Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said grants of up to $30,000 from the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 are now available to support the redevelopment of men’s sheds.

“The Strengthening Men’s Sheds grants initiative is part of a $4 million package over four years that would help men’s sheds increase their capacity to attract new members, operate sustainably and continue to make valuable contributions to local communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

Men’s sheds have increased in popularity and number over the past five years and there are now about 160 in Victoria.

Mr Delahunty said men’s sheds provide a place for regular contact with other men and a range of practical activities including carpentry, horticulture, cooking and restorations.

“Men’s sheds give men a place to go where they can meet, talk, get involved in their local community as well as learn about the importance of men’s health and wellbeing issues,” Mr Delahunty said.

In announcing the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012, the Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the Coalition Government recognises the significant role men’s sheds play in local communities through engaging a diverse range of men, including those with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed.

Through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Program, $900,000 will be available to refurbish existing men’s sheds, with grants of up to $30,000 for assistance to redevelop and modify an existing shed to meet occupational health and safety and disability standards or to meet increased community demand for established shed activities.

“In providing this latest round of grants through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 the Coalition Government is supporting men’s sheds to continue to grow and thrive across western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

Successful applicants will be required to match their grants on a 2:1 ratio.

This latest round of funding is in addition to the Men’s Shed Capacity Building Fund of $100,000 that is administered by the Victorian Men’s Sheds Association to provide small grants to develop informal networks and tackle issues of sustainability.

Applications for grants close on 13 July 2012. More information is available at:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-thecommunity/strengthening-mens-sheds

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today that almost $12 million would be made available under the 2012/2013 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

“These grants provide our local volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for equipment, facility upgrades, vehicles and appliances,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It is important our volunteer groups such as CFA and SES are supported through grants like VESEP so that they can continue to do what they do best – protecting lives and property throughout western Victoria.

“Our emergency services in the Lowan Electorate deal with a number of emergencies including fires, storms and flooding.  In these emergencies our volunteers play a crucial role in protecting communities and people.”

Under the program emergency services volunteer groups can access grants of up to $100,000 for operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

VESEP will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000.  Applicants must meet a range of criteria and will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from government and respective emergency services organisations.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of emergency services so the Coalition Government wants to ensure they have the best equipment available to help them carry out their vital work.

“Our volunteers give selfless service and are dedicated to helping make our communities a better place to live and equipment grants such as these are a great example of the way the community, government and emergency services agencies can work together to ensure that we are best placed to respond to emergencies,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information to go www.justice.vic.gov.au or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au

The Nationals member for Lowan and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh
Delahunty announced today the Nhill war memorial would receive funding from
the latest round of the Restoring Community War Memorial Grants program.
“Our War Memorials play a very important role in ensuring we remember the
stories of our local service men and women, and these grants provide practical
support for communities to maintain their memorials in the best possible
condition,” Mr Delahunty said.
The Hindmarsh Shire Council has received $1,800 for the Nhill WWII RAAF
Monument to correct the wording on the monument.
Mr Delahunty said the Victorian Government was committed to passing Victoria’s
war history to subsequent generations.
“Western Victorians are rightly proud of the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans
and these grants will help keep their memories and stories alive through
memorials around our state,” Mr Delahunty said.
“War memorials, honour boards and avenues of honour play an important part in
our local communities and investing in the restoration of these memorials we
can keep their memorials in the best condition, ensuring local servicemen and
women and their stories of courage and mateship are never forgotten,” Mr
Delahunty said.
“We will continue to work with local governments, key ex-servicemen
organisations and community groups to ensure the sacrifice of our veterans is
never forgotten, especially in the lead up to the Centenary of ANZAC
commemorations,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Coalition Government has awarded funding to the Horsham Rural City Council to improve local crime prevention measures, as part of the Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants.

The Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today said $191,497 will be provided to upgrade 12 existing CCTV cameras and install an additional 10 cameras at new sites within the Horsham CBD.

“We all want to feel safe in our community and this funding will help deter crime, with a specific focus on assaults, property damage and theft,” Mr Delahunty said.

The grant program was highly competitive, with over 100 applications received from councils across Victoria.

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh said the successful applications covered a number of different types of projects.

"Several councils have received funding support for the installation of CCTV systems. CCTV camera footage can be used by police to assist in identifying and prosecuting offenders, and provides a strong deterrent to those who commit crimes and engage in anti-social behaviour in our streets,” he said.

“Grant funding was also awarded to projects involving installation of public safety and security assets such as lighting systems, and urban design initiatives which help reduce the opportunity to commit crime.”

“Action on community safety and crime prevention is a high priority for the Coalition Government and I congratulate the Horsham Rural City Council in its endeavours to keep our streets safe,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants are part of the Coalition Government’s $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program. This sum includes funding for community safety measures and graffiti removal programs across Victoria.

Information on the Community Crime Prevention Program, including details of all the successful Public Safety Infrastructure Fund projects, can be found at www.justice.vic.gov.au/communitycrimeprevention

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the West Wimmera Shire Council will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to ‘Imagine Create Inspire’.

The West Wimmera Shire Council will use this funding to encourage discussion surrounding the signs of depression and anxiety, by engaging a profession service to work directly with students.  The program will also engage young people with tools on how to seek help or ways to relax by teaching them some basic tai chi, meditation and other relaxation techniques.  Youthbeyondblue key messages of Look, Listen, Talk, Seek Help will be incorporated into all activities, with promotional material distributed to young people.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

This a great opportunity for young people in the West Wimmera Shire Region to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.

“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.

“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

For more information on national Youth Week 2012 go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nywl.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the Grampians Community Health Centre – Nexus Youth Centre will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire’.

The Grampians Community Health Centre – Nexus Youth Centre will use this funding to support local musicians, students and youth in a lunchtime event.  The group is proposing to present this at Edenhope (reaching students from Goroke and Kaniva also), Dimboola, Murtoa and Horsham. 

Nexus is assisting youth in attending and supporting a skate competition to be held at Warracknabeal.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

“This is a great opportunity for the young people of Horsham to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to “Imagine. Create. Inspire’.

The Dimboola Memorial Secondary College will use this funding to support Urbane Ranges to assist in running a boot camp activity to engage young people in physical activity through a range of disciplines in a fun and supporting environment.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

“This a great opportunity for the young people of Dimboola to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.

“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.

“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

For more information on national Youth Week 2012 go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nywl.

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today that the Dimboola Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $30,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.

The Dimboola Scout Group will receive the funding to upgrade the hall in Muller Street including replacing the exit ramp, upgrades to the toilet and kitchen and improvements to storage facilities.
“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”

“The new facilities are a great boost to the Dimboola community and to the scouting community in particular,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.

“With this new funding Scouts Victorian and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians.

“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Delahunty said.

Girl Guides Victoria’s Sate Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist up in upgrading our facilities across the state.”
To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.gov.au or www.vicscouts.com.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today in Kaniva that the Kaniva Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $45,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.

The Kaniva Scout Group will receive the funding to upgrade the hall in Young Street including removal of asbestos, insulate walls and ceiling, reline interior walls, level floor and construct new toilets with disabled facilities.

“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”
“The new facilities are a great boost to the Kaniva community and to the scouting community in particular,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.

“With this new funding Scouts Victorian and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians.
“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Delahunty said.

Girl Guides Victoria’s Sate Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist up in upgrading our facilities across the state.”
To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.gov.au or www.vicscouts.com.au

The taxi rank on Wilson St, trialled over the Christmas period, will become a permanent feature in Horsham thanks to a $13,000 State Government grant announced today by the Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty.
 
Mr Delahunty said a permanent rank would make it safer and easier for people to catch a taxi, particularly at night.  “This funding will provide a safe, well lit and well monitored place to catch a taxi in Horsham,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The $13,000 will help build a weather shelter at the site with seating and prominent signage.

“It will also fund improved lighting and closed circuit television cameras, making it safer to catch a cab, keeping the community, passengers and taxi drivers at ease.

“The rank has the strong support from local Police and is a huge boost to safety in Horsham.

The rank will be located on Wilson St, outside ‘Cheap as Chips’ between Firebrace and Darlot Streets.

The funding was awarded to Horsham Rural City Council through the third round of the $4 million Taxi Rank Safety Program (TRSP), announced in October by the Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder .

Minister Mulder said the TRSP was making real improvements to taxi safety and amenity all over Victoria.

“So far the Taxi Rank Safety Program has allocated over $1.5 million to councils across the state.”

“This round an extra $840,000 has been allocated across 13 municipalities.

“The TRSP is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment building better taxi services for passengers, taxi drivers and the local community.”

The Taxi Rank Safety Program is administered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate. 

Under the program, councils can apply for grants to improve safety through such works as the installation of CCTV systems, upgraded lighting or the provision of shelters and seating.

For more information and a full list of recipients, visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au.