Media Releases

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.

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

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.

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

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell, representing the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Nicholas Kotsiras, will tonight officially launch the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
Strategy.

“I commend the Greater Shepparton City Council on the manner in which it has developed this important strategy for improving service delivery to the regions with many different communities,” Mrs Powell said.

“In particular I congratulate the council on the extensive consultation it has undertaken in the developing this new strategy.

“The council’s consultation with Shepparton’s many diverse communities and the service providers to those communities has been a feature of the development of the strategy.

“Shepparton Council has a proud history of supporting and celebrating cultural diversity and the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy will further enhance the council’s existing policies.

The 2006 census recorded there were 6,198 people born overseas in the Greater Shepparton Local Government Areas.

“The 2006 census numbers were an increase on the 2001 census figures and I’m confident the 2011 figures will show another increase again,” Mrs Powell said.

“Shepparton’s experience is mirrored throughout Victoria which provides the template for multicultural success in Australia.

“Today more than five million people call Victoria home and almost 45 per cent of us were either born overseas, or have at least one parent born overseas.

“Victorians come from more than 200 countries of origin, speak more than 230 languages and dialects, and follow more than 120 faiths.

“As a migrant myself I understand the importance of the generous welcome Australia offers and the wonderful opportunities our country provides,” Mrs Powell said.

Residents of Tatura will be better placed to access information and communication technology opportunities thanks to a $25,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant provided to the Tatura Community House, Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell said funding has been provided under the government’s Community Information and Communication (ICT) Technology Skills Grants program.

“The Tatura Community House will purchase 10 new computers and a multi-function printer to provide ICT access and training opportunities to those in the community who do not have ready access to this technology,” Mrs Powell said.

“Many residents in Tatura and district are not currently involved with computer training due to the cost and time of travelling to venues, relevance of courses and the cancellation of courses due to small numbers.

“The Tatura Community House will run training programs in Tatura, providing access in a local setting as well as increasing uptake and commencement of classes due to the proximity of the centre,” Mrs Powell said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Community ICT Skills Grants program supported community organisations to increase and develop the use of information and communication technology.

“It is particularly important in assisting those groups within the community who have been traditionally unable to access the benefits of computer technology,” Mr Ryan said.

“Through this program, senior citizens, people with a disability, migrant and refugee communities and Victorians living in remote and isolated locations are being encouraged to get online and develop their skills and knowledge using computers and the internet.

“Effective use of technology not only promotes increased independence, it also provides another setting for social interaction and expands opportunities for employment and education.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support communities across the state through programs such as this which enable individuals to access resources and make the most of opportunities that might otherwise not be available,” Mr Ryan said.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today outlined the Victorian Coalition Government‟s ongoing commitment to public libraries in Victoria at the „Victorians Love Libraries‟ launch at the Clayton Library.

“The Coalition Government is committed to enhancing Victoria‟s public library network to promote lifelong learning opportunities for Victorians,” Mrs Powell said.

“Since coming to office the Coalition Government has injected an additional $6.4 million into recurrent library funding in the next three years to fix a black hole left by the previous Labor Government.

“The Coalition Government has also invested $17.2 million in the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program which will deliver at least 40 new or upgraded library facilities throughout the state during this term of government.

“A further $1 million will be shared amongst local councils, regional library corporations and Vision Australia for the purchase of books as part of the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.”

A landmark bi-partisan review into the future of Victorian library services and funding arrangements is being conducted by the Libraries Ministerial Advisory Committee.

“Libraries are essential community infrastructure that bring the community together, connect us to the wider world and provide unrivalled free access to knowledge, information and entertainment for their members,” Mrs Powell said.

“Libraries are part of the fabric of many communities and the Coalition Government is helping ensure public libraries are welcoming, accessible and safe community environments for people of all ages and from all backgrounds.”

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has encouraged Victoria’s recreational fishing community to seek a constructive engagement with local government to help improve the quality of and opportunity for recreational fishing in Victoria.

Addressing the VRFish State Council meeting in Shepparton today, Minister Powell also noted the economic and social importance of fishing and outlined the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving recreational fishing in the state.

“The Victorian Coalition Government understands the benefits that flow from a vibrant recreational fishing sector and has committed a record $16.2 million towards improving recreational fishing in the state,” Mrs Powell said.

“The $16.2 million in Victorian Government funding will deliver better access and facilities, more fish stocking and will improve and protect fish movement and migration.

“The Victorian Government is also committed to better consultation and engagement with anglers, conducting ongoing research into fisheries and strengthening fisheries compliance.”

Minister Powell noted that locally the Victorian Coalition Government had already embarked on a number of projects including:
• improved boat access for Nathalia residents to the Broken Creek;
• substantial increases in fish stocking throughout the upper, lower and mid sections of
the Goulburn River, Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie; and
• reinstated access to the iconic junction of the Goulburn and Murray Rivers near Echuca.

A 2009 Ernst and Young Economic Study of Recreational Fishing in Victoria found that recreational fishing is estimated to contribute approximately $825 million annually to the gross state product of the Victorian economy.

“The economic contribution to regional communities cannot be underestimated but nor should
the equally important social benefits fishing brings,” Mrs Powell said.

Minister for Local Government and Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell today officially opened the new $1.7 million multi-purpose pavilion at the Shepparton Showgrounds.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Mrs Powell said the new pavilion was a valuable asset for the community.

“The new multi-purpose pavilion will provide for existing cattle and goat needs at the annual Shepparton Show, as well as offer a flexible new venue for a range of other uses throughout the year,” Mrs Powell said.

“Shepparton is a centre for regional tourism events, festivals, exhibitions and conferences and the new pavilion will attract future events that will generate significant economic benefits for Greater Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Showgrounds are an important component of the regions economic and social activity, hosting more than 30 events over the past year.

“The annual Shepparton Agricultural Show attracts over 12,000 visitors and helps bring the wider community together whilst generating significant economic activity,” Mrs Powell said.

Mrs Powell said the new Shepparton Showgrounds multi-use pavilion, which includes a full-length canopy for pedestrian shelter, replaced the Jack Wall, Phillips and Northern cattle pavilions, as well as the TR Trewin goat pavilion.

Mrs Powell said the Victorian Government, through Regional Development Victoria (RDV), had contributed $500,000 towards the overall $1.7 million project.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to boosting the social and economic value of regional Victoria.

“The $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a major component of the Victorian Government’s commitment to support the continued economic development of regional Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“The RGF represents our commitment to drive regional development across the state, to ensure regional Victoria remains a key contributor towards future growth and prosperity.”

Three services in the Goulburn Valley will deliver the Victorian Coalition Government’s new Cradle to Kinder service, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

‘Cradle to Kinder’ is a new intensive parenting support program for vulnerable young mothers and their children, and will receive State Government funding of more than $16 million over four years.

Goulburn Valley Family Care Inc and The Bridge Youth Service will partner together to deliver the service, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative will provide an additional Aboriginal-specific service.

“I am pleased this new, valuable service for young mothers and their children will be operating in Greater Shepparton,” Mrs Powell said.

“There are a large number of mothers aged under 25 in this area and those who need assistance with their baby’s welfare can access about 700 hours of support from pregnancy until the child is four years old.”

“The program can also put parents and their children in touch with other local service providers to ensure all their needs are being met.”

Community Services Minister Mary Woolridge said the program would help vulnerable children get the best start in life by improving their health, safety and development, strengthening the parent-child bond and assisting parents to build their confidence and skills in parenting their children.