Mary-Anne Thomas

Works to install a new pedestrian crossing on Victoria Street in Trentham are now complete, better connecting the Primary School and Hepburn Health’s Trentham Aged Care to the town. Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas was joined by Hepburn Shire Mayor Don Henderson and Councillor Licia Kokocinski to inspect the works and said the project, part of the Fixing Country Roads program, has made it safer for pedestrians, especially school children, when they cross this busy road. The upgrade to the crossing includes tactile paving, safety signage and new line-markings. Works are also scheduled to begin later this year on other road upgrades in Trentham as part of the Fixing Country Roads program, including: Bowen Street Church Lane Gamble Street Forrest Street Cranneys Lane These upgrades are part of the $1.5 million funding for Hepburn Shire Council from the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s Fixing Country Roads program, which follows $500,000 from round one of the program. To keep track of this project or check out what other works are underway or planned in your area, visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas “Pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users and this crossing means Trentham locals now have a safer journey to the nearby shops, schools and aged care.” “This crossing means so much to our oldest and youngest residents, and now it’s safer for our most vulnerable residents to get around their beautiful town.”

On the eve of World Mental Health Day, a new specially designed Keep In Touch van has been officially launched in the Macedon Ranges Shire thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Supported by $400,000 from the Labor Government, the KIT van is an initiative of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership and the Department of Health and Human Services – and was launched at a special mental health event at Braemar College in Woodend. The idea for the van was born after the Regional Partnership conducted six “When Life Sucks” forums, which attracted around 200 young people aged 12 to 25 to discuss what was needed to support youth mental health and build resilience in their communities. The KIT van was among the top ideas, complete with technology that will enable access to mental health and well-being resources. It will be staffed by a project worker employed by Anglicare, who will visit towns around the region to promote a positive mental health message, and work in conjunction with other local service providers and a youth crew. An app was also launched today which allows young people to know when the KIT van is in town and includes a directory of local services young people can access. The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership has also allocated $35,000 of seed funding to support the project evaluation design and the initial stages of the App development. To download the app, go to keepintouch.org.au. Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas “The Loddon Campaspe community told the Regional Partnership they were concerned about youth mental health. It’s great to see the Partnership has worked with young people to co-design an initiative which will appeal to young people, tackle mental health issues and boost positive mental health messages in their community.” “We’re proud to have supported the Partnership and young people to deliver this great local project and I can’t wait to see the KIT van out and about across the region.” Quote attributable to Dave Richardson, Chair of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership “Youth input and co-design have been really important to the success of this initiative. I want to thank all the young people who have invested their time in helping design this van and app so that young people in our community have a really useful and relevant tool.”

Hepburn Shire’s bold plan to be the first zero-net emitting council in Australia has scored the Premier’s Sustainability Award in the 2019 Community Category. Working with Renew, a not-for-profit in sustainability for over 35 years, Hepburn Shire has developed a best practice model to reach their goal of zero-net emissions by 2030. Mary-Anne Thomas MP said the Hepburn Z-NET Emission Transitions project demonstrates how Victoria is home not only to leading international sustainability thinkers, but also to local community members committed to working at a grassroots level to address climate change. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, congratulated all winners and finalists across each of the awards' eleven categories, saying ‘It’s inspiring to see such passionate and inspirational people, dedicated to delivering social, economic and environmental benefits for Victoria.” For more information on this year’s finalists and winners, visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au  Quotes attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas MP "In partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, Renew has created an open source blueprint for use by other councils and communities wanting to reduce their carbon emissions.” “Everyone involved with Z-NET should be incredibly proud of this achievement, including Hepburn and Daylesford locals who are working hard to achieve zero-net emissions by 2030.”  

Artisanal producers in the Hepburn Shire will be better equipped to identify business challenges, support each other and connect to the community thanks to a new Hub for Premium Produce supported by the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Danny’s Farm in Blampied to announce the new project, which will receive $570,000 from the Labor Government as part of a joint effort with local council to support artisanal producers and communities in the Macedon region. The hub will provide an opportunity for small-scale and craft producers to have a direct say in the services they need to help them build their skills and knowledge, and access extra resources to grow their businesses and take their produce to the world. The Labor Government’s support, boosted by $150,000 from Hepburn Shire Council, recognises the important contribution that artisanal agriculture and premium food producers make to vibrant and thriving regional communities and to Victoria’s reputation as a world-class agricultural centre. The Hub for Premium Produce was identified as a priority through the Central Highlands Regional Partnership, and secured early support from the Labor Government with $50,000 for a business case as part of the Victorian budget 2018/19. The Hub is being delivered in addition to the Government’s Artisanal Sector Program - which has provided grants to 248 recipients across Victoria, supporting small-scale businesses to invest in skills and training, equipment and small scale infrastructure, and consultancy and advice services. The second round of the program will soon open – with a further $10.2 million in grants to increase production of Victorian craft food and drink, and spread our local produce more widely. Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas “Artisanal producers are a growing and important part of our Victorian agricultural production landscape. This hub is a testament to how the Central Highlands community values the contributions and quality produce – and we’re proud to bring the Hub for Premium Produce to life.” “In Macedon we’re proud of our quality artisanal produce, and I look forward to seeing how this hub will help bring together our small-scale and craft producers and provide them with more opportunities to grow.”

In 2018, I made a public commitment that I would start a Youth Advisory Council if I were elected for another term. I'm thrilled that the Macedon community has entrusted me with another four years as their representative so that I can make good on my promise to young people in my electorate! The aims of the Youth Advisory Council are to provide a platform for the perspectives and priorities of young people across Macedon, to empower young people to take action, show leadership and learn about government and its processes. I want to hear from young people across the Macedon electorate about what matters to them.  Mary-Anne Thomas MP   Who is it for? The Youth Advisory Council is for 12 passionate and community-minded young people from across the Macedon electorate. Applicants should be between the ages of 16 – 26 inclusive and be committed to attending all sessions. What is the commitment? The Youth Advisory Council will meet five times over a year at various locations including at the Victorian Parliament. Why apply for the Youth Advisory Council? The Youth Advisory Council will bring together young people who are interested in taking a leadership role within our community. This unique program will provide participants with the opportunity to build their understanding of government, the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament, and to understand pathways into politics. How can I apply for the Youth Advisory Council? There are 4 simple questions to answer in the application for the Youth Advisory Council. Applicants can answer them in writing  or via a video. What do you love about living in the Macedon electorate? What issues are most important to you, and why? Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council? In your opinion, what do you think is something that could be improved for our community? Applications are now closed.   For more information or any other questions, email korey.fernando@parliament.vic.gov.au        

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