October 2011
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 09:04

Have a say on number plate safety message

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has urged East Gippslanders to join the discussion on the new number plate message for the state.

“On Sunday, Premier Ted Baillieu announced Victorian number plates would carry a road safety message, which will be selected after extensive consultation,” said Tim.

I urge the local community to join the discussion and put forward ideas for road safety messages that would help reduce the road toll.

“Every holiday period we experience high volumes of traffic through East Gippsland and loss of life our roads has become too common.

“If we can get the message right – a message that people will see almost every day – it will become a constant reminder and incentive to all to drive to survive.

“We have recently had Premier Baillieu announce funding for two major stretches of the Princes Highway in the East of the state, but at the end of the day we must change driver behaviour to have a significant impact on the road toll,” said Tim.

“This message is one avenue to assist in achieving this, so I urge all who have a suggestion to put it forward.”

Victorians can submit their ideas via www.premier.vic.gov.au

The new number plates are expected to roll out in Victoria next year.

Published in Media
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 09:03

$50k for cancer care facility upgrade

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has welcomed the announcement that Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (GRCH) will receive $50,000 in funding from the Victorian Coalition Government to support major improvements at the facility.

“GRCH first opened in 2006 with six family units and has provided much-needed affordable accommodation for patients being treated for cancer at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre,” said Mr Bull.

“The centre is a vital facility for Gippsland and especially people living in East Gippsland, with up to fifty four percent of patients attending the centre coming from this region.

“The emotional stress of undergoing cancer treatments and being away from home for extended periods is an additional burden for both sufferers and their families.

“Accommodation and facilities such as GRCH enable people undergoing treatment for cancer to have their loved ones close by, at a time when they most need their support.

“The Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) located at Latrobe Regional Hospital is the region's only "one stop shop" for cancer care, providing comprehensive treatment in the areas of radiotherapy, oncology and chemotherapy.

Minister for Regional & Rural Development, Peter Ryan, said “funding from the Victorian Coalition Government would contribute to landscaping works as part of the Stage 2 development at the site.”

“The landscaping works, which are now underway, include pathways to form critical links between outdoor assets such as the gazebo/BBQ area, playground, gardens and to the hospital,” Mr Ryan said.

“With Stage 2 of the development nearing completion, the facility will have a total of 17 family units, including a community meeting and training room for hospital staff and this additional capacity will greatly benefit all communities within the Gippsland region,” Mr Bull said.

Published in Media
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 09:01

Funding for accommodation / respite services

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has welcomed the Coalition Government’s announcement of funding to establish new and innovative accommodation and respite services for people with a disability or complex needs.

“I encourage any local health service providers or invested groups who have innovative concepts for new accommodation and support services, or more flexible disability respite support and school holiday respite to apply now,” said Mr Bull.

“A strong respite service and variety in accommodation options are critical for all communities and particularly in rural communities.

“Families and carers need strong respite support and more accommodation options so families can know that their children or siblings will be appropriately catered for in the community,” said Mr Bull.

Funded under a $41 million election commitment, Community Services Minister, Mary Wooldridge said, “at the last election the Coalition Government was committed to delivering better supported accommodation options.”

“People with a disability have told us they want more choice in their living arrangements and carers are saying respite needs to be more flexible and affordable.  We’re looking for new and innovative ideas that will help meet these needs,” said Minister Wooldridge.

“The new school holiday respite support will be available for the 2011 summer holiday period and will give more people with a disability and their families and carers the opportunity to have a much needed break,” said Mr Bull.

To lodge a submission visit , or call (03) 9096 0140 for further information.

Submissions close 10 November, 2011.

Published in Media
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 09:00

Loretta Bartley - 100 years young

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, was pleased to welcome Lake Tyers resident, Mrs Loretta Bartley to Parliament House last week as part of an afternoon tea hosted for Victorian centenarians.

“Mrs Bartley was accompanied by her sons Rod and Paul and was one of 48 centenarians in attendance, believed to be a world record for one location,” said Tim.

“The gathering was addressed by Premier Ted Baillieu and Mrs Bartley clearly had a good time and I thank her sons for accompanying her on the day.

“Mrs Bartley is a real character and said a glass of brandy each day has helped her reach the century.

“She has a very interesting history having lived in Egypt, Wales, England and now Victoria.

“Given the success of this day, it is hoped it will be bigger and better next year. Given the relatively short time frames we were unable to identify and contact all of the centenarians in the electorate, but hope that we can have more from the region at Parliament House next year,” said Tim.

Published in Media
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 08:58

$20 million for 'Communities for Nature'

The Victorian Coalition Government has launched a new grants program to enable local communities to conduct work that will safeguard and enhance their local environment.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the ‘Communities for Nature’ program delivers an important commitment by the Coalition government to support local environmental action undertaken by community groups and volunteers by providing funding for specific environmental projects.

The program provides $20 million to support the community over four years, enabling small projects with grants to successful applicants of up to $10,000 and large projects with grants to successful applicants of between $10,000 and $150,000.

“It is important that we recognise and back the efforts of those committed and enthusiastic groups who work together with government agencies to create positive changes by tackling issues that impact our local environment.

“We live in an area with many outstanding natural attractions and their preservation is critical for the region. Our environment is unique and we need to look after it,” said Mr Bull.

Examples of work include:

 Revegetation  Biodiversity and habitat preservation  Cleaning up waterways  Weed control  Threatened species recovery

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester welcomed the State Government’s support for local environmental initiatives through the Communities for Nature program. He said there were a range of projects in East Gippsland that could be funded.

“In addition to the recent announcement of funding for 60 additional Landcare facilitators, this is a positive move from the State Government to help regional communities carry out local environmental projects.”

“Landcare members are most often the ones who are prepared to get their hands dirty and do the work to address environmental issues, Mr Chester said.

Mr Bull said, “I encourage anyone actively involved in habitat preservation, re-vegetation or who assist in cleaning up and protecting our lakes and river systems to apply for this funding.”

“The first round of funding is now open, closing on 19 December 2011.  For further information visit: www.dse.vic.gov.au/communitiesfornature or call 1300 366 356.

Published in Media
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 08:57

Mental Health Week - ongoing awareness needed

Gippsland MPs are encouraging locals to use Mental Health Week as a long-term platform to support people dealing with mental illness.

“Since its inception in 1985, Mental Health Week has grown to encompass hundreds of events across Victoria with the primary objective to promote mental well-being and educate the community about mental illness,” said Mr Bull.

“The Coalition through its $1billion commitment has already announced a number of programs and funding initiatives which will improve access to mental health services in regional Victoria for people with a mental health issue, as well as increased support for their families and carers.

“This week at Parliament there has been a strong bi-partisan recognition of Mental Health Week. It is a significant issue within society and increased, ongoing public awareness is required,” Mr Bull said.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, added “it was important that people started to talk about mental illness issues beyond Mental Health Week.”

“The issues surrounding mental illness are complex and there is a certain stigma which prevents mental health from being spoken about in our communities.

“It’s important that people who are dealing with mental illness understand that there is support available and to make sure that they know it is there and mental health needs to be raised as an important issue within the community on a more regular basis,” Mr Chester said.

Anyone in need of assistance can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Published in Media
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