Media Releases

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.

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.

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 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

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Jeanette went to Tat. That's all.