I am delighted that Abacus Learning Centre in Hastings has become one of the first providers on the Mornington Peninsula to offer assistance under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Abacus is a not-for-profit organisation that provides intensive early intervention therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), assisting them to reach their potential. I…
I encourage budding young poets to put their writing skills to the test in the 2014 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. Submissions to Australia’s longest running poetry competition for students opened on March 1. Poetry is an age-old art form that delights and inspires many. One of my personal favourites is Tennyson’s Ulysses. I have often…
I am pleased to advise the Victorian At Home Care Grants scheme is open again to provide much-needed financial assistance to keep young people with a disability in their own homes. This year, Youngcare is offering $200,000 in grants for up to 30 young Victorians to help them avoid premature admission into aged care facilities.…
The Coalition Government is delivering another key election commitment with legislation to establish the Green Army introduced to Parliament. The Green Army Programme is a key part of the Government’s Cleaner Environment Plan under the Clean Land pillar. The Government will shortly be undertaking a tender process for service providers who will engage the Green…
The Coalition Government is delivering another key election commitment with legislation to establish the Green Army introduced to Parliament. The Green Army Programme is a key part of the Government’s Cleaner Environment Plan under the Clean Land pillar. The Government will shortly be undertaking a tender process for service providers who will engage the Green…
I will be joining the Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group on Sunday to clean up Balcombe Creek Estuary in Mt Martha this Clean Up Australia Day. Balcombe Creek, with its estuary, is the last unspoilt waterway entering the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay. Clean Up Australia Day is an opportunity for environmental groups and community…
Defence families are to receive additional benefits through a new health care program. The Government has launched the National Australian Defence Force Family Health Program, which will provide additional support to ADF members and their families in acknowledgement of their service and sacrifice. ADF members and their families face unique challenges such as regular postings…
Residents across the Mornington Peninsula, Western Port, Bass Coast and Phillip Island can see how their suburb rates for internet connectivity through a new website. The National Broadband Network (NBN) Company has launched the MyBroadband website, which allows residents to enter their address and receive a report on the availability and quality of broadband in…
I am encouraging local public schools to take more responsibility for their own affairs by becoming independent. The Government’s $70 million Independent Public Schools initiative allows schools to have a greater say in their own governance and encourages greater community and parental engagement. I hope schools across the electorate from Sorrento to Hastings, Koo Wee…
It is incredibly rewarding to give back to the community and now there is an easy way for volunteers to connect with local community organisations in need of help. I have partnered with DoSomething!, which connects willing volunteers to community groups in their area. I encourage local community groups and volunteers to get on board.…