The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign commencing on the 25th of November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, concluding on the 10th December – Human Rights Day.
The campaign aims to raise awareness at local, national and international levels regarding gendered violence and the important role we all have to play in ending it.
Victoria is the leading jurisdiction in the prevention of family violence in Australia and the campaign continues to be an important event across the Macedon electorate.
Today, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Centre for Non-Violence (CNV) at their Kyneton Hub, to raise awareness of the services that are available locally and to lend her support for the 16 Days of Activism.
The CNV Hub is located at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. CNV works closely with The Orange Door, a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. The Orange Door is available to those living in the Macedon Ranges.
We know that violence against women and girls starts with a lack of respect for women and girls. Ms Thomas is encouraging locals to join her Respect is …. Initiative by taking a photo of themselves and their friends, holding up an answer to the question ‘To me, Respect is…’. Photos can be emailed to mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au to help create an artwork to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism.
The Andrews Labor Government is proudly leading the nation in its commitment to ending family violence, with more than $3.5 billion invested so far into reforming the family violence system. We are implementing every single one of the 227 recommendations that emerged from the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, and we have already implemented 204.
Work is well underway on acquitting the remaining 23 recommendations. Across prevention, early intervention and response – we’re committed to implementing the systemic and cultural change needed to address the drivers of violence.
Family and gendered violence affects all communities. And while we come far, we know we still have a way to go. We each have a role to play in ending violence in our state and, through this campaign, our resolve is only strengthened.
Quotes attributable Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Congratulations to the local organisations, service clubs and local governments who are supporting the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism to end gendered violence.’
‘The Andrews Government is proud to support the Centre for Non-Violence deliver their important services here in Kyneton. I can assure our community that trusted, confidential and free family violence services are available locally.’
“I am proud to live in a community that supports women and families to live in safety'.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign commencing on the 25th of November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, concluding on the 10th December – Human Rights Day.
The campaign aims to raise awareness at local, national and international levels regarding gendered violence and the important role we all have to play in ending it.
Victoria is the leading jurisdiction in the prevention of family violence in Australia and the campaign continues to be an important event across the Macedon electorate.
Today, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Centre for Non-Violence (CNV) at their Kyneton Hub, to raise awareness of the services that are available locally and to lend her support for the 16 Days of Activism.
The CNV Hub is located at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. CNV works closely with The Orange Door, a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. The Orange Door is available to those living in the Macedon Ranges.
We know that violence against women and girls starts with a lack of respect for women and girls. Ms Thomas is encouraging locals to join her Respect is …. Initiative by taking a photo of themselves and their friends, holding up an answer to the question ‘To me, Respect is…’. Photos can be emailed to mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au to help create an artwork to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism.
The Andrews Labor Government is proudly leading the nation in its commitment to ending family violence, with more than $3.5 billion invested so far into reforming the family violence system. We are implementing every single one of the 227 recommendations that emerged from the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, and we have already implemented 204.
Work is well underway on acquitting the remaining 23 recommendations. Across prevention, early intervention and response – we’re committed to implementing the systemic and cultural change needed to address the drivers of violence.
Family and gendered violence affects all communities. And while we come far, we know we still have a way to go. We each have a role to play in ending violence in our state and, through this campaign, our resolve is only strengthened.
Quotes attributable Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Congratulations to the local organisations, service clubs and local governments who are supporting the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism to end gendered violence.’
‘The Andrews Government is proud to support the Centre for Non-Violence deliver their important services here in Kyneton. I can assure our community that trusted, confidential and free family violence services are available locally.’
“I am proud to live in a community that supports women and families to live in safety'.
More of the Gisborne community will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays thanks to the sixth round of Community Shade grants released by the Andrews Labor Government to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks and playgrounds.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP today announced that the Gisborne Football Netball Club will share in over $1.3 million of funding from the latest round of the Community Shade Grants program.
The Shade Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s skin cancer prevention election commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives.
The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.
Good quality shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation when used in combination with other sun protective measures such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Through this program the Government is supporting [insert electorate] to keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer.
In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2,841 new cases and sadly 270 deaths. The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with melanoma was 92 per cent in 2014-2018, compared to 69 percent for all cancers.
The Community Shade Grants Program is complemented by the School Shade Grants Program, which provides shade for Victorian Government schools. In 2021, these programs have awarded 354 grants across Victoria totalling $2.75 million in funding.
So far, these programs have awarded 1988 grants totalling more than $17.5 million in funding across Victoria. Round seven of the Shade Grants Program will open in mid-2022.
It forms part of the Government’s ambitious Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 which sets out a target to halve the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas:
“We know how much Victorians love the outdoors. These grants mean that our local Gisborne community can still enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle while having the necessary shade to protect them from the sun.”
“Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Australia. That’s why this program is so important to ensure Victorian communities are protected from harmful UV rays which could contribute to skin cancer.”
“Our grants programs have helped hundreds of schools and community groups provide the protection Victorians need to prevent cancer and stay SunSmart.”
More of the Gisborne community will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays thanks to the sixth round of Community Shade grants released by the Andrews Labor Government to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks and playgrounds.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP today announced that the Gisborne Football Netball Club will share in over $1.3 million of funding from the latest round of the Community Shade Grants program.
The Shade Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s skin cancer prevention election commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives.
The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.
Good quality shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation when used in combination with other sun protective measures such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Through this program the Government is supporting [insert electorate] to keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer.
In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2,841 new cases and sadly 270 deaths. The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with melanoma was 92 per cent in 2014-2018, compared to 69 percent for all cancers.
The Community Shade Grants Program is complemented by the School Shade Grants Program, which provides shade for Victorian Government schools. In 2021, these programs have awarded 354 grants across Victoria totalling $2.75 million in funding.
So far, these programs have awarded 1988 grants totalling more than $17.5 million in funding across Victoria. Round seven of the Shade Grants Program will open in mid-2022.
It forms part of the Government’s ambitious Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 which sets out a target to halve the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas:
“We know how much Victorians love the outdoors. These grants mean that our local Gisborne community can still enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle while having the necessary shade to protect them from the sun.”
“Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Australia. That’s why this program is so important to ensure Victorian communities are protected from harmful UV rays which could contribute to skin cancer.”
“Our grants programs have helped hundreds of schools and community groups provide the protection Victorians need to prevent cancer and stay SunSmart.”
The Macedon Ranges community will soon have the opportunity to provide more feedback on proposed improvements to Black Forest Drive at in-person listening sessions.
Recently communities have expressed their wish for further opportunities to share their ideas about Black Forest Drive and future safety upgrades.
With COVID-19 restrictions having eased, we are pleased to announce four in-person sessions held in Woodend on Tuesday, 14 December and Macedon on Wednesday, 15 December.
In these sessions we want to hear community ideas, better understand community concerns and identify potential solutions to improve safety on this road.
To ensure attendees' safety and prevent the risk of spreading COVID, entry will be permitted only to people who register in advance through Eventbrite and show vaccination certificates on entry to the session.
The December engagement sessions will build on feedback already received.
This project is being delivered with a $6 million funding commitment in the 2021/22 Victorian Budget.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Black Forest Drive is an important arterial road for locals. The community has told me they want further consultation on these important safety upgrades. I’m pleased Regional Roads Victoria will now undertake that crucial community consultation."
"That's why Regional Roads Victoria are continuing to work with the community to consider how best to deliver important safety improvements along Black Forest Drive, to deliver a safer journey for all road users."
Session details and registration:
Woodend: Tuesday, 14 December, Buffalo Sports Stadium, Rotary Room, 1/29 Forest St, from 4pm-6pm or 7pm-9pm black-forest-drive-info-sessions-woodend.eventbrite.com.au
Macedon: Wednesday, 15 December, Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa, 652 Black Forest Drive, from 4pm-6pm or 7pm-9pm. black-forest-drive-info-sessions-macedon.eventbrite.com.au
For more information and updates about the project please visit: regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/loddon-mallee-improvements/black-forest-drive-safety-improvements
The Macedon Ranges community will soon have the opportunity to provide more feedback on proposed improvements to Black Forest Drive at in-person listening sessions.
Recently communities have expressed their wish for further opportunities to share their ideas about Black Forest Drive and future safety upgrades.
With COVID-19 restrictions having eased, we are pleased to announce four in-person sessions held in Woodend on Tuesday, 14 December and Macedon on Wednesday, 15 December.
In these sessions we want to hear community ideas, better understand community concerns and identify potential solutions to improve safety on this road.
To ensure attendees' safety and prevent the risk of spreading COVID, entry will be permitted only to people who register in advance through Eventbrite and show vaccination certificates on entry to the session.
The December engagement sessions will build on feedback already received.
This project is being delivered with a $6 million funding commitment in the 2021/22 Victorian Budget.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Black Forest Drive is an important arterial road for locals. The community has told me they want further consultation on these important safety upgrades. I’m pleased Regional Roads Victoria will now undertake that crucial community consultation."
"That's why Regional Roads Victoria are continuing to work with the community to consider how best to deliver important safety improvements along Black Forest Drive, to deliver a safer journey for all road users."
Session details and registration:
Woodend: Tuesday, 14 December, Buffalo Sports Stadium, Rotary Room, 1/29 Forest St, from 4pm-6pm or 7pm-9pm black-forest-drive-info-sessions-woodend.eventbrite.com.au
Macedon: Wednesday, 15 December, Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa, 652 Black Forest Drive, from 4pm-6pm or 7pm-9pm. black-forest-drive-info-sessions-macedon.eventbrite.com.au
For more information and updates about the project please visit: regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/loddon-mallee-improvements/black-forest-drive-safety-improvements
Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists now have a safer and more reliable journey thanks to a New Gisborne intersection upgrade, completed six months ahead of schedule.
The Andrews Labor Government invested $11.7 million to upgrade the Station Road and Saunders Road intersection, which involved the installation of traffic lights, dedicated turning lanes, slip lanes, new street lighting and pedestrian crossings.
The intersection upgrade was a 2018 election commitment to improve safety and traffic flow for all road users and support population and economic growth in the Gisborne area.
The intersection is one of the area’s busiest, with approximately 12,000 vehicles, including 720 heavy vehicles, travelling through it daily.
More than 70 new trees will be planted, and final landscaping works, using a local business, will occur in the coming weeks.
Critical weather-dependent ground stabilisation works were completed early in the project, allowing crews to continue through winter and finish well ahead of the original mid-2022 timeline.
The New Gisborne project is one of a number of road-safety improvements rolling out across the region.
Early works have commenced at the nearby Melbourne Road-Kilmore Road intersection upgrade in Gisborne, with service relocations well advanced to allow for construction in 2022.
The $12.5 million upgrade will improve safety, traffic flow, visibility, and address safety concerns from locals about the intersection.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“This upgrade was due to be finished in mid-2022, so to see construction complete and traffic travelling through the intersection six months ahead of schedule is a fantastic outcome.’’
“The Gisborne area is growing, and we need to make sure we keep traffic moving efficiently and safely for the thousands of people who use the intersection each day.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“The traffic lights have been switched on, and the intersection is easier to travel through six months ahead of schedule.”
“Pedestrians who use the intersection to access nearby aged care and childcare, local schools and the railway station now have a safer journey.”
Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists now have a safer and more reliable journey thanks to a New Gisborne intersection upgrade, completed six months ahead of schedule.
The Andrews Labor Government invested $11.7 million to upgrade the Station Road and Saunders Road intersection, which involved the installation of traffic lights, dedicated turning lanes, slip lanes, new street lighting and pedestrian crossings.
The intersection upgrade was a 2018 election commitment to improve safety and traffic flow for all road users and support population and economic growth in the Gisborne area.
The intersection is one of the area’s busiest, with approximately 12,000 vehicles, including 720 heavy vehicles, travelling through it daily.
More than 70 new trees will be planted, and final landscaping works, using a local business, will occur in the coming weeks.
Critical weather-dependent ground stabilisation works were completed early in the project, allowing crews to continue through winter and finish well ahead of the original mid-2022 timeline.
The New Gisborne project is one of a number of road-safety improvements rolling out across the region.
Early works have commenced at the nearby Melbourne Road-Kilmore Road intersection upgrade in Gisborne, with service relocations well advanced to allow for construction in 2022.
The $12.5 million upgrade will improve safety, traffic flow, visibility, and address safety concerns from locals about the intersection.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“This upgrade was due to be finished in mid-2022, so to see construction complete and traffic travelling through the intersection six months ahead of schedule is a fantastic outcome.’’
“The Gisborne area is growing, and we need to make sure we keep traffic moving efficiently and safely for the thousands of people who use the intersection each day.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“The traffic lights have been switched on, and the intersection is easier to travel through six months ahead of schedule.”
“Pedestrians who use the intersection to access nearby aged care and childcare, local schools and the railway station now have a safer journey.”
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.