Media Releases

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

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

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.

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 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.

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today that ten multicultural community groups in the Shepparton district have shared in thousands of dollars of State Government funding.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Senior Citizens Organisational Support Grants have been given to non-for-profit and/or charitable multicultural organisations to assist with their running costs.

“The grants can be used for operational costs, such as rent, utilities, stationery, websites or newsletters or for activities that target members,” Mrs Powell said.

“With our diverse population made up of people from many different countries, Shepparton has some fantastic multicultural organisations doing wonderful work in our community.

“I have been privileged to attend events and speak at functions of many of the organisations that have received a grant through the program.

“I have seen the wonderful work these organisations do in celebrating their own culture whilst embracing the Shepparton community as a whole,” Mrs Powell said.

The local organisations to receive a Senior Citizen’s Organisational Support Grant 2012 are:

Maltese Community of Shepparton and District - $1540
Dutch Australian Society Social Club - $1260
Dutch Independent Senior Citizens of Oz - $1260
Shepparton Italian Social Club Inc - $1680
Shepparton Italian Women’s Group - $1540
Saint Nicolaas Club of Greater Shepparton - $1820
Le Belle Arti - $2310
Shepparton Macedonian Seniors Group - $1500
Tatura Italian Social Club Inc - $2100
Tatura Italian Women’s Group - $1260

Youth organisation Word and Mouth in Shepparton will receive a $2,000 State Government grant for its annual Shine Youth Festival, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

The grant was one of many given across the state by the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week, which runs from April 13-22.

Mrs Powell said she had been involved in Word and Mouth activities in the past and was pleased the Government was able to help out with funding for the group’s annual festival.

“Word and Mouth, an organisation for 16-30 year-olds, has been operating in Shepparton since 2003 and in that time, I have been fortunate enough to attend several of the events they have hosted,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Shine Youth Festival is an annual event for the group, and with the State Government’s contribution, Word and Mouth will be able to host a variety of activities and events, including a BMX, skate and scooter competition and a talent contest.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the theme for this year’s National Youth Week was “Imagine. Create. Inspire”.

“I congratulate the young Victorians who have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.

“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.

“We need to foster an environment where young people feel connected to their community, are able to engage positively with each other and National Youth Week is an opportunity to do that,” Mrs Powell said.

For more information on National Youth Week 2012 go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw/.

For information on depression or anxiety visit www.youthbeyondblue.com or phone 1300 224 636.

A project to encourage community support for local businesses in Mooroopna is being supported with a $10,000 Victorian grant announced today by State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell and Deputy Premier and Regional and Rural Development Minister Peter Ryan.

The Buy Local in Mooroopna project is a response to the recent SPC Ardmona announcement that it would restructure its Goulburn Valley operations with the loss of 150 jobs.

“The company’s Mooroopna manufacturing site will be downgraded to a warehousing facility which, coupled with the 2009 SPC Ardmona factory outlet move to Shepparton, will impact on Mooroopna businesses,” Mr Ryan said.

“Our funding will help pay marketing, promotion, printing, entertainment and associated project costs.”

Mrs Powell said the Buy Local in Mooroopna campaign was a fantastic way to try to encourage locals to support the town.

“There have been hardships experienced by those who lost jobs and owners of other local businesses have been concerned about the town’s future following SPC Ardmona’s downgrade,” Mrs Powell said.

“Hopefully, an effective campaign can help the future of Mooroopna businesses and create a positive, thriving and happy community.”

The campaign will be delivered through an advertising campaign, late-night shopping opportunities and other promotions.

The Victorian Government funding for the Buy Local in Mooroopna project will be provided to Greater Shepparton City Council through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program.

“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative designed to enable regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses which reflect local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.

“It will support stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development in their region.”