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Victorian system in crisis: More mental health workers needed to meet regional and metro demand

Today's mental health announcement from the Andrews Labor Government doesn't go anywhere near far enough to address Victoria's shadow pandemic.

By news@gippsland - 14th September 2021 - Back to News

Calls to KidsHelpline and Beyond Blue have dramatically increased since 2019 and there's been a surge in the number of mental health emergencies among young people through the pandemic. But instead of a plan for more boots on the ground to keep up with the growing demand, today the Andrews Labor Government offered another band aid fix.

The Victorian health system is facing an emergency crisis of its own needing along with more funding and more mental health care workforce to deal with the mental health of Victorians

Extra mental health specialists

Victoria's six lockdowns have dealt a devastating blow to the mental health of every Victorian. It will only get worse if Victorians can't get the mental health support they need, when they need it. Solutions that will deliver an extra 4000 mental health specialists into the workforce are at our fingertips.

Mental Health Minister James Merlino was among the Andrews Labor Government MPs who last week blocked simple reforms proposed by the Liberals and Nationals to fill gaps in the mental health workforce.

Getting Victoria back on track

Our positive plan for better mental health includes practical changes to funding criteria which will deliver an additional 2000 provisional psychologists into the local workforce, as well as common sense changes to Victorian legislation to allow 2000 counsellors to offer guidance counselling at Victorian schools. We need to get Victoria back on track, but Daniel Andrews only has a plan to hold Victoria back.

Common sense plan to unlock extra workers

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said, "Without delivering additional mental health workers all the Andrews Labor Government has done is demand that an under-resourced workforce works even harder. The priority should be fixing gaps in Victoria's fatigued mental health workforce which could be done by supporting the Liberal Nationals' common-sense plan to unlock 4000 extra workers."

Pictures from Your Health in Mind website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Victoria's roads network is in a 'revolting' state of disrepair, according to the people who are risking their lives driving them every day.
• Free online session on making community more resilient with Andrew Leigh and South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Kerryn Ellis
  Q&A session with Andrew Leigh, author of Reconnected - A Community Builder's Handbook.
• Gippsland small and medium businesses can partake in $400 million of support from 'Victorian Business Support Package'
  A new jointly funded package from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will give Victorian small and medium businesses the extra support and confidence they need to recover from the recent lockdown.
• Heavy cuts for regional Victoria in 2022/23 budget due to record debts and costs blowouts from major projects by Andrews Labor government
  Regional Victorians are set to cop further cuts to services and find it even harder to buy a home with today's State Budget no more than a PR repair plan for Daniel Andrews.
• Freedom of Information shows Andrews Labor government native timber ban will cost thousands of Victorian timber jobs by 2030
  Freedom of Information (FOI) documents have today exposed the secret 18-month campaign by State Labor to axe thousands of Victorian jobs in the timber industry.
• Not clear how Gippsland and Latrobe Valley hospitals performing during a pandemic after health services fail to finalise annual reports
  The community has no clear idea of how local regional hospitals are performing during a pandemic after nearly 60 country health services failed to finalise their annual reports.
• LED lights to be installed at Darnum Recreation Reserve with $200,000 funding from Victorian Country Football Netball Program
  The AFL Oval and Netball Courts at Darnum Recreation Reserve will soon undergo much needed upgrades with the installation of new light towers and LED light fittings throughout the facility.
• Mallacoota Gun Club gets $9000 for new solar power system from federal government funding
  Funding for the re-establishment of the facility.
• Walk with dingos and much more while you are at Mt Baw Baw this summer
  Round out the lofty walk with dingoes and a caffeine hit and sweet treat at Village Central.
• Morrison government's plan for stronger Monash is delivering more jobs forecasting to reach nearly four percent in 2022
  The Morrison government's plan for a stronger future that provides cost of living relief, creates more jobs, guarantees essential services and keeps Australians safe, including in Monash.
• High-intensity bushfires and invasive animals biggest risk to Victorian ecosystems
  Report and recommendations made to protect Victori'as ecosystems and combat the devastation of bushfires, invasive weeds and pest animals.
• East Gippsland Shire Council needs resident feedback on health and wellbeing priorities
  East Gippsland Shire Council is leading the development of a new four-year municipal health and wellbeing plan, 'Well placed for Wellbeing 2021-25'.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card can apply for $250 Power Saving Bonus from Victorian government until 31 January 2022
  Calling on the eligible residents to send their application for the rebates they can receive as power saving bonus from the government.
• Free pair of glasses for 176 students across West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor Victorian government
  One thousand more Victorian students can now see more clearly and concentrate better at school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's free Glasses for Kids program.
• Local emergency services for regional Victoria should feature in 2022-23 Victorian budget
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull is hoping to see some key projects ticked off in next week's State Budget.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be more accessible for Gippslanders starting November 2022
  Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the announcement of the deregulation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Licensing as part of the Federal Budget.
• Despite business struggles recovering from pandemic Andrews Labor government budget cuts more from regional development funding
  The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor's funding strip from the regional development fund.
• Feedback needed from local residents on what is to be done with former Yarragon Primary School site in Yolo Street
  Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Masterplan for the site at 3-5 Rollo Street, Yarragon (formally Yarragon Primary School).
• Labor Party and Greens block amendments to doubled maximum fine for illegal entry on Victorian farms
  Victorian farmers waited two long years for tough new on-the-spot fines to stop farm invasions that threaten their safety and farm biosecurity.
• Feedback needed from Baw Baw Shire residents on how we manage pets and pet owner issues
  Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021 - 2025.
• Illegal protests near Snobs Creek in Gippsland's high country are detrimental to local families
  Increased activism at coupes which has a flow-on effect to worksite risks for industry workers, stopping access to timber coupes near Snobs Creek in Victoria's high country.
• Regional kids including Gippsland still locked out of the classroom, but the Andrew's Labor state government won't tell us why
  Andrews Labor Government's decision to force students in regional communities into remote learning.
• Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct on Burrabogie Island upgrade underway with $6.1M funding from Victorian and federal government grants
  Paynesville's much-anticipated Slip Road Maritime Precinct project on Burrabogie Island is progressing, with work on an improved design set to begin.
• Leadership training providers in West and South Gippsland needed to apply for federal Building Resilient Regional Leaders Initiative pilot program
  Applications for funding to support current and emerging regional leaders to develop leadership and resilience skills are now open,eligible training providers are encouraged to send their applications for the grant.
• Community members needed to join workgroup for $30M Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct
  Community members are being sought out by the council and are needed to help guide design and delivery of a landmark precinct.
• Andrews Labor government delivers Australia's first offshore wind farms to drive regional investment, slash emissions and create jobs
  The Andrews Labor government will deliver Australia's first offshore wind farms with a strong plan to drive regional investment, slash emissions and create jobs.
• Bridget Brown from Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club wins silver medal in beach sprints at Victorian Championships 2022
  Life Saving Victoria's best senior athletes from Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) put on a spectacle at Warrnambool SLSC this weekend for the Victorian Championships.
• Peter Walsh says Andrews government vaccine mandate for all Authorised Workers, including farmers is desperate and illogical
  Mandating COVID vaccinations to all farmers and authorised workers.
• Importance of regional not-for-profit aged care facilities in Gippsland
  Victoria needs more residential aged care facilities and support to meet existing and future demand from an ageing population.
• Youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue in Traralgon officially opened as part of Victorian Ice Action Plan
  Latrobe Valley and Gippsland youth to get the alcohol and drugs rehabilitation support they need through Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).
• Andrews Labor government mismanagement of major projects raises red flags to regional Victoria when hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games
  Long-term strategic planning of a 2026 Commonwealth Games will be crucial if regional Victoria is to reap the full benefit of infrastructure upgrades and promotional activities that the event will require.
• Latrobe City Council helps secure $117M funding for local projects from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council thanks the State Government for their investment in local projects as part of the 2022/23 Budget.
• Andrews Labor Government will double capacity of Victoria's Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) network
  An investment to support more young Victorians mental health.
• Gippsland Cancer Care Centre to get new Linear Accelerator as part of $11M funding package from the Victorian 2022/23 budget
  Regional cancer patients will have access to brand new radiotherapy services closer to home, thanks to a massive funding boost in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
• Peter Walsh says financial support needed to revive Royal Melbourne Show competitions after being cancelled second year in a row
  Cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show, is taking away good opportunities for the Victorian.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery to hold exhibition for eight-metre wide painting reflecting iconic Hazelwood Power Station from 2 April to 10 July 2022
  A new exhibition at Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) reflects on the role the iconic Hazelwood Power Station had in the lives of Latrobe City locals over several generations.
• Regional Victoria out of sixth lockdown but we cannot keep living like this
  Call for the government to roll out the rapid antigen test to protect the people as well as the businesses in Victoria.
• Yinnar Primary School and stadium gets $7.3M for upgrades and modernisation from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is making sure students at Yinnar Primary School have better learning environments, with a huge investment to deliver a major upgrade for the growing school.
• Outrage among regional motorists as new data shows most neglected local government areas in country Victoria
  The sad state of country roads is driving outrage among regional motorists with new data painting a picture of Victoria's most neglected local government areas.
• Latrobe Regional Airport looking to take-off under plan that sets out a long-term framework for development
  Council seeking expansion development opportunities for Latrobe Regional Airport that will help them support and grow the aviation operations.
• West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation becomes not-for-profit organisation in Bass Coast Shire
  Council working with West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation on the proposed transition to ensure the required governance changes do not affect the important service and to meet the needs and expectations of the growing community.
• Victoria's Chief Psychiatrist again not involved in decision to extend hard lock down by three more weeks
  More youth are suffering mental ill-health because of Labor's extensive lockdowns.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell plans large exhibition to celebrate 50th birthday
  Exhibition to be held in celebrating Latrobe Regional Gallery's 50th birthday.
• Baw Baw Shire Council securing priority infrastructure funding to meet demands of growing population from Russell Broadbent
  Baw Baw Shire Council advocacy efforts, securing support needed to meet the growing demands of an exploding population.
• Students from regional Victoria that started university in 2021 can apply for scholarship up to $18,000
  Federal Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said students from regional areas who started university this year could still apply for a scholarship worth up to $18,000.
• Desperate Triple-Zero calls unanswered and long ambulance waits from result from Andrews Labor government
  Crisis in Victoria's health system that's being ignored by the Andrews Labor government.
• Dan Andrews walks away from apology opportunity for dismissive comments on toxic bullying culture allegations in Victorian Labor party
  Premier Daniel Andrews has walked away from another opportunity to apologise for comments dismissing a Labor MP's allegations of a toxic bullying culture within the Labor Party as "fantasy".
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium starts 2022 with over twelve major events to boost tourism for Latrobe City
  Latrobe City started the year in style with a baker's dozen of big events bringing in significant visitation and tourism dollars throughout the municipality.
• Promise for additional train services for Shepparton and Warrambool must be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian budget 2022-23
  Additional passenger train services on the Shepparton and Warrnambool lines will remain a far-off dream if next week's State Budget fails to invest in the rolling stock required to deliver them.
• Promise for additional train services for Shepparton and Warrambool must be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian budget 2022-23
  Additional passenger train services on the Shepparton and Warrnambool lines will remain a far-off dream if next week's State Budget fails to invest in the rolling stock required to deliver them.
• Andrews Labor government $6 billion over runs on West Gate Tunnel and Melbourne Metro projects would go a long way to fixing Gippsland roads
  Plan to reduce speed limits on rural roads without increased spending.
• How Labor is helping regional communities like Gippsland recover from storms
  Funding made available to help communities recover from the storm.
• Residents encouraged to take part in developing solutions to meet parking demands in Drouin, Yarragon, and Trafalgar by Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Shire Council is undertaking a thorough assessment of the parking pressures in Drouin, Yarragon, and Trafalgar, and is encouraging residents to take part in helping develop solutions that aim to meet future parking demands.
• Disability access issues on V/Line train network ignored by Andrews Labor government after confirming services would be delivered
  More stories have emerged this week of Victorians with a disability being prevented from travelling on V/Line trains, even after confirming services would be accessible.
• Federal program of regional grants like Building Better Regions Fund need overhaul
  The Federal Government should overhaul its regional grants funding programs which are failing to deliver fair outcomes for communities like Gippsland, according to local MP Darren Chester.
• Mirboo North Pool reopens with updated facilities from $3.6M low interest loan from Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Victorian government scheme
  Mirboo North's updated pool facilities are open in time for summer fun, thanks to a community sports loan from the Victorian Government.
• Andrews Labor government still delay on-the-spot fines for farm trespass
  On-the-spot fines for activists who trespass on Victorian farms and threaten the safety of farm families still aren't in place.
• Youth Prevention and Recovery Care Centre (YPARC) at Parkville opened but not being used due to workforce shortages
  Under-staffed mental health services can't provide the care and preventative support Victorian kids so desperately need.
• Ombudsman says Andrews Labor government border permit scheme downright unjust and inhumane
  The Andrews Labor Government's border permit system has been labelled "downright unjust, even inhumane" in a scathing report released today by the Victorian Ombudsman.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery July 2021
  Update on the Latrobe Regional Performing Arts series or activities.
• Federal government grants MediPharm Labs in Wonthaggi to $466,577 and create more local manufacturing jobs
  Grant to modernize a local company, MediPharm Labs to create greater efficiency and competitiveness.
• Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North gets $8.25M to improve safety and reduce travel time from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is improving safety and travel times along the Strzelecki Highway with a new overtaking lane along the key tourism and agricultural route.
• New Men's Shed Workshop at Neerim Junction on digital technology funded $80,000 from Victorian government
  Council has entered a community lease with Neerim District Community House and Men's Shed to develop a workshop facility located at the former Neerim Junction Tennis Courts, at 17 Court Rd, Neerim Junction.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery August 2021
  50 Years: 50 Artists is a major exhibition to commemorate 50 years of Latrobe Regional Gallery from 4 September to 7 November
• Latrobe Regional Performing Arts July 2021
  Series of new events and performance at Latrobe Performing Arts Centre for the month of July.
• Everyone to enjoy Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon regardless of ability or language with introduction of Access Key
  Latrobe City Council delivers Access Key to customise accessibility to Gippsland Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon
• Andrews Labor Government finally taking a limited approach to lockdown and reduce damage to regional communities
  Labor government finally taking limited approach to lockdown.
• Noojee transition plan from timber industry to be developed by independent project officer with $360,000 from Victorian Forestry grant
  State government initiative that would help support the timber communities and local jobs.
• Liveability and growth reduced in regional Victoria from highly under-serviced by public transport
  Extreme gaps on regional Victoria's public transportation shows that the government fails to provide a plan for the recovery of the region, making it hard for the region's industry and producers to even lesser productivity and profit.
• Andrews Labor government refuses to release details on savage cuts to agriculture scientists and researchers while wasting millions of dollars
  The Labor government cut a further 109 jobs from Agriculture Victoria in recent months, from the pool of about 1100 to 1200 staff - the Victorian government has refused to release exact figures.
• Reinstate density limits and not patron caps for safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
  Victorian Government has been urged to reinstate density limits, not patron caps, for the safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
• Baw Baw Shire Council shares in state funding to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system
  Victorian councils are being supported to roll out new education campaigns to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system, as part of the Victorian Government's goal to divert 80% of waste from landfill.
• Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park trails in Moe to be further extended via Regional Tourism Investment Fund
  Victorian Government is supporting the extension of a popular mountain bike track in Gippsland.
• Limited lockdowns a win for regional communities like Gippsland
  A move to use limited lockdowns, by LGA, gives some long overdue relief and certainty to regional Victorian families, businesses and communities.
• Repairing Morwell River Diversion for Yallourn mine to ensure energy supply agreed on between Energy Australian and Victorian government
  Works to repair the damage in the Morwell River Diversion (MRD) near the Yallourn coal mine to secure Victoria's energy supply have been agreed upon between the Victorian Government and Energy Australia.
• Dan Andrews pandemic bill for Victoria makes no sense when Commonwealth officials working in windowless offices not vaccine mandated
  Victorian government looks set to pass its controversial pandemic bill.
• East Gippsland gets $2M through Regional Connectivity Program to improve mobile voice and data connectivity
  The Federal Member for Gippsland has welcomed over $2 million of funding in this year's budget to improve connectivity in East Gippsland, in partnership with Telstra.
• Puffing Billy tradition of sitting on window sills returns to the iconic heritage Victorian railway
  The time-honoured tradition of sitting on the sills of Puffing Billy will make its long-awaited return to the iconic heritage railway from today.
• Outrageous proposed laws by Andrews government allows Premier to lockdown without warning and if no pandemic disease in Victoria
  New legislation before the Victorian Parliament is seeking to permanently enshrine government over-reach into the lives and livelihoods of regional Victorians.
• Chelle Destefano of Wonthaggi gets Federal Regional Arts Fund Project grant strengthen artistic and creative practice
  Funding that will provide opportunities for artists and arts workers to cultivate creative community.
• Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City Council get extra $13,200 from state government 'Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program'
  Eastern Victorian Councils will receive more funding to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Research underway to strengthen Greater Glider possum population in Latrobe CIty with $50,000 grant from Victorian government
  A research project is underway to study and strengthen the population of the Greater Glider possum, the largest gliding mammal in Australia.
• Business Fibre Zones with 1 GB Internet connections coming to Warragul and Wonthaggi-Inverloch from agreement between state government and NBN Co
  Victorians can look forward to more areas of their state being able to access the highest speed NBN speed tiers under a co-investment agreement between NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) and the Victorian Government, announced today.
• How Labor's tax hike will slug Gippsland farmers, families and businesses
  Victorians pay the highest land taxes in Australia, but still the government is hiking them up even further.
• Andrews Labor government and Greens block changes for better protections against farm trespass in Victoria
  Farmers won't be better protected against illegal and traumatic farm trespass crime unless amendments to on-the-spot fine laws are passed in the Victorian Parliament.
• Moe Play Space in Apex Park gets changing places accessible toilet from Latrobe City Council with $110,000 from Victorian government
  Funding received from the government for changing areas at Apex Park.
• Expelling students with disability to burden families is not the answer to under-resourced Victorian schools
  Data released today confirms soaring rates of expulsion of students with a disability during the pandemic, indicating under-resourced schools are not coping.
• Andrews Labor government axes Agriculture Victoria 145 jobs when Gippsland food and fibre sector will be crucial part of Victoria's recover economy
  The Andrews Labor Government has axed 145 jobs from Agriculture Victoria, at a time when the $17.8 billion food and fibre sector will be crucial to recover and rebuild Victoria's economy.
• Andrews Labor government walks away from promised East Gippsland plantation nursery flagging catastrophic building material shortages
  The Andrews Labor government has walked away from a promise to establish a plantation nursery in East Gippsland today.
• Rapid COVID-19 testing key for getting regional and Gippsland VLine trains back on track
  Lengthy shutdown to Victoria's regional train network is driving a push for rapid testing to be rolled out for staff across the public transport network.
• Damning picture of illegal drug use across Melbourne and regional Victoria Data painted by Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
  Injecting room in the wrong location as the government's response on their neglect on the triple zero emergency service and failure to plan on Victoria's health workforce.
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission report shows massive 30 percent increase in Ice Drug addiction after Victorian lockdowns
  New data pointing to a spike in drug use and addiction has painted a harrowing picture of the impact of lockdowns on the lives of vulnerable Victorians.
• Gippsland live performance presenters and suppliers can apply for state support from event cancellations between May and September
  The Victorian Government is providing more support for live performance events that have been cancelled due to the recent coronavirus restrictions.
• Andrews Labor Government still won't roll it out rapid antigen testing to help revive major events
  Andrews government still not giving a plan to end the uncertainty of lockdown.
• Andrews Labor government dragged kicking and screaming to act on farm trespassing in Victoria
  On-the-spot fines to protect farmers will be introduced to the state parliament.
• Andrews Labor government has neglected our country road and bridge infrastructure and cut funding to the bone
  Government's plan to cut the speed limit across our country's road network.
• Crown Casino reform not complete until thorough investigation of Andrews Labor Government dealings
  Victorian Liberals and Nationals accept the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Crown Casino today.
• New Andrews Labor government housing tax add $20,000 average to cost of buying a home in Gippsland
  New housing tax that will add an average of $20,000 to the cost of buying a home in regional Victoria will be opposed by The Nationals in Parliament.
• Draft statement of planning policy submitted by Bass Coast Shire Council for Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program from Victorian government
  Bass Coast Shire Council will lodge a submission with the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) on the draft Statement of Planning Policy, outlining its concerns.
• Andrews Labor Government 'to work from home if possible' causing strain in many businesses within CBD's across Victoria says Russell Northe
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe submits questions to parliament for the minister for industry support and recovery.
• Calling for applications to chair Regional Development Gippsland committee
  Positions are now open to lead the regional development committees.
• Third batch has $136,000 grants from Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism program to deliver support to creative and cultural sector
  Morrison government's funding support for the creative and cultural sector through Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program.
• Russel Broadbent message for National Suicide Prevention Day and 'R U OK?' Day
  These lockdowns are continually giving pressures on our mental health and well-being. Talking to a friend or anyone around us means giving them support, it's time to call our friends and ask "Are you okay?".
• Andrews Labor government all quiet on planning for Traralgon highway bypass
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says it's critical the Andrews Government accelerates the consultation process for the final planning and design of the long-awaited Traralgon bypass.
• Gippsland Performing Arts Centre officially opened by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas as centerpiece of the $42M Latrobe Creative Precinct
  The much-anticipated Gippsland Performing Arts Centre has opened its doors to the public, with the state-of-the-art space to become a drawcard for locals and visitors bringing top acts to the region.
• Major disruptions to Melbourne CBD and regional trains with the City Loop to close
  Indefinite closure of Melbourne metro's City Loop Network will throw the CBD into chaos at a key moment in the city's recovery.
• South East Melbourne Phoenix migrates to Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in Traralgon for 2022 NBL season
  South East Melbourne Phoenix takes a match against the Adelaide 36ers at the new-look stadium, million dollar upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS).
• The Andrews Labor government invests $5.7 million for new social housing homes in Drouin and Morwell
  Government investment to provide support housing for the less advantaged people.
• Support for senior vocational education students (VET) from Andrews Labor government
  The Victorian Government is making sure every secondary school student whose Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies have been disrupted by the pandemic will receive extra support to complete their certificates.
• Baw Baw Shire Council supports West Gippsland Regional Library transition to not-for-profit
  Endorsing support for West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation to be a not-for-profit organisation.
• Funding applications open for new $3M Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) federal program
  The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021‑22.
• Latrobe Valley paper will continue to be sent by rail for export and distribution as key Gippsland freight service gets stimulus for Victorian government
  Improvements on train tracks that will help ensure its daily runs.
• Part of Gippsland Performing Arts Centre $42M redevelopment opens up opportunities for regional creative community workers
  The Andrews Labor government is supporting local creative workers and community activities in Traralgon, with the unveiling of new spaces, facilities, and training programs at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.
• Backtracking by Andrews Labor government on axing requirement for government to put public notices in local newspapers
  State Labor appears to be backtracking on its latest attack on transparency and accountability which would have axed the requirement for the government to put public notices in the local newspaper.
• East Gippsland Shire Council promotes priorities to regional candidates in lead up to federal 2022 election
  East Gippsland Shire Council's advocacy priorities brought for discussions with the region's federal candidates.
• Gippsland not-for-profit kindergardens can apply for grants from $7.5M from state government fund to improve ventilation
  Victorian Government is helping kindergarten services across Eastern Victoria reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, with support for better ventilation measures to help keep children and staff COVIDSafe.
• Steph Ryan says Victoria's recovery roadmap must have hope for regional hospitality venues that are on their knees
  Victoria's roadmap to recovery must include hope for regional hospitality venues that are on their knees.
• Gippsland welcomes federal budget 2022-23 which includes a range of regional initiatives that will support region to grow and thrive
  Federal budget 2022-23 release to continue support of growing Gippsland.
• Dan Andrews officially opened Morwell Trade Skills Centre (MTSC) as part of a $35.5M rejuvenation of TAFE Gippsland
  The Andrews Labor Government is giving more Gippsland job seekers access to world-class trades training with the opening of a new multimillion dollar Morwell Trade Skills Centre at TAFE Gippsland.
• Blatantly dishonest for Andrews Labor government to claim it has re-opened every recreation site impacted by 2019-20 bushfires
  The State Government's claim it has re-opened every recreation site impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires, is blatantly dishonest, says Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull.
• Russell Northe questions Andrews Labor government Latrobe Valley transition plan as Loy Yang A set now to close from 2040
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe questioned the state government as to why they have failed to develop a transition plan in response to the closure and future closure of power stations in the Latrobe Valley.
• Statewide lockdowns Labor government are killing communities across Victoria including Gippsland
  Decision to call for state lockdown keeps bringing Victorians out of work and resources.
• Proposal to improve pedestrian safety at St Ita's Primary School to Regional Roads Victoria endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council
  Council proposed pedestrian school crossing at St. Ita's primary school.
• Campaign to identify Victoria's most dangerous and hazardous roads launched by Shadow Minister for Roads Steph Ryan with Matthew Guy
  Victorians are being asked to name the state's worst roads in a new campaign to identify the most dangerous hazards that are risking lives on our roads every single day.
• Local community sporting events can now apply for support through the Regional Sports Events Fund of the federal government
  Funding to support local community sporting events is now available through the Federal Government.