Government launches enhanced headspace in Busselton

Young people in Busselton and surrounds will now have easier access to mental health services with the opening of an expanded headspace satellite service this week. As part of the Australian Government’s $111.3 million funding commitment to expanding the headspace network, additional ongoing funding has been provided to upgrade the service from an outpost to…

Frankston to Baxter rail upgrade business case released

The electrification and duplication of the Frankston Line to Baxter could directly benefit residents across the entire Mornington Peninsula, according to the federally funded business case. The Commonwealth has committed $228 million to the project, including $3 million for the completion of the preliminary business case by the Victorian Government. Today a summary of the…

Australia well prepared for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Australia is well placed for the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine, once clinical trials and the regulator has confirmed safety and effectiveness. Under the Morrison Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy, Australia has secured 134.8 million doses through advance purchasing agreements with four suppliers: AstraZeneca/Oxford, University of Queensland/CSL, Novavax and Pfizer/BioNTech. In addition, Australia has…

Australia secures a further 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Two more COVID-19 vaccines have been secured for the Australian population under new agreements, bringing the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine investment to more than $3.2 billion. Under the agreements, Novavax will supply 40 million vaccine doses and Pfizer/BioNTech will provide 10 million vaccine doses, should the vaccines be proven safe and effective. Prime Minister Scott…

Commonwealth congratulates final year medical students

Australia’s medical students have had a difficult year with the challenges posed by COVID-19. But with more than 3,700 set to graduate and start their careers next year, it has still been a success. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the COVID-19 crisis had challenged training arrangements for future doctors, with significant changes needed to…

Record childhood vaccination rates through COVID-19

More Australian families are vaccinating their children, with new figures showing four quarters of growth in all childhood coverage rates to September 2020, the highest on record. Each year, the Morrison Government invests more than $400 million in the National Immunisation Program to protect young and vulnerable Australians. The highest rates of vaccination are among…

Supporting CanTeen on National Bandana Day

On 30 October 2020, the Australian Government is urging everyone to wear a bandanna to support young people living with, and recovering from cancer.   Now in its 26th year, CanTeen’s National Bandanna Day raises awareness and supports young people and their families through exceptionally challenging times.   Since it began, CanTeen’s flagship fundraising and…