians love their…

BOOST TO GRASSROOTS SPORT AND RECREATION IN ANGLESEA

Anglesea residents will have more opportunities to get physically active thanks to $60,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Lighting Up Anglesea Tennis Project – Stage 2 in Anglesea. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Surf Coast Shire would receive a grant through the Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities Category.…

BOOST TO GRASSROOTS SPORT AND RECREATION IN COLAC

Colac residents will have more opportunities to get physically active thanks to $60,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Colac Skatepark Redevelopment. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Colac Otway Shire would receive a grant through the Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities Category. “Victorians love their sport and recreation, especially…

NEW JOBS FOR PEOPLE WITH EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today announced a $330,200 program to place 70 disadvantaged jobseekers in the Barwon South west region into sustainable employment. “Congratulations to Superior Staff for winning the opportunity to place 70 young retrenched and mature aged workers and neighbourhood renewal jobseekers into jobs in the dairy processing and food…

TIERNEY CALLS ON WORKPLACE SAFETY HEROES TO BE HONOURED

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today called on Western Victorian workplaces to nominate their workplace safety at their workplace for the WorkSafe Victoria Awards 2010.Ms Tierney said nominations for the awards had just opened and Western Victorian workplaces can nominate for a variety of categories including: • Health and Safety Representative of the Year,• Best Health…

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DAIRY WORKERS

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, today announced a $160,000 program to place 16 disadvantaged jobseekers in the western Victorian region into sustainable employment. “Congratulations to Dairy Australia Ltd and the Brotherhood of St Laurence for winning the opportunity to place 16 unemployed dairy workers from Warrnambool to Colac into jobs in the…

MACARTHUR RECREATION RESERVE: PAVILION UPGRADE

On another matter, last Saturday I attended the Macarthur Recreation Reserve to represent the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs and to officially open the upgraded sports pavilion. The new pavilion was put to use on Saturday as the crowd saw the Hawkesdale-Macarthur Eagles take on the Glenthompson-Dunkeld Rams in the season opener. The…

APOLLO BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Recently I had the pleasure of again opening the Apollo Bay Music Festival, where I represented the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding. The 18th Apollo Bay Music Festival had something for absolutely every taste and age, with over 70 acts across 11 stages. There were also fantastic local artists from all over…

HOUSING: COLAC NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL

The matter I wish to raise tonight is for the attention of the Minister for Housing. I call on the minister to provide an update on the progress of the Colac neighbourhood renewal program and to provide support for the Colac men’s shed. The neighbourhood renewal program in Colac started in 2003. On this side…

MICHELLE BICKLEY MILLER

On another note, I would like to congratulate Ms Michelle Bickley Miller, the Koroit and District Primary School principal, who was the runner-up in the Baillieu Myer Rural Education Leadership Scholarship Award. This award acknowledges the work of rural school leaders across Victoria, and it recognises a significant and commendable achievement. Michelle Bickley Miller is…

BIRREGURRA SKATE PARK

Last Sunday I joined many young community members in Birregurra to officially open the Birregurra Skate Park, and what a great start to National Youth Week it was. It is always a pleasure to be in Birregurra, as it really leads the way for small Victorian townships in terms of community involvement and participation. It…

$67 million in safety measures for Victorian roads

A $67 million funding boost from the Brumby Labor Government will improve safety on metropolitan and regional roads across Victoria, including a $160,000 boost for Tyrendarra, Western Victorian MP Gayle Tierney announced today. “The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport network for Victoria, providing important road safety upgrades for local communities,” Ms Tierney…

TIERNEY CONGRATULATES POLWARTH’S CHAMPION VOLUNTEERS

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has congratulated members of the Beeac and Irrewarra CFAs after their success at the 2010 State Rural Fire Brigade Championships in Whittlesea recently. Joining more than 1000 fire-fighters from across the state, the two brigades placed in a number of event including: Beeac A:• 1st for the Wet…

QUEENSCLIFF: SAFE HARBOUR

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister inform the house of how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to strengthen the vibrant tourism industry in Queenscliff, ensuring that it continues to grow for the benefit of towns and regions surrounding…

Geelong Cemeteries Trust: report 2008-09

 I rise to speak on the annual report of the Geelong Cemeteries Trust. Memorial and burial grounds can be places where one can reflect; they are places we visit to deal with the loss of a loved one, to place mementos on their gravesites, and to sit and reflect on their lives and the relationship…

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

On a related matter, I wish the Greek community a very happy Greek Independence Day today. I am sure there will be many celebrations this evening. I am also sure they will be different from the Liberal Party plate-breaking fundraising event exposed by the Geelong Advertiser, where the Greek cultural tradition of breaking plates was…

GEELONG: PAKO FESTA

I wish to congratulate Diversitat for yet another fantastic Pako festival, which was held on 27 February in Geelong and opened by the Premier, John Brumby. The parade winners were Clonard College for the best school entrant. St Patrick’s Primary School won the best use of the theme, and the award for most culturally aware…

GOVERNMENT: PERFORMANCE

 I rise to speak in opposition to the motion before us today. I wish to refer to and place on the record some of the programs and projects this government has been working on in regional Victoria, particularly over the last three and a half years since my election to this house. During that time…

REFERENCE

 I wish to indicate to the house from the outset that the government will not oppose this reference going to the Law Reform Committee. However, in saying that I would like to place a couple of points on the record. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Victoria Police, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and…

RELAY FOR LIFE: GEELONG

Last Friday I had the privilege to attend the Relay for Life ambassadors breakfast in Geelong, which was held at the Geelong Racing Club. This breakfast is an annual event organised by Geelong Relay for Life ambassadors Professor Peter Loney and Roxanne Bennett. This year’s breakfast was the fourth, and its reputation is certainly growing…

RAIL: INFRASTRUCTURE

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Public Transport, Martin Pakula. Can the minister advise the house of measures undertaken to improve rail reliability and infrastructure on the metropolitan network? Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for Public Transport) — I thank Ms Tierney for the question. The Brumby government is…