The Premier of Victoria

The visit to the Shires of Alpine, Indigo and Towong were the 78th, 79th and 80th respective Community Cabinet visits since the program began. 

During the visit, Minister Pike announced the $4.4 million redevelopment of Beechworth Secondary College. The funds will transform the school into a 21st century learning environment that incorporates the latest in environmentally sustainable design.  Following the redevelopment, students will be able to work in a purpose-built performing arts hub, explore new concepts in the technology centre, and learn more about water conservation, energy use and their impacts on the environment. The redevelopment is part of our Government’s $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, extend, or renovate every school across the State.

In Tallangatta, Minister Wynne also officially opened a new mobile library. The Upper Murray Mobile Library is designed to cater for the growing number of residents aged over 55 years, and it will be an important social focal point for the community. It will also provide activities and services that better meet the community’s changing needs. The comfortable new mobile library is lighter, brighter, and fitted with air conditioning. The new modern shelving allows for more books to be displayed. Our Government has provided the project with $176,525 in funds, in partnership with the Upper Murray Regional Library Corporation who also provided $130,000 to the initiative.  

The formal submissions put forward by the residents and community organisations of Alpine, Indigo and Towong presented Ministers and senior Government officials with a wide range of issues.

  Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 2.05 Mb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 325.50 Kb)

Manningham Community Cabinet - 16 October 2007

The visit to Manningham was the 77th Community Cabinet visit since the program began.

During the visit, Minister Kosky announced a planned review of local bus services in the Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse regions. The review will examine the effectiveness of bus services in meeting the needs of the local community. This review is part of our Government’s Meeting Our Transport Challenges blueprint which was released last year, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing transport issues.

Minister Batchelor visited the revitalised Pines Multipurpose Community Facility which is in its final stages of construction. The Government has invested $600,000 in the Facility’s redevelopment. It will be a terrific venue for Doncaster East residents of all ages, cultures, and abilities to come together centrally, to socialise and participate in educational and recreational activities.

The formal submissions put forward on the day by Manningham’s residents and community organisations, also presented Ministers and senior Government officials with a wide range of issues.

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 382.28 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 189.50 Kb)

Gannawarra, Swan Hill and Buloke Community Cabinet - 26 & 27 September 2007

The visit to the Shire of Gannawarra, the Rural City of Swan Hill and the Shire of Buloke marked the 74th, 75th and 76th respective Community Cabinet visits since the program began.

During the visit, Minister Batchelor announced $495,000 in additional funding allocated for transport improvements in the Southern Mallee region. The funds will provide enhanced transport options for people without cars by making better use of existing assets and services, such as taxis, school buses, route buses, community buses, and volunteer drivers. The funds carry on from the work commenced in 2003, thereby continuing to provide benefits to the region.

Minister Allan also announced assistance that is being provided for the upgrade of the Swan Hill Ethanol plant. Vital road infrastructure associated with the plant will be upgraded with the help of a $400,000 Victorian Government grant. This project is the first to benefit from the Government’s $5 million Biofuels Infrastructure Grants initiative. When completed in early 2009, the plant will create significant additional business opportunities for the region’s community.

Minister Andrews also visited Swan Hill District Hospital and Kerang District Health.  The $200,000 and $100,000 for improvements in Swan Hill’s air conditioning system, and Kerang’s fire hydrant system, are part of $20 million allocated by our Government to upgrading infrastructure critical to health services across Victoria. The funds demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving services for all Victorians.

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 429.57 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 170.50 Kb)

Yarra Community Cabinet - 27 June 2007

The visit to the City of Yarra was the 71st Community Cabinet since the program began.

During the day, Premier Bracks announced a $3.5 million funding project for a Year 11 and 12 centre for Fitzroy High School. The project will give the school’s senior students their own designated learning space incorporating science, art and technology studios. This clears the way for the City of Yarra to achieve its long term vision of improving educational facilities at Fitzroy High School since its reopening in 2004. The project, which will see new science and technology studios, a student lounge, a careers centre and private study spaces, will make Fitzroy High School not just an outstanding educational institution but a community hub. The Victorian Government is committed to investing in high quality education for our young Victorians.

Minister Madden visited the Children’s Farm at St Helier’s in Abbotsford to thank the community for their contribution to the building’s restoration. Collingwood’s Children Farm has long been a popular local attraction and these conservation works will ensure that the building will remain an important part of the City of Yarra’s heritage for years to come.

Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 529.53 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 308.50 Kb)

Mildura Community Cabinet - 28 May 2007

The visit to Mildura was the 70th Community Cabinet since the program began.

During the day, Premier Bracks announced $8 million in funding to relocate the Mildura Freight Gate. The Freight Gate will be moved from its current riverside location, to the Iron Horse intermodal facility at Merbein.

This clears the way for the Mildura Rural City Council to achieve its long term vision of building a thriving river city that fully capitalises on its greatest natural asset, the Murray River. As such, removing the Freight Gate will generate significant new investment and is expected to create around 270 full time jobs.  All this, and the commencement of the $53 million upgrade of the Mildura freight line in September, will provide a huge boost for Mildura.

Ministers attended various forums that took place during the Community Cabinet visit. Covering matters regarding business, tourism, multiculturalism, education, and youth, these forums are an important way of consulting with communities about the issues that matter to them.

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 462.68 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 308.50 Kb)

Moonee Valley Community Cabinet - 24 April 2007

The visit to Moonee Valley was the 69th Community Cabinet since the program began.

During the day, Premier Bracks attended Buckley Park College in Essendon with Minister Lenders and Minister Hulls. The Government announced a $15.8 million funding boost to aid the performance of maths and science students in Victoria. It is important that every student reach numeracy benchmarks, and have the best opportunity to excel in science. This area of education is also crucial to the growth of industries that use science, technology and innovation, and will help Victoria maintain its reputation as a centre of scientific excellence. The Government is committed to investing in the services that matter to Victorian families.

Minister Thwaites gave local residents the opportunity to exchange old showerheads for newer, more water efficient ones. These showerheads can save up to 20,000 litres of water per year, equivalent to a large backyard water tank. They can also help households reduce water and energy bills by up to $60 per year. Victorians continue to work hard to save water.

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF,  490.55 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 308.50 Kb)

East Gippsland and Wellington Shires Community Cabinet - 22 January 2007

These visits marked the 68th set of Community Cabinet visits since the program began.

The Government announced a series of measures to help bushfire affected communities like those in the East Gippsland and Wellington Shires.

Minister for Community Services, Gavin Jennings officially opened the Cunninghame Street community house. The house replaces the previously occupied premises in Pattern Street. It also gives people with disabilities the chance to live within the general community and enjoy the same quality of life as other Victorians. It is wonderful that residents are excited about their new home and settling in well. 

Ministers also received presentations from the Councils of both East Gippsland and Wellington Shires. These presentations gave the members of Cabinet an overview of the effect of bushfires and the needs of communities in the area.

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (PDF, 498.36 Kb)

 Community Cabinet Newsletter from the visit (Word, 302.00 Kb)