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LGBTIQ+ young people in Victoria will be receiving LGBTIQ+ young people in Victoria will be receiving further mental health support, thanks to the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) grants. Twelve organisations are sharing in $110,000 to deliver programs that improve the wellbeing of young LGBTIQ+ Victorians. This includes gender-free haircut spaces and the first Aboriginal LGBTIQ+ youth camp to receive a grant through the program. Unfortunately, research shows young LGBTIQ+ Victorians are more likely to experience mental health challenges than the broader community. This resarch includes the newly released Writing Themselves In 4 Victoria Summary Report, a Victorian breakdown of the largest ever survey of young LGBTIQ+ people in this country. We won’t rest until young LGBTIQ+ people can feel safe, supported and celebrated. 🏳️‍🌈 You can find out more about the latest HEY grants at www.yacvic.org.au/get-involved/hey-grants/.
The Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and The Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and my good friend @lilydambrosiomp visited Albert Park last Friday with some good news; to announce that one of Victoria’s favourite tourist destinations, our iconic St Kilda Pier and Breakwater, are now open for guided visits of our world famous Little Penguin Colony 🐧 It is the first time the Breakwater has been open to visitors since its closure last year, with the attraction now boasting three scheduled viewings an evening and roaming Penguin Rangers to ensure COVIDSafe arrangements. Just before dusk each night you can view the colony waddle ashore. A viewing platform is accessible at the head of the pier, and visitors can join a @parksvic and @earthcare_stkilda led viewing experience of our penguin colony: https://youtu.be/PJidwdz1c_4 📸: @earthcare_stkilda
Today marks day one of the Victorian rollout of th Today marks day one of the Victorian rollout of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. I visited the Austin Hospital this morning to see Grace, who manages the COVID-19 screening clinic at the Austin, become one of the first high-risk workers in Victoria to receive the vaccination. More information about the rollout, including additional vaccination centres, will be provided over the coming weeks: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
The roll out of Australia’s vaccine program will The roll out of Australia’s vaccine program will begin in Victoria on 22 February 2021. From Monday, the Victorian Government will deliver doses of COVID-19 vaccines to hotel quarantine and health hotel workers, airport and port workers, high-risk frontline health staff and public sector residential aged care staff and residents. The vaccine will be safe, free and universal. During the roll out it remains important to continue washing your hands regularly, carrying a face mask with you and wearing it when required, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you must get tested and stay home. For more information on Australia’s vaccine program visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
Thank you to all Victorians who came forward for t Thank you to all Victorians who came forward for testing and to the health care workers who have worked so hard to carry out and process these tests.  If you have any symptoms, even mild, please get tested and stay home. Find your nearest testing site: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
This Government will always support those who supp This Government will always support those who support LGBTIQ+ Victorians. This is why the Victorian Government will make available $1.2 million worth of grants for organisations and businesses who support our LGBTIQ+ communities and have been doing it tough during the pandemic. From today until 15 March, applications are open for grants of up to $50,000. More information available at www.vic.gov.au/RLSF
There are over 200 testing sites across the state. There are over 200 testing sites across the state. Five new testing sites have been opened today and many more are operating with extended hours to ensure testing is available for everyone who needs it. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been to one of the exposure sites in the timeframes then you must get a test and isolate until you receive a negative result. Exposure site information can be found here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19 Find your nearest site and get the latest info on wait times, opening hours and new locations: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
Last night the Parliament passed laws banning bigo Last night the Parliament passed laws banning bigoted and harmful practices which seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This means we are another step closer to a more equal Victoria where everyone can live safely and with pride. To the survivors of these practices who have been instrumental in bringing about this landmark reform - thank you - we are all inspired by your incredible advocacy and strength
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine will be safe, e The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine will be safe, effective, and free – and Victoria is ready to provide it as soon as a vaccine is available. The Commonwealth-led vaccination program starts for priority groups (such as frontline health workers and quarantine workers) later this month at hospital vaccination hubs at Western Health, Austin Health, Monash Health, Barwon Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Latrobe Health, Bendigo Health, Ballarat Health and Albury-Wodonga Health. There will be many more locations to come as the vaccine program moves through different phases, and other vaccines become available. For more information about the vaccine in Victoria, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine or health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
You can now have your say on our first whole of go You can now have your say on our first whole of government LGBTIQ+ Strategy until 17 February. The LGBTIQ+ Strategy is the plan we’re creating to guide our efforts to achieve equality for years to come. The Strategy Directions Paper has now been released, and thanks to the more than 800 people and organisations who shaped it, it outlines a vision for LGBTIQ+ equality in Victoria and four key areas for potential change in policies, systems and services that will help fulfil it. Now, we are inviting all Victorians to provide further feedback on whether our vision and ideas reflect what you told us. I encourage you to have your say by filling out the short survey at engage.vic.gov.au/lgbtiqstrategy before 17 February. It’s so important we get this right – and we can’t do this without you.
A few changes have been announced in Victoria toda A few changes have been announced in Victoria today. 🚦Firstly, based on the Victoria Chief Health Officer’s advice, from 6pm today QLD and parts of NSW will be green zones. The Greater Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Blacktown City, Burwood, Canada Bay City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Inner West, Liverpool City, Parramatta City and Strathfield Municipality will join the rest of Greater Sydney, Wollongong and Blue Mountains as orange zones. Cumberland LGA will remain a red zone. For more info about the zones and to apply for permits visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au 🏠 The second change is that from 11:59pm tonight (AEDT) the number of people you can have visit your home will increase to 30. This is in response to the reduced exposure risk and low community transmission we’ve seen in recent weeks.
The Andrews Labor Government promised regional Vic The Andrews Labor Government promised regional Victorians that we would continue to build a hospital system they – and their families – could rely on and we are continuing to deliver on this commitment. I was delighted to visit @gvhealth this week to officially open a new five-storey inpatient unit and emergency department at Shepparton Hospital with @suzannasheed Part of the Victorian Government’s $229.3 million redevelopment of Shepparton Hospital, the new inpatient unit includes 10 Critical Care Unit beds to treat the sickest patients, 64 inpatient beds and four new operating theatres. The new emergency department has doubled the hospital’s capacity, providing 36 treatment spaces. Expected to be completed in mid-2021, the redevelopment will also deliver a 12-bed maternity unit, 10-cot special care nursery and a 12-bed paediatric ward.
As Victorians start returning to work and social e As Victorians start returning to work and social events, it’s important to remember there are still little things we must do to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Like wearing a face mask. Face masks are mandatory in the following places: 🚃Catching public transport 🚖Riding in a taxi or ride share 🛒Supermarkets 🏢Large retails stores 🛍Shopping Centres – and the stores within them 🍏Indoor Markets 🛫On domestic flights to and from Victoria 🛬At airports 🏥When visiting hospitals and care facilities For more information on masks visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks
Today I visited the fantastic Fishermans Bend Seco Today I visited the fantastic Fishermans Bend Secondary School with Minister for Education, James Merlino MP, Member for Southern Metro, Nina Taylor and Mayor for City of Port Philip, Louise Crawford. The community’s input and vision for the school is now becoming a reality. Families in our community are a step closer to having this new school - which is due to open in 2022 and cater for up to 1,100 students. It will showcase environmentally sustainable design, housing solar panels and solar batteries, food production gardens, outdoor learning terraces, sustainable material selection. It will also have a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics and will feature high-tech amenities, including a fabrication lab and robotics workshop, along with an array of arts, food technology, sports and Learning Resource Centre spaces that can be shared with the community. Look forward to its opening next year.
Our iconic Espy Hotel was not only a recipient, bu Our iconic Espy Hotel was not only a recipient, but also the location for the announcement of $8 million in grants supporting music venues, musicians, businesses and workers to continue their road to recovery – sharing new music and live performances with audiences across the state. The announcement, made by Minister for Creative Industries @dannypearsonmp will support more than 130 Victorian music businesses, artists and venues and nearly 5,000 jobs in the industry as part of the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program. Projects range from live events, such as indie promoter Penny Drop’s 10-day series at Malthouse Outdoor, to livestream events from the likes of DJs Vinyl Vixens – and include new work by artists including @isaiahfirebrace and @ella_hooper - who attended the announcement. Victoria is proud of our reputation as Australia’s live music capital. This funding will not only see revered venues like St Kilda’s iconic Espy become gig ready, it will also pave the way for a long list of venues, music businesses and artists to return to work in COVIDSafe way. The full list of the latest funding recipients, as well as details on the upcoming Music Works round that opens on 20 January 2021, can be found at creative.vic.gov.au
From 6pm today, people travelling to Victoria from From 6pm today, people travelling to Victoria from anywhere in Australia (including Victorians returning home) will need to follow Victoria's new traffic light permit system. The permits are based on a traffic light system which allows the Chief Health Officer to designate regions as green, orange or red, depending on the coronavirus risk in those areas. NSW border communities don’t need a permit, but will need to provide photo ID and proof of their home address, like a drivers licence. I've said it before – but until a vaccine is readily available, we'll need to continue responding to this pandemic to keep our state safe. And this new system will help us do that and give our hard working contact tracing team vital information they need to stop the spread of the virus if there is an outbreak in another State or Territory. Permit applications can be made online at service.vic.gov.au or by calling the Coronavirus hotline.
I had the pleasure of heading down to Junction Ova I had the pleasure of heading down to Junction Oval today for the Indigenous round of Victorian Premier Cricket between @stkildacc and @northcote_dragons. A great match with both teams working to see cricket as a way to unite all Australians around a love of sport and a path to reconciliation and justice.
Victoria has always been at the forefront of cutti Victoria has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge medical treatment, and the installation of our state's first Gamma Knife machine by @petermaccancercentre at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will give even more Victorians access to world leading cancer treatments. The gamma knife is set to save the lives of patients with hard-to-reach tumours, where other treatments may not have been able to be safely carried out, and improve outcomes for many others.
We’re boosting investment in the @ballarathealth We’re boosting investment in the @ballarathealthservices redevelopment with $80M for a new central energy plant – bringing our total investment to $541.6M. This project will create thousands of local jobs and give the community the services they need.
Today is World AIDS day – a day to show support Today is World AIDS day – a day to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. As a proud partner with HIV organisations, the Victorian Government remains committed to preventing and reducing the impact of HIV on Victorians, including stigma and discrimination. This year’s theme, ‘Now more than ever’, reminds us that support, treatment and care for people living with HIV is a priority. HIV is still here, it is treatable, and support is available for those who need it.
Families in Port Melbourne have done a phenomenal Families in Port Melbourne have done a phenomenal job in supporting students to learn from home. As kids return back to their classrooms, we want to make Port Phillip Specialist School better than before. As part of the 2020/21 Budget the Port Phillip Specialist School will receive $9.31 million to upgrade and modernise the school – and make sure the students have the fantastic new learning spaces they deserve. This investment builds on the $1.18 billion Building Works Package announced earlier this year, which is creating space for more than 21,000 extra students in Victoria’s education system and creating around 1,600 local construction jobs. Not only will this make sure our kids are getting a great education – it will also create new local jobs.
Because of the hard work of Victorians, today we w Because of the hard work of Victorians, today we were able to announce further easing of restrictions. This means changes to masks, private gatherings, hospitality venues, outdoor public gatherings and more. Being able to move to the Last Step reflects the enormous effort that Victorians have put in to keep our communities safe and get on top of this virus. But staying open means staying safe, so anyone who is experiencing symptoms - no matter how mild - should get tested immediately and isolate until results are received. Head to the link in stories for a full summary of the changes.
This week is Trans Awareness Week, and a chance fo This week is Trans Awareness Week, and a chance for all of us to celebrate, learn about and support trans and gender diverse communities. We know that trans and gender diverse people face discrimination in their daily lives which leads to poorer health, employment, housing and education outcomes. One important way our Government has shown our support has been making it easier for trans and gender diverse people to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate. Since this change came into effect in May this year, more than 340 people have applied to have their registration changed. That’s hundreds of Victorians who have been given a basic right – for their birth certificate to reflect who they are. We can all play a role in breaking down the discrimination, including by educating ourselves. Trans101, a crash course developed by trans and gender diverse young people (through @ygender.tgd and @minus18youth) is a great place to start. To check it out, visit www.trans101.org.au.
Today is 13 11 20 Day - a day to say a special tha Today is 13 11 20 Day - a day to say a special thanks to the compassionate and dedicated cancer nurses at the @cancervic information and support line. The impact of a cancer diagnosis is often profound and affects not only the person diagnosed, but also their families, friends and communities. The nurses at the 13 11 20 service provide advice, information and support to everyone affected by cancer. Throughout the pandemic, they’ve played a crucial role in answering questions, relaying information and providing compassion and understanding to the Victorians who turn to them for support. Thank you to all of our cancer nurses who provide this service for your invaluable support and the hard work you do every day. All Victorians affected by cancer can access this free and reliable service by calling 13 11 20.
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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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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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