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Victorian Liberals and Nationals announce $6 million for Carers Support Group Resources Fund and a Social Enterprise Start-up Fund

The Liberals and Nationals have announced $6 million for a new Carers Support Group Resources Fund and a Social Enterprise Start-up Fund to improve the lives of carers and those they care for.

By news@gippsland - 31st October 2022 - Back to News

State Nationals MP for Gippsland East and Shadow Minister for Disability, Tim Bull, said the Support Group Resources Fund will provide up to $5,000 to every carer support group statewide to be used for a range of purposes. "We know the groups' needs vary from place to place. In some cases, communities might need to purchase resources to share amongst members, others may need to fund outings, engage a guest speaker or a variety of other needs."

Member for Gippsland East and Shadow Minister for Disability, Tim Bull with Carers Victoria CEO, Judith Abbott and Carers Victoria Board Member, Nick Field, celebrating Carers Week at Luna Park recently

Providing more opportunities

Mr Bull said, "The allocation may also be used by groups in the same or neighbouring towns to pool funds for a greater need. We will look at all requests that come forward. In my several discussions this year with Carers Victoria, support for carer mental health and wellbeing has been at the top of the list and the Liberals and Nationals have heard this and want to offer this additional support."

Mr Bull said the Social Enterprise Start-up Fund will provide more employment opportunities for people with a disability. "Locally, Banksia Fine Foods and the Noweyung Banksia Cafe (formerly Cells) are great examples of diverse workplaces where employees are supported through their workplaces, gaining important life skills and both provide meaningful employment opportunities and empowerment for locals with a disability."

"We have some brilliant social enterprises supporting disability employment and these range from coffee shops to egg farms, to nurseries and much more in between," Mr Bull said.

Improve disability employment

Mr Bulls also said, "However, one of the impediments to new social enterprises are the start-up costs. It might be the coffee machine for the cafe, the stock to start a nursery or some type of equipment that is needed. We will partner with the service provider to help them get off the ground, or in the case of an established social enterprise, to branch into a new area."

"Almost one in five Victorians live with a disability, but unfortunately only 53 per cent of those with a disability participate in the workforce, and it is a figure we need to improve. We can do much more and this fund will assist in getting more social enterprises operating the length and breadth of the state and in turn improve disability employment levels." Mr Bull concluded.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Gippsland Water invests $3.4M renewing ageing water and sewer infrastructure across regional communities
  Gippsland Water invested $3.4 million renewing ageing water and sewer assets, replacing 3.9 kilometres of water mains and relining 6.2 kilometres of sewer mains across Gippsland.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron visit Mitchell House to recognise local aged care workers and services
  Federal Member Darren Chester and State MP Martin Cameron visited Morwell Mitchell House, recognising aged care workers and highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate local care for older Gippslanders.
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots.