Construction is underway on a new fire station in Mount Macedon, which will deliver a significant
boost to fire services in the Macedon region.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the site to mark the beginning of the build and to
turn the first sod.
The new $3.1 million facility will be built on the same main road at 595 Mount Macedon Road – and
will provide a modern facility for the local volunteers.
When fully operational, the station will provide more room for the brigade’s appliances to move
around and continue to support the growing population of Mount Macedon and surrounds.
The new station will include three motor-room bays, a multipurpose room with kitchen, separate turn
out facilities for men and women, accessible amenities, a brigade office, workshop and
communications room.
In addition, the large premises will also contain training yard and on-site parking for volunteers.
The Mount Macedon Fire Brigade has 29 registered members and has served the community for about
60 years – having operated out of the existing site for about 55 years – and responds to about 40
callouts a year.
The brigade also supports surrounding emergency services agencies for a range of incidents including
motor vehicle accidents, grassland, residential and industrial fires and Emergency Medical Response.
The new Mount Macedon Fire Station has been funded by the Andrews Labor Government as part of
its ongoing commitment to provide Victoria’s hardworking CFA volunteers the equipment and
infrastructure they need to support their communities.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Firefighters at Mount Macedon do a fantastic job protecting the community - this new station will
give them the space and facilities they need and deserve to enhance the area’s emergency response
capabilities.”
“This brigade has been a central part of the community for almost 60 years, and this Labor
Government’s investment will ensure their important work will continue for many years to come.”
Construction is underway on a new fire station in Mount Macedon, which will deliver a significant
boost to fire services in the Macedon region.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the site to mark the beginning of the build and to
turn the first sod.
The new $3.1 million facility will be built on the same main road at 595 Mount Macedon Road – and
will provide a modern facility for the local volunteers.
When fully operational, the station will provide more room for the brigade’s appliances to move
around and continue to support the growing population of Mount Macedon and surrounds.
The new station will include three motor-room bays, a multipurpose room with kitchen, separate turn
out facilities for men and women, accessible amenities, a brigade office, workshop and
communications room.
In addition, the large premises will also contain training yard and on-site parking for volunteers.
The Mount Macedon Fire Brigade has 29 registered members and has served the community for about
60 years – having operated out of the existing site for about 55 years – and responds to about 40
callouts a year.
The brigade also supports surrounding emergency services agencies for a range of incidents including
motor vehicle accidents, grassland, residential and industrial fires and Emergency Medical Response.
The new Mount Macedon Fire Station has been funded by the Andrews Labor Government as part of
its ongoing commitment to provide Victoria’s hardworking CFA volunteers the equipment and
infrastructure they need to support their communities.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Firefighters at Mount Macedon do a fantastic job protecting the community - this new station will
give them the space and facilities they need and deserve to enhance the area’s emergency response
capabilities.”
“This brigade has been a central part of the community for almost 60 years, and this Labor
Government’s investment will ensure their important work will continue for many years to come.”
The Andrews Labor Government is paying tribute to two government school and education staff from
the Hepburn Shire being recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through
the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated Ms. Bronwyn Barlow and Mr. Peter Geddes
from Daylesford Secondary College and all other education staff members being honoured statewide.
Bronwyn Barlow: Daylesford Secondary College - 45 years
Peter Geddes: Daylesford Secondary College - 50 years
The Recognition of Service program is a chance to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of
teachers and other education staff who have given many decades of service to generations of
Victorian families, with recipients will receiving a personalised Certificate of Recognition and
commemorative booklet.
A total of 219 teachers and staff are being recognised for 40 years of service, 104 staff for 45 years of
service, 50 staff for 50 years of service, six staff for 55 years of service and five staff for 60 years of
service.
The Labor Government is building the Education State so every Victorian family has access to a great
education, close to home.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Working in public education is an extraordinary job – they work hard, change lives and make Victoria a better place for everyone – I thank the dedicated Victorian public education staff for the profound difference they’ve made in the lives of so many kids.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“Whether they work in the classroom or in an office supporting schools, everyone receiving recognition
for their service to public education in our state has helped deliver a great education to generations of
Victorian families.”
“With this year marking 150 years of public education in Victoria, all those recognised should feel proud about contributing to such a great tradition.
The Andrews Labor Government is paying tribute to two government school and education staff from
the Hepburn Shire being recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through
the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated Ms. Bronwyn Barlow and Mr. Peter Geddes
from Daylesford Secondary College and all other education staff members being honoured statewide.
Bronwyn Barlow: Daylesford Secondary College - 45 years
Peter Geddes: Daylesford Secondary College - 50 years
The Recognition of Service program is a chance to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of
teachers and other education staff who have given many decades of service to generations of
Victorian families, with recipients will receiving a personalised Certificate of Recognition and
commemorative booklet.
A total of 219 teachers and staff are being recognised for 40 years of service, 104 staff for 45 years of
service, 50 staff for 50 years of service, six staff for 55 years of service and five staff for 60 years of
service.
The Labor Government is building the Education State so every Victorian family has access to a great
education, close to home.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Working in public education is an extraordinary job – they work hard, change lives and make Victoria a better place for everyone – I thank the dedicated Victorian public education staff for the profound difference they’ve made in the lives of so many kids.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“Whether they work in the classroom or in an office supporting schools, everyone receiving recognition
for their service to public education in our state has helped deliver a great education to generations of
Victorian families.”
“With this year marking 150 years of public education in Victoria, all those recognised should feel proud about contributing to such a great tradition.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local councils and community groups to create better
public spaces and improved streetscapes across the state.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced applications are open in regional
Victoria for the Labor Government’s $20 million Living Local Fund.
The Fund is supporting a wide range of potential projects from upgraded halls to art installations and
community gardens.
The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s Our Regions and our Suburbs: Living Local
Initiative and is designed to ensure local towns in the Macedon electorate will have the
infrastructure and equipment they need to continue to thrive.
Local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants:
· Grants between $20,000 to $200,000 will be available for infrastructure projects including new
playgrounds and community gardens, splash pads, art installations and community halls upgrades,
· Grants between $2,000 to $20,000 will also be available for local councils and community
organisations to undertake minor refurbishments, buy new equipment such as kitchen appliances,
laptops and audio-visual equipment.
Through Metropolitan and Regional Partnerships, the community has advocated the importance of
living locally. The Fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment
purchases for community organisations to improve livability.
Projects in areas most impacted by the pandemic and projects that align with the Government’s 20-
Minute neighbourhood principles will be given priority. The 20-Minute Neighbourhood principle
aims to create local hubs where people can access services, like health facilities, parks and shops
within a 20-minute walk from home.
The Living Local Fund grant applications are now open and will close on Sunday 14 August 2022. For
more information visit djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“It’s great for our towns and communities to have the chance to build better public spaces to bring
communities together”
“The Living Local Fund is a great initiative to provide the infrastructure and equipment that our
communities need, while supporting local jobs and the economy."
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local councils and community groups to create better
public spaces and improved streetscapes across the state.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced applications are open in regional
Victoria for the Labor Government’s $20 million Living Local Fund.
The Fund is supporting a wide range of potential projects from upgraded halls to art installations and
community gardens.
The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s Our Regions and our Suburbs: Living Local
Initiative and is designed to ensure local towns in the Macedon electorate will have the
infrastructure and equipment they need to continue to thrive.
Local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants:
· Grants between $20,000 to $200,000 will be available for infrastructure projects including new
playgrounds and community gardens, splash pads, art installations and community halls upgrades,
· Grants between $2,000 to $20,000 will also be available for local councils and community
organisations to undertake minor refurbishments, buy new equipment such as kitchen appliances,
laptops and audio-visual equipment.
Through Metropolitan and Regional Partnerships, the community has advocated the importance of
living locally. The Fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment
purchases for community organisations to improve livability.
Projects in areas most impacted by the pandemic and projects that align with the Government’s 20-
Minute neighbourhood principles will be given priority. The 20-Minute Neighbourhood principle
aims to create local hubs where people can access services, like health facilities, parks and shops
within a 20-minute walk from home.
The Living Local Fund grant applications are now open and will close on Sunday 14 August 2022. For
more information visit djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“It’s great for our towns and communities to have the chance to build better public spaces to bring
communities together”
“The Living Local Fund is a great initiative to provide the infrastructure and equipment that our
communities need, while supporting local jobs and the economy."
Stories of Aboriginal history and geography are on display for locals and visitors to enjoy at Upper
Coliban Reservoir as part of a park upgrade.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the completed works today which included the
construction of a new shelter, known as a Mayam and walking trail a named Djangi Walendjak.
The site now features paths and landscaping adjacent to the spillway, as well as interpretive signage
telling the stories, history and geography of the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples.
The project also features black glass incorporated into the concrete slab to represent the tachylite
mine that was submerged by the formation of the reservoir. Tachylite is a rock that was used by Dja
Dja Wurrung peoples for making flaked stone tools.
Djandak, a subsidiary of Djaara, designed the Mayam using traditional shapes and incorporating
natural materials and landscaping.
Local sandstone and bluestone has also been used in the landscaping and local timbers used as
structural beams in the shelters and toilets. The plants have been selected due to their traditional
significance to the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through their use as food and fibre plants.
Coliban Water provided $130,000 for the upgrades, giving visitors to the reservoir more options to
get outside and explore the great outdoors while learning about the area’s cultural history.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This is another great example of two corporations working together to acknowledge indigenous
history and culture in the region.”
“It is wonderful for locals of the Macedon Ranges and visitors to the area to be able to come and
learn about the Aboriginal history and geography of this important asset.”
Quote attributable to Damian Wells Managing Director of Coliban Water
“We love partnering on country with Djaara to ensure that their history and culture is visible in the
landscape so that we may all learn and share understanding.”
Quote attributable to Steve Jackson Djandak Enterprise General Manager of Economic
Development
“The Coliban River and surrounding areas are significant areas for the Dja Dja Wurrung people. This
project has been a great opportunity to have Djandak staff on Country building this important
infrastructure."
Stories of Aboriginal history and geography are on display for locals and visitors to enjoy at Upper
Coliban Reservoir as part of a park upgrade.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the completed works today which included the
construction of a new shelter, known as a Mayam and walking trail a named Djangi Walendjak.
The site now features paths and landscaping adjacent to the spillway, as well as interpretive signage
telling the stories, history and geography of the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples.
The project also features black glass incorporated into the concrete slab to represent the tachylite
mine that was submerged by the formation of the reservoir. Tachylite is a rock that was used by Dja
Dja Wurrung peoples for making flaked stone tools.
Djandak, a subsidiary of Djaara, designed the Mayam using traditional shapes and incorporating
natural materials and landscaping.
Local sandstone and bluestone has also been used in the landscaping and local timbers used as
structural beams in the shelters and toilets. The plants have been selected due to their traditional
significance to the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through their use as food and fibre plants.
Coliban Water provided $130,000 for the upgrades, giving visitors to the reservoir more options to
get outside and explore the great outdoors while learning about the area’s cultural history.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This is another great example of two corporations working together to acknowledge indigenous
history and culture in the region.”
“It is wonderful for locals of the Macedon Ranges and visitors to the area to be able to come and
learn about the Aboriginal history and geography of this important asset.”
Quote attributable to Damian Wells Managing Director of Coliban Water
“We love partnering on country with Djaara to ensure that their history and culture is visible in the
landscape so that we may all learn and share understanding.”
Quote attributable to Steve Jackson Djandak Enterprise General Manager of Economic
Development
“The Coliban River and surrounding areas are significant areas for the Dja Dja Wurrung people. This
project has been a great opportunity to have Djandak staff on Country building this important
infrastructure."
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.
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
[simplebooklet src="https://simplebooklet.com/embed.php?wpKey=EDeXcfNZ8Cfv7J1d52CAIA&source=wordpress" width="553" height="1167"]
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.
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
[simplebooklet src="https://simplebooklet.com/embed.php?wpKey=EDeXcfNZ8Cfv7J1d52CAIA&source=wordpress" width="553" height="1167"]
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 $14.8 million towards making the Precinct a reality - $11.6 million in the 2019/20 Budget and $3.2 million as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
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 $14.8 million towards making the Precinct a reality - $11.6 million in the 2019/20 Budget and $3.2 million as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
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.