Media Releases

Powell celebrates with local Indigenous graduates

Fri, 25 May 2012 05:47:00 GMT

Jeanette Powell, the Member for Shepparton and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, will tonight address the Koori Employment Enterprises Graduation Dinner in Shepparton.

“The Coalition Government understands that education and training are keys for opening up employment opportunities and the range of benefits having a job brings,” says Mrs Powell.

“I am particularly pleased to be invited to celebrate the achievements of the 12 local Indigenous Victorians who have successfully completed a Certificate III level qualification in Aged Care/Home and Community Care and Disability and Asset Management.

“I understand 8 of today’s graduates have already secured employment with Rumbalara Elder Care Facility which is great news.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that the students have all shown in getting to this point of graduation.

“Aged carers and carers for people with special needs are professionals that provide a valuable and important service to the community and willingly tackle what is a challenging role.

“The Certificate III that the graduates have successfully completed offers more than technical learning. It offers practical experience within the community in the form of a 3 week placement – an important component of the 6 month course that provides real life experience in the field.

“Lowering the entrenched high rates of Indigenous unemployment is an important focus of Victorian Government policy.

“The Victorian Government has adopted a 1% Indigenous employment target for the Victorian public service and is hopeful of improved rates of Indigenous participation in the private sector.

“Reconciliation Week starts on Sunday and it’s important to acknowledge that increasing employment opportunities for Indigenous Victorians is part of process of bringing our community closer together,” Mrs Powell said.

National Sorry Day commemorated

Fri, 25 May 2012 04:12:00 GMT

Two new pieces of artwork, Seedtime 2012 and Harvest 2012, by award winning artist Bindi Cole were at the heart of a ceremony to recognise National Sorry Day at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Parkville today.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell unveiled the two works and congratulated the Royal Women’s Hospital for its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the sensitive way in which it approached its work.

“I commend the Royal Women’s Hospital for providing a culturally welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and its ongoing recognition of National Sorry Day,” Mrs Powell said.

“For the past 10 years the Royal Women’s Hospital has marked National Sorry Day by reflecting upon reconciliation and setting priorities for the year ahead.

“The observance of National Sorry Day, which falls tomorrow, is a time for us all to reflect upon the past injustices suffered by Indigenous people, specifically the Stolen Generations.

“I congratulate Bindi on the two panels, Seedtime 2012 and Harvest 2012, which represent the journey of reconciliation.

“Having talked to a number of Aboriginal artists in the past, I know that their art portrays their own life journey, and that this resonates with the experiences of Indigenous people throughout Australia.

“It is important that we acknowledge our past so that we move into the future with thoughtfulness and respect.

“It is also significant that today’s ceremony coincides with the launch of Koolin Balit: The Victorian Government’s strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012 – 2022.

“Koolin Balit recognises that achieving better health outcomes for Aboriginal people requires attention to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

“Bindi Cole’s artwork at the Royal Women’s Hospital both speaks to that understanding and helps fulfil the objective,” Mrs Powell said.

The artwork was made possible through funding from the Sidney Myer Fund and Manfrotto.

Celebrating Indigenous culture through sport

Fri, 25 May 2012 01:56:00 GMT

Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell has addressed the Victorian Parliament about just how important the Indigenous Round of AFL football has become.

Last Saturday the Minister joined the Long Walk from Federation Square to the MCG before attending the Dreamtime at the G Richmond Essendon match to help foster reconciliation in Victoria.

“I was honoured to walk alongside Michael Long and Indigenous actor Aaron Pedersen and be part of the wonderful atmosphere of support and recognition of Indigenous people,” Mrs Powell said.

“The AFL’s record of embracing and celebrating Indigenous players and their culture provides a positive example for all Australians.

“With Indigenous players making up 11 per cent of AFL lists, the AFL has led by example when it comes to creating opportunities for Indigenous players to achieve at the highest level of competition in the country.

“The annual match between Essendon and Richmond is tremendously popular with a crowd of almost 81,000 attending the match on Saturday night.

“The match was very exciting with Essendon beating Richmond by 19 points and Victorian Indigenous player Nathan Lovett-Murray scoring a crucial goal in the last quarter.

“Melbourne comes alive with Indigenous festivities to mark the AFL’s Indigenous Round and Dreamtime at the G – it is a real opportunity for the community to learn more about and show their support for Indigenous culture.

“It is eight years since AFL and Essendon legend Michael Long started the Long Walk – walking from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of the issues of his people with the Federal government.

“By joining in these celebrations and re-enacting the walk, thousands of Victorians demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation,” Mrs Powell said.

Shaping tomorrow’s libraries

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:17:00 GMT

The Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell is urging the community to contribute to Tomorrow’s Library, a landmark review of Victorian public libraries, and shape their future.

Submissions to Tomorrow’s Library close on Thursday 31 May and will inform a comprehensive report due to be released later this year.

“This consultation is an opportunity for the community to contribute to the development of a future-focused and forward-thinking plan for Victorian public libraries,” Mrs Powell said.

“Public libraries are vital resources within our community and provide invaluable access to knowledge, the latest information technology and a wide range of community services.

“The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring public libraries remain vibrant, modern and effective resources for all Victorians, in partnership with local government,” Mrs Powell said.

The review is being conducted by the bipartisan Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (MAC) re-established by Minister Powell. The members of the MAC include:
· Chair, David Morris MP – Member for Mornington and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government

· Deputy Chair, Joanne Duncan MP – Member for Macedon

· Peter Crisp MP – Member for Mildura

· Cr Rod Fyffe – Municipal Association of Victoria

· Dennis Hovenden – Local Government Professionals

· John Murrell – Public Libraries Victoria Network

· Anne Holmes – Public Libraries Victoria Network

· Sue Hamilton – Chief Executive Officer State Library of Victoria

· John Bennie – City of Greater Dandenong

· Cr Sharon Ellis – Whitehorse City Council

· Cr Judith O'Farrell – Campaspe Shire Council

· Patti Manolis – Geelong Regional Library Corporation

· Mr Colin Morrison – Department of Planning and Community Development

· Mr Dan Harper – MAC Executive Officer

Chair of the MAC on Public Libraries David Morris said around half of Victorians were library members.

“The role of libraries continues to change and evolve – particularly with the impact of emerging technologies,” Mr Morris said.

“We need to develop relevant and effective strategic directions for Victorian public library services, but first, we need to determine what tomorrow’s library might look like.”

Submissions and community contributions can be made at www.tomorrowslibrary.com.au, www.facebook.com/tomorrowslibrary and www.twitter.com/2morrowslibrary

Shepparton students set to Advance in National Volunteer Week

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:48:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell announced today that three Shepparton Secondary Schools will receive funding for students to volunteer in the community, thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $4.5 million Advance program.

National Volunteer Week is being held from 14-20 May 2012.

Advance is a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools. It engages and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 14-18 to actively participate in their community through volunteering.

“Shepparton has a great culture of volunteering and I am very pleased to see the staff and students from McGuire College, Shepparton High School and Wanganui Park Secondary College getting involved in National Volunteer week,” Mrs Powell said.

“This week highlights the wonderful contribution made by volunteers in so many areas, including charities that give to those in need, health care, sporting and recreation clubs, education, arts and social justice.

“As a Meals on Wheels volunteer I understand how appreciative and grateful people are of the service they receive,” Mrs Powell said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that more than 420 schools and 17,000 young people will be participating in the Advance program in 2012.

“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and local community organisations and services,” Mr Smith said.

“The program also provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community.”

“We’re blessed to have so many volunteers and it’s important that the next generation of volunteers learn the joy of giving back to their community,” Mrs Powell said.

“I congratulate the schools and students for their important contributions to our community and I encourage people to consider a role as a volunteer if they are able to do so.”

For more information on the Advance program go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance

Coalition to help councils control roadside weeds

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:38:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government will deliver a significant $7.9 million boost to Victoria’s regional councils over three years to control pest weeds and rabbits on local roadsides.

Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell said the Coalition accepted the recommendation of the Bailey Report on Roadside Weeds and Pests that councils are best placed to control weeds and rabbits on local roadsides.

“The Government will amend legislation to clarify that councils are responsible for controlling roadside weeds and, importantly, that we will assist them to address the challenge,” Mrs Powell said.

“Funding for regional councils to control roadside weeds and rabbits will more than double under the new initiative from around $1 million per year under Labor up to $2.6 million.

“The Coalition Government is committed to helping keep council rates down by sharing the costs of controlling roadside weeds and pests on local roads,” Mrs Powell said.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Government was putting dollars on the table to achieve outcomes.

“Under the former Labor Government infestations of weeds and rabbits spread along municipal roadside because of a lack of funds and legislative confusion,” Mr Walsh said.

“Labor’s road management legislation turned 150 years of weed control practice on its head by making councils the manager of roadsides but denying them the resources to effectively control pests.

“Department of Primary Industries officers were unable to enforce weed control orders on adjoining landholders or councils resulting in roads becoming a haven for pests to spread onto private farming land,” Mr Walsh said.

Mrs Powell and Mr Walsh thanked the members of the Bailey Working Party for their recommendations, especially noting the contribution of the Municipal Association of Victoria and Victorian Farmers Federation.

Young Aboriginal leaders celebrated

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:12:00 GMT

Twenty young Aboriginal achievers were recognised today at the 16th annual Ricci Marks Awards ceremony at the Korin Gamadji Institute in Richmond.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell announced Verhonda Smith from Preston and Benson Saulo from Prahran as the recipients of the 2012 Ricci Marks Award in recognition of young Aboriginal achievers.

“The Victorian Government is committed to advancing the development of Indigenous youth,” Mrs Powell said.

“One of the principles guiding the Victorian Government’s approach to Aboriginal Affairs is that of aspiration, believing that every Victorian should have the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential.

“The Ricci Marks Award is one part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to recognise, support and celebrate young Aboriginal achievers,” Mrs Powell said.

Student of Indigenous Studies and History at Melbourne University, Verhonda (Bonnie) Smith excels in netball and was the captain of the National Indigenous Schoolgirl’s Netball team for two years. Bonnie’s
fundraising efforts for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program led her to the Kokoda Track and remote Kimberley. Bonnie is motivated to promote healthy living and unite the community through sport.

Benson Saulo is the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed as the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations and has inspired many young people throughout Australia. Benson is passionate about
Indigenous youth leadership and presently holds the position of a National Director of the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy.

A $500 Encouragement Award was presented to Edward (Eddie) Bryant, a young Yorta Yorta man from Shepparton. Eddie was the first Aboriginal student at his primary school to become a school captain, and excels in sport and the performing arts. Eddie has learned Auslan so that he may communicate with
friends and family. Eddie aspires to be a strong Indigenous leader and a role model for his community.

“I was delighted to watch Eddie perform in Pekan Summer, written by famed Aboriginal soprano and actor Debra Cheetham,” Mrs Powell said.

The 20 nominees for the 2012 Ricci Marks Award came from around Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Shepparton and the Wodonga/Albury region.

The award is named after the late Ricci Marks, who in 2000 received what was then the Aboriginal Young Achiever Award. The award title was changed to honour Ricci Marks following his death in 2004 at the age of 21. Each award recipient receives a $5,000 bursary to support their future learning and development.

Grants for emergency service organisations now available – Powell

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:08:00 GMT

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell announced today that emergency services volunteer groups can access grants of up to $100,000 for operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Service Peter Ryan has announced almost $12 million in grants are available under the 2012/2013 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Mrs Powell said emergency service volunteers play an extremely important role in helping our community counter with local emergencies like storm damage or the recent flooding and they do so in the face of difficult circumstances.

“It is important for them to be equipped with the right tools to do their job efficiently and these grants are an important part of ensuring our emergency services have the right tools to carry out their roles,” Mrs Powell said.

“Volunteers in the CFA, SES and other emergency services are selfless in their efforts as they give up their time and energy to respond to emergencies and to protect lives and property.

Minister Ryan said our emergency services volunteers play a crucial role in protecting lives and property and the Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to be providing record funding to boost the capability of local volunteers to respond to emergencies.

“By committing more money for equipment and upgrades than ever before, the Coalition Government is ensuring our emergency services groups have the resources they need to continue their vital work in the community,” Mr Ryan said.

The program is open to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service and other eligible volunteer groups.

VESEP will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000.

Applicants must meet a range of criteria and will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from government and respective emergency services organisations.

“Equipment grants such as these are a great example of the way the community, government and emergency services agencies can work together to ensure that we are best placed to respond to emergencies,” Mrs Powell said.

For more information go to www.justice.vic.gov.au or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au

Minister calls for more women in local government

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:08:00 GMT

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell opened the 2012 Australian Local Government Women’s Association conference with a call for action to address the gender imbalance in local government.

“Women outnumber men in Victoria and outnumber men as staff in local government, yet when it comes to leadership positions in local government women are in the minority,” said Mrs Powell.

Less than 30 percent of Victorian councillors are women. In the last local government elections, over a quarter of voter wards and un-subdivided municipalities had no women candidates. Today only 14 of 79
councils have female CEOs.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is taking direct action to expand the pool of intelligent and articulate women candidates,” Mrs Powell said.

The Coalition Government provided $200,000 to fund the Think Women for Local Government 2012 project which is based on the three principles of the Victorian Government Women’s Charter: gender equality, diversity, and women’s active citizenship

“Think Women” forums have been held across the state over the past six months to encourage women to participate and there are more planned.

“It’s through this kind of targeted support and encouragement for women considering candidacy that the imbalance of women at the local government level can really be tackled.

“Women add value to local government, as we do in all aspects of public life, through our broad range of skills, talents and perspectives.

“The World Economic Forum reported in 2010 that improvements in the gender gap were not progressing as quickly in Australia as in other nations.

“Goldman Sachs reported in 2009 that closing the gender gap in employment and increasing leadership positions for women would boost the level of GDP by 11 per cent,” said Mrs Powell.

“I encourage women across the State to actively consider candidacy at the upcoming council elections on the 27 of October this year,” said Mrs Powell.

Powell visits Tatura

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:38:00 GMT

Jeanette went to Tat. That's all.

Monitoring progress at Ararat Rural City Council

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:47:00 GMT

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has released, as promised, a quarterly report from the government-appointed Monitor overseeing the activities and performance of the Ararat Rural City Council.

“I appointed Paul Evans to the role of Monitor in January 2012 and I’m pleased that his report indicates the Council has improved its understanding of and compliance with the Local Government Act,” Mrs Powell
said.

“The residents and ratepayers of Ararat Rural City Council deserve a Council that operates according to law and represents the best interests of the community.

“Last year’s investigation into the Ararat Rural City Council by the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate raised significant concerns regarding the operation of the Council.

“Mr Evans, a former Assistant Commissioner of Victoria Police, was appointed to guide the Council in regard to good governance and administration and assess the implementation of the advice provided.

“The quarterly report indicates the monitor has assisted the Council in ensuring its meetings comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act and that the Council better understands conflict of interest
provisions.

“Mr Evans expressed cautious optimism at Council’s improvement but noted some areas of concern remain.

“Councillors, Council officers and the CEO at Ararat Rural City Council have been very supportive of the monitor’s role and I trust this will continue until his task is complete,” Mrs Powell said.

Extra Councillors for Melbourne City Council

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:49:00 GMT

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has accepted the recommendations of the final report of the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on its electoral representation review of the Melbourne City Council
(MCC).

As a consequence the Melbourne City Council will have the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and 9 Councillors elected to an unsubdivided municipality at council elections on 27 October this year. This is an increase of two Councillors over the current arrangements.

“I’m satisfied the VEC has complied with public consultation process set out in the Act, has given due consideration to the submissions it received and that its recommendations will provide fair and equitable representation for the MCC,” Mrs Powell said.

The VEC review of the Council’s electoral structure was initiated at the request of the MCC.

“Since the last electoral review of the MCC in 2001 there have been substantial changes to the municipality with the incorporation of Docklands and parts of Kensington increasing the population substantially.

“Electoral representation reviews enable the local community to have input into the structure that best meets the needs of the community.

“Legislation to enable the implementation of the VEC’s recommendations in relation to Melbourne City Council was passed by the Victorian Parliament earlier this year.

“Until now the MCC was the only council not required to undergo regular review by the VEC,” Mrs Powell said.

State Government Funds Security Cameras for Shepparton CBD

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:58:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government has awarded Greater Shepparton City Council a $250,000 local crime prevention grant, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

Mrs Powell said she was pleased the council had received funding under the government program to develop a 23-camera CCTV system for the Shepparton CBD.

“I have been calling for security cameras for many years because of the anti-social behaviour in the CBD and I am delighted that our government has listened.

“The camera system will be used as part of a multifaceted approach to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community confidence in their safety in Shepparton,” Mrs Powell said.

“Over the years people have complained to me about anti-social behaviour in Shepparton’s CBD, so any steps that can be taken to improve safety are steps in the right direction.”

“The majority of people do the right thing but we want this majority to feel safer by stamping out the poor behaviour of a few.”

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh said applications for the crime prevention grants were highly competitive, with more than 100 applicants received from councils across the state.

“Action on community safety and crime prevention is a high priority for the Coalition Government and these grants will help to make communities across Victoria safer,” Mr McIntosh said.

“The use of these security cameras will assist in identifying those who commit crimes or behave in an anti-social manner, and hopefully will act as a deterrent,” Mrs Powell said.

Shepparton to celebrate Volunteers Week

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:56:00 GMT

The wonderful work done by volunteers in the Shepparton district will be celebrated during this year’s National Volunteer Week, May 14 to 20, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell said the week highlighted the wonderful contribution made by volunteers in so many areas, including charities that give to those in need, health care, sporting and recreation clubs, education, arts and social justice.

“Shepparton has a good culture of volunteering and many organisations would not exist if not for the generous and tireless work of volunteers,” Mrs Powell said.

“Volunteers don’t generally expect recognition and this week gives the community the opportunity to thank them for their wonderful contribution.

“This year’s theme Volunteers – Every One Counts sends an important message about how even a small commitment to volunteering can mean the difference in survival to charities, sporting clubs, health organisations and other organisations that help those in need.

“As a Meals on Wheels volunteer I understand first hand how appreciate and grateful people are of this meals they receive.

“I congratulate our volunteers for their important contributions to our community, and I encourage people to consider a role as a volunteer if they are able to do so,” Mrs Powell said.

For more information about National Volunteer Week and to order lapel pins or posters go to www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au

Feedback sought on options for Aboriginal Heritage

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:39:00 GMT

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell today released an Issues and Options Paper, seeking community comment, input and feedback as part of the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

The Issues and Options Paper addresses the key issues raised through the first round of
consultations.

Over 80 written submissions were received from Aboriginal groups, industry, local and state government authorities, cultural heritage advisors, and members of the public as part of the first round of consultations.

“Following the second round of submissions and consultations, the findings of the review will be provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the establishment and effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties, which is due to report in September 2012.

“I wish to thank everyone who personally and on behalf of a range of organisations took the time to write submissions and participate in the first round of consultation for the review of the Act.

“I encourage those with an interest in the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria to consider the Issues and Options Paper and to provide feedback before 24 May 2012,” Mrs Powell said.

For additional information please visit www.dpcd.vic.go.au/indigenous