The Victorian Government will support Hepburn Shire to enable virtual meetings and continue community engagement during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Local Government Minister Shaun Leane and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, have announced that Macedon Ranges Shire and Hepburn Shire Council will received almost $200,000 towards its technology needs.
The funding comes as part of the $3.8 million 2020 Rural Councils ICT Infrastructure Support Program, designed to help rural councils with the costs imposed by COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and workplaces.
Under the restrictions, councils like the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires have adopted remote working conditions and virtual meetings to keep essential services running, continue consulting with communities and making decisions.
Rural councils face particular challenges meeting the costs of this work, with limited financial resources to fund the training, equipment and other ICT infrastructure required.
Councils will be vital to recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19. Alongside this support package the Government has also extended the successful Growing Suburbs Fund, with $25 million to be committed to interface and peri-urban councils. Successful recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“Macedon Ranges Shire and Hepburn Shire have done fantastic work for our community throughout the pandemic and I’m pleased that the State Government are able to help them work remotely.”
“As we move into recovery from the pandemic, the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires will have an important role to play for our community and we’re making sure they have the tools they need to do the job.”
The Victorian Government will support Hepburn Shire to enable virtual meetings and continue community engagement during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Local Government Minister Shaun Leane and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, have announced that Macedon Ranges Shire and Hepburn Shire Council will received almost $200,000 towards its technology needs.
The funding comes as part of the $3.8 million 2020 Rural Councils ICT Infrastructure Support Program, designed to help rural councils with the costs imposed by COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and workplaces.
Under the restrictions, councils like the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires have adopted remote working conditions and virtual meetings to keep essential services running, continue consulting with communities and making decisions.
Rural councils face particular challenges meeting the costs of this work, with limited financial resources to fund the training, equipment and other ICT infrastructure required.
Councils will be vital to recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19. Alongside this support package the Government has also extended the successful Growing Suburbs Fund, with $25 million to be committed to interface and peri-urban councils. Successful recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“Macedon Ranges Shire and Hepburn Shire have done fantastic work for our community throughout the pandemic and I’m pleased that the State Government are able to help them work remotely.”
“As we move into recovery from the pandemic, the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires will have an important role to play for our community and we’re making sure they have the tools they need to do the job.”
The Victorian Government is helping more people buy their dream home, with thousands of first home buyers spared millions of dollars in stamp duty costs over the past financial year.
That includes in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire regions – where 214 people got the keys to their first home and saved more than $4 million in stamp duty concessions or waivers.
The latest data shows that they were among the 40,000 first home buyers to save a collective $724 million in stamp duty between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.
Across the state, the local government areas of Casey, Wyndham and Hume recorded the highest numbers of stamp duty waivers and concessions, while for regional Victoria, it was Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.
More than 9,400 Victorians paid no stamp duty at all and 381 received the concession when buying their first home in regional Victoria, saving $120 million all up.
Under the Victorian Government’s Homes for Victorians scheme, applicants don’t pay any stamp duty at all on properties under $600,000 and receive a stamp duty concession for property valued up to $750,000.
All applicants who build or buy a new home are also eligible for a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, which is doubled to $20,000 for new homes in regional areas.
The global pandemic is having an impact on the property market and the economy, but the Government's stamp duty concessions are making it easier for young Victorians get their foot in the door of the housing market.
More than 103,000 Victorians have saved close to $2 billion in stamp duty since Homes for Victorians was introduced in 2017.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“We know the global pandemic is having an impact on the property market and the economy, but the Government's stamp duty concessions are making it easier for young Victorians get their foot in the door of the housing market.”
“Since our stamp duty concessions were introduced, we’ve helped more than 100,000 Victorians get the keys to their first home – and for those 65 new families who’ve done just that in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires, I say: welcome home.”
The Victorian Government is helping more people buy their dream home, with thousands of first home buyers spared millions of dollars in stamp duty costs over the past financial year.
That includes in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire regions – where 214 people got the keys to their first home and saved more than $4 million in stamp duty concessions or waivers.
The latest data shows that they were among the 40,000 first home buyers to save a collective $724 million in stamp duty between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.
Across the state, the local government areas of Casey, Wyndham and Hume recorded the highest numbers of stamp duty waivers and concessions, while for regional Victoria, it was Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.
More than 9,400 Victorians paid no stamp duty at all and 381 received the concession when buying their first home in regional Victoria, saving $120 million all up.
Under the Victorian Government’s Homes for Victorians scheme, applicants don’t pay any stamp duty at all on properties under $600,000 and receive a stamp duty concession for property valued up to $750,000.
All applicants who build or buy a new home are also eligible for a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, which is doubled to $20,000 for new homes in regional areas.
The global pandemic is having an impact on the property market and the economy, but the Government's stamp duty concessions are making it easier for young Victorians get their foot in the door of the housing market.
More than 103,000 Victorians have saved close to $2 billion in stamp duty since Homes for Victorians was introduced in 2017.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“We know the global pandemic is having an impact on the property market and the economy, but the Government's stamp duty concessions are making it easier for young Victorians get their foot in the door of the housing market.”
“Since our stamp duty concessions were introduced, we’ve helped more than 100,000 Victorians get the keys to their first home – and for those 65 new families who’ve done just that in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires, I say: welcome home.”
Note - photo taken prior to COVID-19.
Families in Gisborne now have access to bigger, first-class kindergarten facilities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced the completion of Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten’s $735,000 upgrade.
The project has seen an extension to the current building, including new shared office space, child amenities, storage and a new meeting room for parents, staff and other health professionals. The upgrade will also provide families access to an additional 7 kinder places.
The Andrews Labor Government provided $500,000 for the project through the 2019/20 Children's Facilities Capital Program, while Macedon Ranges Shire Council contributed $235,000.
This is part of a $5 billion plan to ensure every Victorian child has access to at least five hours of subsidised three-year-old kinder by 2022, progressively scaled up to 15 hours per week over the next decade.
This will be the largest social, economic and educational reform ever undertaken in early childhood learning in Victoria’s history.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“Every child across Gisborne deserves the very best facilities to get the best start in life, and it’s fantastic to see this important upgrade completed.”
“The upgrade to Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten will give Gisborne’s littlest residents an even better kindergarten experience and strong support from a young age, so they’re ready and prepared for school.”
Note - photo taken prior to COVID-19.
Families in Gisborne now have access to bigger, first-class kindergarten facilities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced the completion of Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten’s $735,000 upgrade.
The project has seen an extension to the current building, including new shared office space, child amenities, storage and a new meeting room for parents, staff and other health professionals. The upgrade will also provide families access to an additional 7 kinder places.
The Andrews Labor Government provided $500,000 for the project through the 2019/20 Children's Facilities Capital Program, while Macedon Ranges Shire Council contributed $235,000.
This is part of a $5 billion plan to ensure every Victorian child has access to at least five hours of subsidised three-year-old kinder by 2022, progressively scaled up to 15 hours per week over the next decade.
This will be the largest social, economic and educational reform ever undertaken in early childhood learning in Victoria’s history.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“Every child across Gisborne deserves the very best facilities to get the best start in life, and it’s fantastic to see this important upgrade completed.”
“The upgrade to Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten will give Gisborne’s littlest residents an even better kindergarten experience and strong support from a young age, so they’re ready and prepared for school.”
Businesses across the Macedon Ranges have changed the way they run in order to keep the community safe under Stage 3 restrictions – including Kyneton-based hospitality business, Colenso.
Colenso was founded by Kathryn Russack a decade ago. Kathryn is well-known across the community and is passionate about using local Macedon Ranges produce to make delicious dishes.
When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect earlier this year, Kathryn Russack and Colenso began working on a plan to ensure they could continue serving great food to the community. Since March, Colenso has been delivering meals to the Macedon Ranges and beyond via their new initiative, 2eatathome.
They have developed a brand-new website and moved their business sales to an e-commerce platform, making it simple for people at home to jump online and order meals to have delivered to their doorstep.
After receiving a $10,000 Business Support Fund grant from the Victorian Government, Colenso bought a refrigerated delivery van – expanding their ability to deliver food to the community safely.
All deliveries are contactless and use reusable transport crates. All packaging is environmentally friendly and fully compostable.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is encouraging people in the Macedon Ranges to support local hospitality businesses like Colenso.
Just as everyone has a part to play in stopping the spread of coronavirus, everyone can play a part in helping support the small businesses who support our community.
The Business Support Fund has provided more than $1.3 billion to more than 75,000 small business operators across the state, with a total of $20,000 available for eligible businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire and $15,000 available throughout the rest of Victoria.
The Victorian Government has to date invested more than $10 billion in the coronavirus health response and economic supports for businesses, workers and families.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“I’m so pleased that the government’s Business Support Fund has enabled Colenso to purchase a new van. With this new addition to their small business, Colenso are not only able to keep the doors open, but prosper in these challenging circumstances.”
“Choosing a meal subscription through a local business like Colenso not only means you’re supporting the business, but you’re also supporting local jobs and our fantastic local producers.”
Quotes attributable to owner of Colenso, Kathryn Russack
“Now we have our refrigerated van we can continue our service to the Macedon Ranges and beyond. I really didn’t think we would be able to progress like we have.”
“The Business Support Fund grant has secured our future as a small family-run hospitality business”
Businesses across the Macedon Ranges have changed the way they run in order to keep the community safe under Stage 3 restrictions – including Kyneton-based hospitality business, Colenso.
Colenso was founded by Kathryn Russack a decade ago. Kathryn is well-known across the community and is passionate about using local Macedon Ranges produce to make delicious dishes.
When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect earlier this year, Kathryn Russack and Colenso began working on a plan to ensure they could continue serving great food to the community. Since March, Colenso has been delivering meals to the Macedon Ranges and beyond via their new initiative, 2eatathome.
They have developed a brand-new website and moved their business sales to an e-commerce platform, making it simple for people at home to jump online and order meals to have delivered to their doorstep.
After receiving a $10,000 Business Support Fund grant from the Victorian Government, Colenso bought a refrigerated delivery van – expanding their ability to deliver food to the community safely.
All deliveries are contactless and use reusable transport crates. All packaging is environmentally friendly and fully compostable.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is encouraging people in the Macedon Ranges to support local hospitality businesses like Colenso.
Just as everyone has a part to play in stopping the spread of coronavirus, everyone can play a part in helping support the small businesses who support our community.
The Business Support Fund has provided more than $1.3 billion to more than 75,000 small business operators across the state, with a total of $20,000 available for eligible businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire and $15,000 available throughout the rest of Victoria.
The Victorian Government has to date invested more than $10 billion in the coronavirus health response and economic supports for businesses, workers and families.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“I’m so pleased that the government’s Business Support Fund has enabled Colenso to purchase a new van. With this new addition to their small business, Colenso are not only able to keep the doors open, but prosper in these challenging circumstances.”
“Choosing a meal subscription through a local business like Colenso not only means you’re supporting the business, but you’re also supporting local jobs and our fantastic local producers.”
Quotes attributable to owner of Colenso, Kathryn Russack
“Now we have our refrigerated van we can continue our service to the Macedon Ranges and beyond. I really didn’t think we would be able to progress like we have.”
“The Business Support Fund grant has secured our future as a small family-run hospitality business”
Mental health is something that affects every Victorian. From teenagers to retirees, mums and dads, and workers in all trades and professions.
Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. All of us will know someone who has experienced mental illness or mental health issues.
We know many people do not seek treatment for their mental health issues, or do not receive the level of care they need.
This is why the Andrews Government has established a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – the first of its kind in Australia. It’s an opportunity to repair and build the modern, contemporary mental health system Victorians deserve.
Access the report here
The Commission will continue to involve people with lived experience of mental illness in its work and in developing the final report.
More information about ongoing engagement work, including the public hearings, will be published on the Commission’s website in coming months.
Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley (pictured far left) was interviewed by the Macedon Youth Council members Laura Crozier and Miranda Johnson-Jones as part of a forum held at Gisborne Secondary College to discuss the findings of the interim report and its impact on the young people of our region.
"For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re are serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.
This is an issue that has deeply impacted our community and I look forward to working with each of you into the future to ensure that we get the best outcomes for our community." Minister Foley
Annie Rowland also spoke about the work that Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group are doing in developing a community support model to better support people living with mental illness or suicidal ideation in the community. To keep informed about the fantastic work this group are doing visit their website here and follow them on Facebook.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SERVICE GUIDE
My Mental Health Contacts & Services Guide is updated annually and goes out to schools, local GP’s and community health services, and contains information about local services, support groups, specialist support, phone apps and more.
Download the guide by right clicking this link – 2019 Mental Health Services Guide
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
Mental health is something that affects every Victorian. From teenagers to retirees, mums and dads, and workers in all trades and professions.
Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. All of us will know someone who has experienced mental illness or mental health issues.
We know many people do not seek treatment for their mental health issues, or do not receive the level of care they need.
This is why the Andrews Government has established a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – the first of its kind in Australia. It’s an opportunity to repair and build the modern, contemporary mental health system Victorians deserve.
Access the report here
The Commission will continue to involve people with lived experience of mental illness in its work and in developing the final report.
More information about ongoing engagement work, including the public hearings, will be published on the Commission’s website in coming months.
Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley (pictured far left) was interviewed by the Macedon Youth Council members Laura Crozier and Miranda Johnson-Jones as part of a forum held at Gisborne Secondary College to discuss the findings of the interim report and its impact on the young people of our region.
"For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re are serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.
This is an issue that has deeply impacted our community and I look forward to working with each of you into the future to ensure that we get the best outcomes for our community." Minister Foley
Annie Rowland also spoke about the work that Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group are doing in developing a community support model to better support people living with mental illness or suicidal ideation in the community. To keep informed about the fantastic work this group are doing visit their website here and follow them on Facebook.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SERVICE GUIDE
My Mental Health Contacts & Services Guide is updated annually and goes out to schools, local GP’s and community health services, and contains information about local services, support groups, specialist support, phone apps and more.
Download the guide by right clicking this link – 2019 Mental Health Services Guide
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
The Toolern Vale community has been successful in their campaign for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Locals and residents from surrounding towns travelling through Toolern Vale will have a safer journey thanks to a speed limit change along on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The Andrews Labor Government has listened to locals and will now implement a speed limit reduction between Gisborne-Melton Road and O’Connell Avenue – from 80km/hour to 60km/hour.
The change will come into effect when new speed limit signs are installed in mid-2020, with the impact on travel time expected to be minimal.
Reducing the speed limit will improve safety for everyone driving through and living in Toolern Vale, especially pedestrians crossing the road to get around town.
The Toolern Vale community have advocated tirelessly to see this important change made, and I want to acknowledge everyone who signed the petition to make it happen.
For updates about the speed reduction visit Vic Roads
The Toolern Vale community has been successful in their campaign for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Locals and residents from surrounding towns travelling through Toolern Vale will have a safer journey thanks to a speed limit change along on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The Andrews Labor Government has listened to locals and will now implement a speed limit reduction between Gisborne-Melton Road and O’Connell Avenue – from 80km/hour to 60km/hour.
The change will come into effect when new speed limit signs are installed in mid-2020, with the impact on travel time expected to be minimal.
Reducing the speed limit will improve safety for everyone driving through and living in Toolern Vale, especially pedestrians crossing the road to get around town.
The Toolern Vale community have advocated tirelessly to see this important change made, and I want to acknowledge everyone who signed the petition to make it happen.
For updates about the speed reduction visit Vic Roads
Sign our petition and tell Prime Minister Scott Morrison that we need $10 million from the federal government to make the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct a reality.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is an ambitious, community-initiated project that will deliver the indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities our community needs now and into the future.
The facilities will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Rd and Hamilton Road and support a wide range of local sporting and community organisations and clubs; and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $11.6 million towards making the Precinct a reality.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria. This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council have announced that the design services tender for the precinct has been awarded to City Collective Pty. Ltd - which means we're one step closer to giving our growing clubs the facilities they need.
It's well past time this vital project was funded, so we need to take action together.
I encourage players, coaches, volunteers, parents and friends to write to the Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, to request the Federal Government contribute their fair share so we can get the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct underway.
If you're uncertain on how to write a letter to the Minister, you can download a handy template here - Letter Template - Minister for Sport.
Send your emails to senator.colbeck@aph.gov.au - and let's keep up the momentum until we see the funding secured!
The Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct will comprise of the following:
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub
The Regional Sports Hub concept is envisioned as a four-to-six court indoor stadium and community activity hub in New Gisborne and is set to feature:
Change rooms and amenities
Indoor sports courts
Storage
Show court
Spectator seating
Multipurpose rooms
Car parking
Sports administration area
Café and social area
Regional Sports Fields
In addition to a new oval complex in New Gisborne, including a regional synthetic surface ground and associated buildings the regional sports fields project will also include recreational facilities such as walking tracks, cycling, passive recreation spaces and playgrounds.
Natural grass sports field
Synthetic surface sports field
Activity area
Car park
Play space
BBQ area
Wet lands/detention basin
Gym equipment
Tennis courts
Cricket nets
Read more about the project developments here
Sign our petition and tell Prime Minister Scott Morrison that we need $10 million from the federal government to make the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct a reality.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is an ambitious, community-initiated project that will deliver the indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities our community needs now and into the future.
The facilities will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Rd and Hamilton Road and support a wide range of local sporting and community organisations and clubs; and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $11.6 million towards making the Precinct a reality.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria. This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council have announced that the design services tender for the precinct has been awarded to City Collective Pty. Ltd - which means we're one step closer to giving our growing clubs the facilities they need.
It's well past time this vital project was funded, so we need to take action together.
I encourage players, coaches, volunteers, parents and friends to write to the Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, to request the Federal Government contribute their fair share so we can get the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct underway.
If you're uncertain on how to write a letter to the Minister, you can download a handy template here - Letter Template - Minister for Sport.
Send your emails to senator.colbeck@aph.gov.au - and let's keep up the momentum until we see the funding secured!
The Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct will comprise of the following:
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub
The Regional Sports Hub concept is envisioned as a four-to-six court indoor stadium and community activity hub in New Gisborne and is set to feature:
Change rooms and amenities
Indoor sports courts
Storage
Show court
Spectator seating
Multipurpose rooms
Car parking
Sports administration area
Café and social area
Regional Sports Fields
In addition to a new oval complex in New Gisborne, including a regional synthetic surface ground and associated buildings the regional sports fields project will also include recreational facilities such as walking tracks, cycling, passive recreation spaces and playgrounds.
Natural grass sports field
Synthetic surface sports field
Activity area
Car park
Play space
BBQ area
Wet lands/detention basin
Gym equipment
Tennis courts
Cricket nets
Read more about the project developments here
Funding to upgrade the intersection at Saunders and Station roads has been delivered and works have begun.
Funding to upgrade the intersection at Saunders and Station roads has been delivered and works have begun.