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Martin Foley MP

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This week is Heart Week and it’s a great reminde This week is Heart Week and it’s a great reminder to think about our heart health, and if possible, book a 20-minute Heart Health Check with a GP to assess the risk of heart attack or stroke. The @heartfoundationau have a range of tools and information available about heart disease, and you can also check your heart age and book a Heart Health Check. Prioritising heart health has never been so critical. Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia and more than 300,000 Victorians live with heart disease. The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring that every Victorian is able to access the heart healthcare they need. We’re building the Victorian Heart Hospital at Monash University’s Clayton campus, which will play a vital role in training future heart specialists, nurses, and health professionals, and provide regional Victorians with the latest telehealth facilities so they can get the care they need close to home.
It was great to attend the Royal Exhibition Buildi It was great to attend the Royal Exhibition Building this morning and receive my first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. So far Im feeling good. Getting vaccinated is an important way you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and communities from COVID-19. There are 22 vaccination sites open to eligible Victorians and you call 1800 675 398 (select option 1, 1, 1) to discuss which vaccination centre is right for you based on availably, age, and vaccine type.
Victorians in the Goulburn Valley will soon have b Victorians in the Goulburn Valley will soon have better access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and follow-up tests, thanks to Victorian Government funding for a new BreastScreen Victoria Reading and Assessment Service in Shepparton. Set to open later in the year, the new Shepparton service is free and will mean eligible Victorians in the Goulburn Valley can get further testing close to home without travelling to Melbourne for their next appointment. If you are due to screen or have missed an appointment, book by calling 13 20 50 or online at bookings.breastscreen.org.au.
Yesterday was a significant day for the Commonweal Yesterday was a significant day for the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination program in Victoria and I’d like to thank everyone who came forward to be vaccinated. I’d also like to sincerely thank all of the staff working across vaccination sites and in the very busy call centre. Getting vaccinated is something that will protect yourself, your loved ones and the community, and I look forward to receiving my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week. There are 22 vaccination sites open to the eligible public including people over 50, and there will be more to come. Initially, we are asking Victorians to phone up and book if you aren’t headed to a high-volume vaccination centre. You can discuss the centre that’s right for you, based on availability, age and vaccine type by calling 1800 675 398 (and selecting option 1, 1, 1).
We’re giving a funding boost to dozens of busine We’re giving a funding boost to dozens of businesses and organisations critical to LGBTIQ+ Victorians so they can recover from and thrive beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Iconic LGBTIQ+ venues (@the86bar) and small businesses (@hareshyenas), festivals (@chilloutfestival_daylesford), health and community organisations (@minus18youth) are among 25 operations receiving grants of up to $50,000 through our $1.2 million Revitalising the LGBTIQ+ Sector Fund. These funding recipients are at the heart of our LGBTIQ+ communities, and we can’t afford to lose them if we want to emerge from the challenges of this pandemic as a more inclusive state.
Thank you to Fitzroy North Primary School for help Thank you to Fitzroy North Primary School for helping @jamesmerlinomp, @sheenawattmp and I announce the latest expansion of the Smile Squad free dental program today. After the interruption of 2020, it’s great to see these vans rolling out to more public primary and secondary schools around Victoria, making regular, quality dental care more accessible for Victorian families. See the Smile Squad website for more info. New locations to be announced soon. #smilesquad #freedental
I was joined by my colleague @ninataylormp to laun I was joined by my colleague @ninataylormp to launch the first completed mural in the Emerald Hill Court Art Mural Project as part of the South Melbourne Community Capacity Building Initiative on the weekend. The initiative now in its third year seeks to improve outcomes for residents living in public housing estates in South Melbourne. The mural of Joan Maxwell honours her incredible devotion to community since she first became a resident of the Emerald Hill estate back in the early 1960s, having emigrated from the UK. This is a fitting tribute to her selfless legacy, looking out for the needs of others at Emerald Hill. The mural was painted by @melbournesmurals
This morning I was honoured to attend the ANZAC co This morning I was honoured to attend the ANZAC commemorative service in Port Melbourne. Today we pause to remember our fallen heros and all those who have served, past and present, who have displayed courage and self-sacrifice serving our country. The ANZAC Spirit is alive and well and is a symbol of bravery, a symbol of alliance and a symbol of comradeship. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
It was great to be joined by my colleague, @ninata It was great to be joined by my colleague, @ninataylormp at St Kilda Primary School last week, where we met with Principal Susan Higgins and  school leaders to announce that St Kilda Primary school has been successful in their bid for solar panels under the Greener Government School Buildings Program.   The Greener Government School Buildings program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at schools, and to upgrade school facilities to become more energy efficient and sustainable through the installation of solar power systems.  We’re taking action to make sure our schools are more sustainable and more energy efficient. Not only will the environment benefit from this program – installing solar panel systems will help reduce power bills for our schools.
I was pleased to join the Member for Clarinda, Men I was pleased to join the Member for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak, earlier today at @monashchildrenshospital to launch the Moose Imagination Tree. The tree rises through four levels of the hospital providing play, creative and relaxation spaces. The 16-metre tall interactive space has been created to help children recover during their stay in hospital, no matter how long, as well as entertaining their siblings who are visiting. It will help improve the hospital experience for sick kids and give families a break during what can be a stressful time. We know a stay in hospital can be hard for kids, and stressful for their loved ones, which is why it’s great to have this wonderful space at Monash Children’s Hospital where they can have fun and relax. Thanks to The Walt Disney Company and Moose Toys who made this incredible space a reality.
It was great to be at Layfield Court today with th It was great to be at Layfield Court today with the C19 team who were administering the COVID-19 vaccine to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. The C19 program is an important part of Victoria's vaccination system that will help us to ensure everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Congratulations to all the local clubs including A Congratulations to all the local clubs including Albert Park Football club, Middle Parl Bowling Club, Padraig Pearse Gaelic Athletic Association, Port Colts Football Club, Melbourne Giants Softball Club , Powerhouse & St Kilda Districts Hockey Club, Rowing Victoria, Port Phillip Spiders FC, Albert Park Yacht Club, Melbourne Hellenic Cricket Club, Powerhouse and the St Kilda Districts Hockey Club on successfully scoring a grant from the latest round of Andrews Labor Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program. This round of the Sporting Club Grants Program provides clubs with additional support to bounce back from the pandemic, as well as help purchasing uniforms, equipment and accessing training. The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to make sport more accessible and inclusive, stimulate local economies, build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities and increase local participation as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
We have a vibrant health and wellness culture in P We have a vibrant health and wellness culture in Port Melbourne. I visited local businesses this morning for the Port's Day of Wellness ‘Open Day’. Healthy communities are good for every body and it was pleasing to see many of the businesses participating were booked out and going strong. Thanks to George at Georges Green Room, the team at Acai Brothers (Port Melbourne) and Port Melbourne Physiotherapy and Pilates for your hospitality. #supportlocal #portmelbournewellness  @3207port
The Victorian Government will always support those The Victorian Government will always support those that support the LGBTIQ+ community. LGBTIQ+ Victorians should be accepted and celebrated for who they are, and it is up to all of us to speak up, and treat each other with respect. This includes speaking out against harmful, hateful and frankly, incorrect media reports about the important work taking place to foster inclusion and celebrate diversity. It is up to all of us to speak up, because it speaks volumes. www.speakingupspeaksvolumes.org.au 🌈 Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367 #speakingupspeaksvolumes
Many congratulations to the team from the Port Mel Many congratulations to the team from the Port Melbourne Bowling Club who just won the Division 1 Midweek Championships. Good luck to them as they now head off to Moama to represent the Metro area in the Victorian State championships over ANZAC weekend – and try and be crowned State Champions.
Today I was proud and honoured to have the opportu Today I was proud and honoured to have the opportunity to co-chair the inaugural Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum. Aboriginal Victorians have come face to face with racism and discrimination in all corners of our healthcare system, and as a result experienced worse health outcomes, for too long now. This Forum is an important step in working together to improve outcomes for community, and recognising that the best models of care are self-determined and have Aboriginal people leading the charge. Thank you to VACCHO for leading the establishment of the Forum, and to all of the services who joined us for a bold and honest discussion today. Thank you also to Aunty Di Kerr for welcoming us to Country with a smoking ceremony, and speaking to the importance of holistic, Aboriginal-led models of care.
The health of those we love is the most important The health of those we love is the most important thing - and the Andrews Labor Government is making sure more Victorians can get the care they need, closer to home. Construction has officially kicked off at the $22.9 million expansion of Wangaratta Hospital. Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, in partnership with Northeast Health Wangaratta, the expansion will include: ✔ an upgraded emergency department ✔ 12-bed critical care unit ✔ eight-bed short stay unit ✔ a new paediatric ward ✔ additional medical beds to create two 20-bed medical units. This is on top of $10 million already funded by the Labor Government to deliver maternity and critical infrastructure upgrades at Wangaratta Hospital. The project is on track to be completed in late 2022, ensuring people living in northeast Victoria, now and into the future, will be able to get the high quality and safe care they need when they need it.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Chang Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change @lilydambrosiomp announced this morning the final design of the Andrews Labor Government’s new container deposit scheme (CDS) which is set to start in 2023. People will be able to return cans, bottles and cartons at various locations including shopping centres, drive through collection depots, mobile drop off points for events and community festivals. The design will split responsibilities for running the scheme between a scheme coordinator and network operators. This model was chosen following detailed analysis of schemes operating internationally and interstate and is the model supported by 85 percent of participants during public consultations. This scheme will create new economic opportunities and jobs, while also benefitting charity, community and sports groups who will have a great new opportunity to fundraise. And most importantly, reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half. More information can be found here: www.vic.gov.au/container-deposit-scheme
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to impro The Andrews Labor Government is committed to improving health services for families across Victoria – no matter where they live. That’s why we recently funded $1.8M for extra paediatric beds at Mildura Base Hospital which will help keep care local and families close to loved ones.
Victorian public hospital patients will have acces Victorian public hospital patients will have access to higher quality, more culturally diverse and locally sourced food, with new standards for our health services to be introduced by the Andrews Labor Government. Today I joined Acting Premier James Merlino at Monash Health’s kitchen to launch the new Nutrition and Quality Standards for Victorian Public Hospitals, and thank the staff for the important work they do in providing meals for patients. Delivering on another key election commitment, the Labor Government had a panel of experts review the current standards and make recommendations to better serve Victorian patients and residential aged care residents. The review recommended that any nutrition and quality food standards consider the diverse needs of patients, as well as longer-term aged care residents. The new food standards will have a particular focus on taste, appearance and variety of meals. They will also ensure health services respect and celebrate different cultures through their meals – such as kosher or halal food. Nutrition standards will also be developed specifically to meet the special needs of our youngest Victorian patients who have to spend time in hospital. Due to be finalised and put in place by the end of the year, this will not only provide the highest quality food to patients but support Victorian producers and local economies wherever possible.
Every Victorian deserves to feel safe, respected a Every Victorian deserves to feel safe, respected and equal, in all spaces but most of all with their loved ones. The Andrews Labor Government and Respect Victoria are proud to launch 'Pride, Respect, Equality' - a new campaign to highlight the importance of family support in preventing all forms of family violence and abuse against LGBTIQ+ Victorians. In Australia, more than six in 10 LGBTIQ+ people will have experienced family violence, with perpetrators most likely to be parents or siblings. The campaign includes the real-life stories of Victorian families who love, respect and support each other as a call to action for all of us with LGBTIQ+ loved ones.
Today is World Health Day. This year’s theme is Today is World Health Day. This year’s theme is around building a fairer and healthier world.  Some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others - entirely due to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age. The COVID-19 impact has highlighted inequalities around the world and has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable. I am privileged to be the Minister of Health in Victoria and I am proud of our healthcare workforce who are skilled, passionate and committed to helping Victorians. Our healthcare system provides high-quality health treatment, care, education and disease prevention for all Victorians. In 2020, many Victorians missed the health appointments they usually go to throughout the year. This World Health Day I’m asking Victorians to prioritise their health by catching up on regular health check-ups, screenings, vaccinations or getting something that might be worrying you looked at. This World Health Day, prioritise your health. More info: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2021
This afternoon I visited the site of what will bec This afternoon I visited the site of what will become the new Phillip Island Community Hospital on Church Street in Cowes. Operated by Bass Coast Health and part of our government’s $675 million investment to deliver  10 community hospitals in growing communities across our state, Phillip Island’s new community hospital will provide a range of health services, close to home. Construction is expected to start in 2022 and be completed in 2024.
Bass Coast’s population is booming. In fact, it’s one of our fastest growing areas with the population expected to more than double by 2031. Which is why the Andrews Labor Government is investing $115 million to expand Wonthaggi Hospital. Today I was joined by @crugnaleforbass the Member for Bass, to inspect progress on the expansion which got underway last month. Expected to be completed in 2023, the expansion will deliver: • a new 32-bed inpatient ward • 18 extra emergency department treatment spaces • three new theatres • a procedure room The expansion project is just one way the Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorians have access world-class healthcare – wherever they live.
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Martin Foley MP 2021, Australia

Electorate Office

46 Rouse St
Port Melbourne 3207
03 9646 7173
martin.foley@parliament.vic.gov.au

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Level 22/50 Lonsdale St
Melbourne 3000
03 9096 8561
minister.health@dhhs.vic.gov.au

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Martin Foley MP acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

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