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Today – Intersex Awareness Day – is an opportu Today – Intersex Awareness Day – is an opportunity to show our support for people with an intersex variation, by being informed and inclusive. People with intersex variations are born with natural variations to sex characteristics, which can be physical, hormonal, or genetic. There are many kinds of intersex variations. Unfortunately, people with intersex variations still face ignorance and discrimination. We can each play our part in addressing this by educating ourselves and being more inclusive of all our rainbow communities. That is why I supported Victoria’s Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Ro Allen to change their title to Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities last month. The new title clearly includes people with an intersex variation, along with better reflecting the diversity of Victoria’s rainbow communities. People with an intersex variation deserve to be supported and celebrated and we can all help lead change to ensure that is the case. You can find out more about being an ally at www.ihra.org.au/allies/.
NORTHERN METRO COMMUNITY OUTBREAK: Students and NORTHERN METRO COMMUNITY OUTBREAK: Students and families of East Preston Islamic College and Croxton School are asked to get tested immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms. The coronavirus (COVID-19) test is free to everyone. You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If you cannot leave your home to get tested, free testing at home is also available. Call the 1800 675 398 to find out if you are eligible for this service. Financial support is available to help you stay at home if you need to miss work. Head to stories for links to further information.
From Oct 12 all Victorians must wear a fitted face From Oct 12 all Victorians must wear a fitted face mask that covers nose & mouth when you leave home. Face shields, bandanas, or scarves on their own are no longer sufficient. As restrictions ease and movement increases, the effectiveness of a face mask is even more important.
Our hardworking paramedics do an incredible job ge Our hardworking paramedics do an incredible job getting to the scene of emergencies fast - thanks to their dedication and backed by massive investments by our government. But we know when it comes to cardiac arrest every minute counts and most happen inside the home, which is why it's so important that more of us are learning CPR and know where our closest AED is and how to use it. It could mean saving the life of someone you love. Everyday about 18 Victorians will have a cardiac arrest with only 1 in 10 surviving, and we know bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving that survival rate.
It’s great to see the result of our $6 million u It’s great to see the result of our $6 million upgrade to the Orygen Youth Health intensive care unit - giving young people experiencing acute mental illness access to the best and safest clinical care. The new building receives an abundance of natural light, and includes four new inpatient beds, expanded and enhanced living and treatment spaces, and features for privacy, safety and amenity. Upgrades like this one reduce the risk of harm, and create a safe and comfortable environment for people accessing treatment.
This has been a difficult year, and it hasn't alwa This has been a difficult year, and it hasn't always been easy for Victorians to stay on top of their mental health. That's why we've funded a new service called Partners in Wellbeing, offering free one-on-one counselling to Victorians who are feeling overwhelmed and are struggling to cope, as part of over $200m we've provided in mental health support. The service provides ongoing wellbeing coaching and emotional support to help people work through how they're feeling and get back in control of their mental health - and unlike many other helplines, Victorians who use the service will get regular call-backs to ensure consistent, ongoing support. The service will be delivered in partnership with Neami National, EACH and ACSO. For more information get in touch with one of these organisations or call 1300 375 330, and don't forget you can also reach out to one of the below services if you need urgent support: Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Lifeline: 13 11 14 SuicideLine: 1300 651 251 Kids Helpline Official: 1800 551 800 Switchboard Victoria: 1800 184 527
Our live music venues, businesses, musicians and o Our live music venues, businesses, musicians and other industry workers were some of the first to feel the full impact of this pandemic - and we know they'll be among the last to get back up and running. Today we announced our latest round of initiatives to support our live music industry, including grants of more than $13 million that will prepare our venues for a vibrant, COVID Normal future. These grants will also assist venues in reopening, providing employment for artists and industry workers, and will help offset the costs involved in patron caps. On top of this, the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program will offer grants to support our artists, managers, promoters, and other workers to keep creating music, undertake training and develop COVID safe ways of working. Our music scene is much loved across the state and envied the world over. This support will protect our grassroots venues, save jobs and music businesses, and keep local music playing well beyond this pandemic.
Shanah Tovah Umetukah Rosh Hashanah – Jewish Ne Shanah Tovah Umetukah Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year – is a celebration of reflection, renewal and hope. This year, this is as significant as ever. I extend my warmest wishes to those celebrating with loved ones at home or virtually. May you have a good and sweet year.
Wonderful to see ‘It’s Ok to Feel the Way You Wonderful to see ‘It’s Ok to Feel the Way You Do’ by @joshlangleyauthor featured in @storyboxlibrary and very proud to be invited to read it. Josh’s books are a great resource for families to support the good mental health of our kids and remind us all to celebrate who we are.
Thanks to the community's efforts in following res Thanks to the community's efforts in following restrictions and helping drive down case numbers, we will take the first of our cautious and careful steps towards a COVID normal tonight. From 11.59pm Melbourne moves to the First Step of the roadmap for reopening, with modest changes including more social interaction and more time outside. Social bubbles begin, allowing those living alone or single parents to have one other person in their home. Exercise is extended to two hours split over a maximum of two sessions, and you will be able to use that time outside for social interaction with one other person or the members of your household. Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment reopen, libraries will be able to open for contactless click and collect and the curfew will move to 9pm as Melbourne moves into warmer months. The numbers are falling but we need to keep it that way – ensuring we can continue to open up safely and sustainably – based on the data, the science and expert public health advice.
Today on @ruokday we're reminded to check in on ou Today on @ruokday we're reminded to check in on our loved ones and see how they're doing. This year, Australians are being encouraged to not only ask their loved ones if they're ok, but also listen with an open mind if they say they're not, encourage action - like calling one of the above numbers to chat to a professional - and check in with them again later on down the track. A lot of us are having a rough time at the moment, so knowing what to do when someone says that they're not okay can make a world of difference - even if it's just being there to provide support in these challenging times.
We know that lockdown has been particularly diffic We know that lockdown has been particularly difficult for Victorians who live alone and single parents, so from 11:59pm on Sunday 13th September those people will be able to nominate a friend or family member to form a "social bubble" with. These bubbles will make sure that we're continuing to stay one step ahead of this virus, while also recognising that having face-to-face interaction with a loved one will make a world of difference for many people struggling with their mental health right now. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs professional support, you can reach out to: @beyondblueofficial: 1300 22 4636 @lifelineaustralia: 13 11 14 @kidshelplineau: 1800 55 1800 @switchboard_victoria: 1800 184 527 Victorians dealing with the challenges of running a small business during this time can access mental health support by calling the Partners in Wellbeing hotline at 1300 375 330 or heading to https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/mental-health-in-business.
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day - a Today is International Overdose Awareness Day - a day where we remember all the lives tragically lost to overdose. Today also serves as a reminder that every death due to overdose is a preventable one. That's why we've extended our Supervised Injecting Room trial in North Richmond, and why we're opening another facility in Melbourne. Our North Richmond facility has saved at least 21 lives and safely managed more than 3,200 overdoses since it opened. But these aren't just numbers - they're people in our community, and they deserve to have the resources and support they need to stay safe and stay alive. Even though we're all staying safe at home, our city landmarks are lit up purple tonight in memory of every life lost, and in recognition of the grief of those left behind #IOAD2020
Today is a very different Wear it Purple day to th Today is a very different Wear it Purple day to those that have come before, but the aim of the day – to tell LGBTIQ young people that they are accepted, supported, and loved – is as important as ever. Pop on a splash of purple today in your Zoom meetings or online catch-ups - and to all of the young LGBTIQ people out there, know that even though we can't be together right now, we're still proudly standing alongside you and celebrating you today and every other day.
Federation Square is the cultural and civic heart Federation Square is the cultural and civic heart of Melbourne – it brings us together and showcases our creativity, diversity and culture. The independent review of Fed Square overwhelmingly found that our community value it as a place to experience arts and culture and come together to celebrate. That’s why it makes sense for Fed Square to have a home in the Creative Industries portfolio - and I look forward to working with Fed Square, our cultural institutions, and our First Peoples to see it move into this new era.
I understand the impact the pandemic is having on I understand the impact the pandemic is having on tenants and landlords. Right now people need support, security and certainty that they won’t lose their home or workplace during the pandemic. That's why the Victorian Government has announced an extension on the ban on evictions and rental increases for both residential and commercial tenancies until the end of the year. This means that more residential tenants and landlords who might be struggling to reach agreement will be supported. Tenants and landlords will also be able to take advantage of further land tax reductions and more grant funding including an increased land tax discount – now up to 50 per cent – doubled from the earlier 25 per cent. A new $600,000 package will ensure advocacy groups can continue to be a voice for vulnerable tenants throughout this pandemic. It will also ensure information is reaching Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. To get through this, Victorians have to work together, and that partnership needs to continue – with tenants, landlords, banks and government all working together to keep people in their homes and businesses.
We've made huge strides towards equality in Victor We've made huge strides towards equality in Victoria in recent years, and we can't afford to let any of this progress be lost in the face of the challenges posed by this pandemic. Yesterday I met with representatives from LGBTIQ organisations and individuals from the community to discuss the ways we can continue to support LGBTIQ Victorians who are particularly at risk during this pandemic, and more likely to face poorer financial and mental health outcomes. Our rainbow communities have shown incredible strength throughout these challenging times, and we'll continue to work together to provide the support they need to stay safe and well.
Coronavirus is affecting everyone differently - bu Coronavirus is affecting everyone differently - but some much more than others. Today we announced a funding boost of nearly $60 million to our mental health system to make sure more Victorians can get the support they need, when they need it. This funding will strengthen our clinical and community mental health services so that they can cope with additional presentations and reduce pressure on our hospitals - ensuring Victorians can access the care they need even as demand for services spikes. We were already well on our way to implementing some of the key recommendations from our Royal Commission and this massive funding boost will fast-track this work to ensure we have the infrastructure and support systems in place as demand on our mental health system increases, fast-tracking the delivery of more new public acute mental health beds and accelerating the state-wide rollout of the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program to seven new sites. Opening hours in community mental health clinics will be extended, and more mental health staff will be embedded in Ambulance Victoria's RefCom service. We're also making sure that our hard working ambos, nurses, and police get the mental health and wellbeing support they need during this challenging time. This package builds on the almost $135 million we've already invested in mental health throughout this pandemic, and will make sure that Victorians from all walks of life can access the mental health support they need during this unprecedented period of uncertainty and isolation.
We know that the current restrictions to control t We know that the current restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus have been tough on many people - particularly our LGBTIQ Victorians who may be feeling particularly isolated from their communities right now. Now more than ever it's important to look after yourself - you can still go for a walk once a day, visit your partner, grab a takeaway coffee and follow shared custody arrangements. You are also still allowed to leave your home to escape harm and find safety - no matter what time of day it is. Thanks to @switchboard_victoria for this handy guide to what the Stage 4 restrictions mean, as well as some resources for LGBTIQ Victorians of all ages who need support, advice, or just a good chat.
This week's announcements have meant that many Vic This week's announcements have meant that many Victorians have had to quickly plan for a different six weeks to what they'd imagined - including our creative sector. In light of this, we've extended the closing date for the Victorian Live Music Venues program. This program will help our live music sector respond to the devastating effects of this pandemic - so it's only fair they get a bit of extra time in the midst of what has been a difficult week for many. Applications are now open until 5pm, Thursday 13th August. For more information, follow the link in stories.
We all want things to get back to normal, at least We all want things to get back to normal, at least a COVID normal but too many people are not taking this pandemic seriously, too many people are getting sick and too many people are having to plan funerals for those they love. That's why from 6pm 2 August, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster. This will give our police additional powers to make sure people are complying with public health directions. Metropolitan Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people – and limit the spread of this virus across our city. That includes a curfew – from 8pm to 5am – beginning 2 August. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving. Where you slept last night is where you’ll need to stay for the next six weeks. There’ll be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required. Exercise will be limited to a maximum of one hour per day and no more than five kms from your home. Shopping will be limited to one person per household per day. Again, the five km rule will apply. Face coverings will continue to be compulsory – ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible. Schools will return to remote and flexible learning – across all year levels. Students who are currently attending onsite – including senior students and those in our specialist schools – will go to school on Monday, have a pupil free day on Tuesday, and be learning at home from Wednesday. These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks until Sunday 13 September. As always, we’ll keep reviewing and realigning the restrictions in line with the advice of our health experts – and if we can change things earlier, we will. I understand people will feel scared and sad and worried. This pandemic is affecting all of us in different ways. That’s why, I’m also asking something else – please be calm, please be kind, please be patient. Check in with relatives or your neighbour over the phone or using online video platforms, and stick to routines, like good diet and regular exercise. And, remember, if you are feeling stressed or anxious, limit your access to on
It was my great honour to (virtually) welcome the It was my great honour to (virtually) welcome the Victorian LGBTIQ Leadership Program 2020 group today. It’s these people who will change the face of LGBTIQ activism and help us shape our state’s future equality agenda #equalitystate
We’re making sure that all Victorians have acces We’re making sure that all Victorians have access to fair energy prices. People living in embedded energy apartment buildings and rooming houses could save between $180 and $370 a year on their bills from 1 September. We are introducing a maximum pricing cap, set to the Victorian Default Offer, for customers in these networks. This delivers the same pricing protections currently provided to stand-alone dwellings making energy fairer for all Victorians. I encourage customers to contact their embedded network operator and make sure they’re getting the best deal from September. Head to energy.vic.gov.au/victoriandefaultoffer for more information.
Following on from their initiative to produce urge Following on from their initiative to produce urgently needed scrubs for healthcare workers, The Social Studio have now directed their manufacturing efforts towards making reusable face masks as well. In the past week they've already sold over 5,000 masks, which comply with DHHS guidelines, are made from upcycled fabrics and are ethically produced. They've set an excellent example for how our local businesses and creative enterprises can contribute to keeping us all safe and healthy during this time. With face coverings mandatory from 11:59pm tonight, this is a great way to keep yourself and your community safe while supporting a local enterprise that provides our refugee and migrant communities with opportunities to succeed and thrive.
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Martin Foley MP 2020, 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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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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