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Martin Foley MP

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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.
Today is the International Transgender Day of Visi Today is the International Transgender Day of Visibility – an opportunity for all of us to celebrate trans and gender diverse communities and reflect on how we can better support them. Here in Victoria, we know we can do more, which is why we support trans and gender diverse communities by investing in peer support groups across Victoria. These groups bring trans and gender diverse people together to share their experiences and look out for each other. Working in partnership with @transgendervic we've helped more than 40 facilitators run peer support groups across the state, with hundreds of trans and gender diverse people participating. In February, more than 400 people attended the online TransForum, which discussed a range of topics including managing trauma, acknowledging Country and building ally networks. To find out more about these groups, visit https://tgv.org.au/peersupport And to every trans and gender diverse Victorian – please know that we see you and are here to support and celebrate you, on every day of the year. (Above is a shot from the 2019 TransGathering – which paved the way for the current peer support program).
It was great to be able to donate blood this morni It was great to be able to donate blood this morning at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre as part of the @lifebloodau call for more donors this Easter as stocks of O- negative blood stocks continue to drop. An extra 8,000 blood donations are needed immediately in order to bring O and A blood type supplies back to normal levels. Donor centres will be open across Australia over the long-weekend and I urge anyone who can safely attend and donate blood at their local centre to consider doing so. To donate blood visit lifeblood.com.au, download the free Donate Blood app, or call 13 14 95.
This morning I had the pleasure of joining Member This morning I had the pleasure of joining Member for Footscray @katie_in_footscray to turn the first sod on the bigger, better Footscray Hospital. As part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $8 billion pipeline of health infrastructure – the biggest health building program in the state’s history - the new Footscray Hospital will replace the current hospital on Gordon Street. The $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital will deliver West Melbourne with world-class care closer to home and thousands of jobs. Set to open in 2025 and operated by Western Health, the new hospital will have over 500 beds, treat almost 15,000 additional patients, and allow almost 20,000 extra people to be seen by the emergency department each year. There will also be more outpatient, mental health, palliative care and surgical services, and wards that can operate in pandemic mode to allow for increased capacity if needed. The new hospital will also be a community asset with facilities such as childcare, gymnasium, pharmacy, general practice and cafes. The project will employ more than 2,000 people during peak construction, create over 250 new jobs once fully operational, and attract additional services and investment to the area. There is also a strong focus on sustainability, as the design will enable the future electrification of the hospital to support Victoria's transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050.
I would like to send my very best wishes to the Gr I would like to send my very best wishes to the Greek community as they celebrate the bicentennial of their independence. Melbourne is proudly home to the world’s largest Greek population outside of Greece itself, and almost 200,000 individuals of Greek ancestry call Victoria home. After World War II, more than 160,000 Greek migrants arrived in Australia, mostly to Victoria with many families settling in our community in Port Melbourne and surrounds. The thriving community continues to make immense contributions to countless aspects of Victorian life. From food to culture, art to commerce, these contributions reach every corner of our state. We simply wouldn’t be who we are without our Greek community. To mark the bicentenary many of Melbourne’s most prominent landmarks will be lit up in the colours of the Greek flag, Old Treasury Building, Immigration Museum, Royal Exhibition Building, Bolte Bridge and Citylink Soundtube and Flinders Street Station. Χρόνια πολλά!
Thanks to the hard work of Victorians, from 6pm Fr Thanks to the hard work of Victorians, from 6pm Friday 26 March Victoria will further relax its COVIDSafe settings. ✅ Masks: No longer required in retail settings but Victorians will still need to carry one with them at all times. Masks are still required on public transport, rideshare vehicles and taxis, and in aged care facilities and hospitals. ✅ Gatherings at home: Increase to 100 people in homes per day. ✅ Outdoor gatherings: Increase to 200 people. ✅ Density limits: Casinos, karaoke, and night clubs will move to 1 person per 2sqm. This is in line with cafes, pubs, and restaurants. ✅ Indoor, non-seated venues: Increase to 75%, however with a limit of 1000 people. Dancefloors will move to the same density limit of the venue. ✅ Gyms and physical activity: No limits on outdoor and indoor fitness class sizes. Unstaffed gyms increase to 1 person per 4sqm. ✅ Public and private office workers: Removal of the 75% cap. All workplaces are required ensure offices work in a COVIDSafe way. Workplaces will no longer be required to permit workers to work from home. ✅ AFL: Following a successful first round, crowds will now be able to increase to 75,000 for Round 2. For more information on the new COVIDSafe settings visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au
A number of new creative businesses are breathing A number of new creative businesses are breathing fresh life into Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.   I checked out the space today with our newest traders who are part of a project with @renewaustralia to activate this iconic  precinct in our community.   This initiative will help Fitzroy Street stay vibrant post COVID-19 and bring new ideas and business to otherwise vacant space, with a view to increase activity, foot traffic and engagement within the area. It also provides the opportunity for start-up and creative enterprises to have visible presence in an iconic Melbourne location to trial their business.
Today I had the pleasure of attending the launch o Today I had the pleasure of attending the launch of @vichealth #thisgirlcanvic campaign with some of my Parliamentary colleagues. Now in its fourth year, This Girl Can has been at the forefront of health promotion campaigns in celebrating and supporting Victorian women to embrace physical activity in any way they choose. We all have a role to play in supporting the women in our communities to get active, and making sure that they can do so in safe, comfortable and empowering environments. Head to thisgirlcan.com.au to check out the local events on offer from 22-28 March.
The Port Melbourne, Sandridge, South Melbourne and The Port Melbourne, Sandridge, South Melbourne and St Kilda life-saving clubs have been successful in sharing $43,069 in emergency services grants to provide essential equipment for local volunteers - including funding for an inflatable rescue boat & motor, trailer, defibrillators and waterproof jackets, among other items. These important projects will give our hardworking LSV volunteers in our local area the equipment and amenities needed to effectively carry out their duties. I’d like to thank all of our volunteer groups for their hard work and congratulate the successful applicants. These projects are among 240 grants sharing in more than $14 million in funding under the government’s 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). For more information about the VESEP visit: emv.vic.gov.au
We promised Victorians living in Melbourne’s boo We promised Victorians living in Melbourne’s booming western suburbs that we would keep building a hospital system they – and their families – could rely on and we’re continuing to deliver on this promise. Today I was joined by Acting Premier James Merlino and Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman to officially open a bigger, better emergency department at Sunshine Hospital. Delivered by the in partnership with Victorian Health Building Authority and @westernhealthau, the $34.9 million Sunshine Hospital redevelopement currently includes: ✔️ 55 additional treatment spaces – doubling current capacity ✔️ a medical imaging suite ✔️a new paediatric unit for children needing urgent care ✔️ an expanded administration area and upgraded staff amenities Once the refurbishment is complete, the upgraded emergency department will include 65 additional treatment spaces and treat an extra 59,000 patients each year.
Funding is now available for organisations and gro Funding is now available for organisations and groups who serve Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities to help them develop and plan for the future. Organisations and groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to assist them to achieve their full potential, so that they are even better placed to support our rainbow communities. The $500,000 fund can be used by organisations and groups to provide staff development, build on their skills, including how they support diverse communities such as people with disability and those living in regional and rural Victoria, and to plan for their long-term future. Applications are open until 14 April and more information is available at www.vic.gov.au/lgbtiq-organisational-development-grants
This is a really important new step for Gippsland. This is a really important new step for Gippsland. The hospital vaccination hub at Latrobe Regional Hospital is now open. This morning I met with, and thanked, the staff at Latrobe Regional Hospital for all their hard work and sat in as Simmo, a local ED nurse, received the first COVID-19 vaccine at the hub. The opening of this hub means more high-risk workers most likely to be exposed to COVID-19 – along with public aged care residents and staff – will start getting vaccinated against this hyper-infectious virus. Frontline health staff have worked so hard to keep us safe – and this is about keeping them safe. More info about the vaccine program and rollout in Victoria can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Clean Up Australia Day started thirty years ago, b Clean Up Australia Day started thirty years ago, by an "average Australian bloke" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard and has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event.   I joined my friend @ninataylormp, volunteers from @ausconservation and event sponsors @cleanaway this morning along the banks of the Yarra River at Westgate Park to do our bit in keeping our community rubbish free.   Victorians can all play a part by being mindful of the choices we make, disposing of rubbish correctly and avoiding single-use plastics where possible in their daily lives and choosing the sustainable and reusable alternatives available.   #CleanUpAustralia #StepUpToCleanUp
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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

Ministerial Office

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

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Authorised by Martin Foley. 46 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne 3207.

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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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