Media Centre

Increased Funding For Youth Housing Across Victoria

The Andrews Labor Government will build more than 130 new homes for young people across Victoria to address youth homelessness and make sure more young Victorians have access to the support they need. Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the Melbourne City Mission youth refuge in Werribee to announce a $50 million investment and see first-hand how having a roof over their head has transformed young people‘s lives. The investment will be shared between eight registered housing providers and community service organisations to build ten new housing projects across the state. Melbourne City Mission will build two new projects in Werribee – and other successful providers include the Salvos, Kids Under Cover, Beyond Housing, Mallee Accommodation and Support and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Regional Victorian communities will also see new houses built – including Wangaratta, Wodonga, Shepparton (Mooroopna), Bairnsdale, Mildura, Reservoir, South Morang and Frankston. More than 16 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are aged between 15 to 24 – and these vital projects will ensure young people have the safety and security of a home to help them grow and develop. The homes will deliver a range of housing options including youth foyers that integrate housing with education, employment and other support services, or youth supported accommodation and projects focused on young Victorians leaving out of home care. All the homes will be in highly accessible locations in walking distance of education, employment, public transport, retail and community services and feature energy efficient design to help renters keep their bills low. The funding is part of the Labor Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. Through the Big Housing Build and other major programs, the Government is delivering more than 12,000 social and affordable new homes while creating up to 10,000 jobs every year over four years. Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Colin Brooks “We are addressing youth homelessness and this investment ensures that commitment continues and helps to give young people a place to call home. “These new homes will ensure more homes are available for young people to give them the support they need to thrive as adults.” “The stability of having a roof over their head will support these young people to learn and develop, setting them up for success in rest of their lives.”

Increased Funding For Youth Housing Across Victoria

The Andrews Labor Government will build more than 130 new homes for young people across Victoria to address youth homelessness and make sure more young Victorians have access to the support they need. Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the Melbourne City Mission youth refuge in Werribee to announce a $50 million investment and see first-hand how having a roof over their head has transformed young people‘s lives. The investment will be shared between eight registered housing providers and community service organisations to build ten new housing projects across the state. Melbourne City Mission will build two new projects in Werribee – and other successful providers include the Salvos, Kids Under Cover, Beyond Housing, Mallee Accommodation and Support and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Regional Victorian communities will also see new houses built – including Wangaratta, Wodonga, Shepparton (Mooroopna), Bairnsdale, Mildura, Reservoir, South Morang and Frankston. More than 16 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are aged between 15 to 24 – and these vital projects will ensure young people have the safety and security of a home to help them grow and develop. The homes will deliver a range of housing options including youth foyers that integrate housing with education, employment and other support services, or youth supported accommodation and projects focused on young Victorians leaving out of home care. All the homes will be in highly accessible locations in walking distance of education, employment, public transport, retail and community services and feature energy efficient design to help renters keep their bills low. The funding is part of the Labor Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. Through the Big Housing Build and other major programs, the Government is delivering more than 12,000 social and affordable new homes while creating up to 10,000 jobs every year over four years. Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Colin Brooks “We are addressing youth homelessness and this investment ensures that commitment continues and helps to give young people a place to call home. “These new homes will ensure more homes are available for young people to give them the support they need to thrive as adults.” “The stability of having a roof over their head will support these young people to learn and develop, setting them up for success in rest of their lives.”

Victorian Relief For Türkiye And Syria

The Victorian Government extends its deepest sympathies – and the thoughts of all Victorians – to those affected by the devastating earthquakes across Türkiye and Syria. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed in this tragedy, and many thousands have lost loved ones as the scale of the earthquakes’ devastation continues to grow. This disaster will be felt particularly strongly by Victoria’s large communities from Türkiye and Syria – know we share in your grief, and stand ready to support those affected. That’s why we’ll contribute $1 million to humanitarian relief efforts on the ground where they’re needed most – providing immediate shelter and food items to those who have been injured and evacuated in the disaster. In this time of mourning and grief for so many, every contribution counts – and we’ll continue to work with the Commonwealth wherever possible to support relief efforts. To show our solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria, and their families and friends who call Victoria home, public buildings in Melbourne’s CBD will be lit up in white on Friday evening. Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews “This disaster has destroyed many thousands of lives and homes in Türkiye and Syria – and the support of every Victorian is with affected communities, and with our state’s large and proud Turkish and Syrian communities.” Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks “This is an anxious and distressing time for families from Türkiye and Syria who call Victoria home. We want them to know we stand with them, and we stand ready to provide support to our friends in the region.”

Victorian Relief For Türkiye And Syria

The Victorian Government extends its deepest sympathies – and the thoughts of all Victorians – to those affected by the devastating earthquakes across Türkiye and Syria. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed in this tragedy, and many thousands have lost loved ones as the scale of the earthquakes’ devastation continues to grow. This disaster will be felt particularly strongly by Victoria’s large communities from Türkiye and Syria – know we share in your grief, and stand ready to support those affected. That’s why we’ll contribute $1 million to humanitarian relief efforts on the ground where they’re needed most – providing immediate shelter and food items to those who have been injured and evacuated in the disaster. In this time of mourning and grief for so many, every contribution counts – and we’ll continue to work with the Commonwealth wherever possible to support relief efforts. To show our solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria, and their families and friends who call Victoria home, public buildings in Melbourne’s CBD will be lit up in white on Friday evening. Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews “This disaster has destroyed many thousands of lives and homes in Türkiye and Syria – and the support of every Victorian is with affected communities, and with our state’s large and proud Turkish and Syrian communities.” Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks “This is an anxious and distressing time for families from Türkiye and Syria who call Victoria home. We want them to know we stand with them, and we stand ready to provide support to our friends in the region.”

More Mental Health Workers Earning And Learning

The Andrews Labor Government is building a diverse and robust mental health and wellbeing workforce, delivering a brand-new program for students, streamlining their transition straight into the workforce. Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams today announced the new Earn and Learn Traineeship programand the providers who will be running the program. The program is part of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-24, which outlines a strategic approach to deliver the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce required for Victoria’s reformed mental health and wellbeing system. The $4.5 million Labor Government investment will create 50 new community support jobs for Mental Health and Wellbeing trainees while they study a Certificate IV in Mental Health, the providers include: Mind Australia Wellways Australia EACH Uniting Vic. Tas Star Health Mallee Family Care Funding has also been provided for educator roles to support trainees at these services, which will ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Trainees will receive supervision and relevant placements through their employment period. Following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System for a more diverse mental health workforce, these positions pave the way for people with a wide variety of skills, experience and background to begin their career journey in the community mental health services. The Government is getting underway on implementing more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and in the last year have invested a record $372 million in workforce initiatives to hire more than 1,500 mental health workers, including 400 mental health nurses and 100 psychiatrists to deliver Victoria’s mental health reform agenda. The Andrews Labor Government also offers the Certificate IV in Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Support as part of the Free TAFE program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams “The Earn and Learn traineeship program means community mental health workers can begin working in the sector while they complete their studies – getting them straight into the workforce and supporting Victorians right away.” “These new roles are a key part of the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce that the Royal Commission recommended for the mental health system.”

More Mental Health Workers Earning And Learning

The Andrews Labor Government is building a diverse and robust mental health and wellbeing workforce, delivering a brand-new program for students, streamlining their transition straight into the workforce. Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams today announced the new Earn and Learn Traineeship programand the providers who will be running the program. The program is part of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-24, which outlines a strategic approach to deliver the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce required for Victoria’s reformed mental health and wellbeing system. The $4.5 million Labor Government investment will create 50 new community support jobs for Mental Health and Wellbeing trainees while they study a Certificate IV in Mental Health, the providers include: Mind Australia Wellways Australia EACH Uniting Vic. Tas Star Health Mallee Family Care Funding has also been provided for educator roles to support trainees at these services, which will ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Trainees will receive supervision and relevant placements through their employment period. Following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System for a more diverse mental health workforce, these positions pave the way for people with a wide variety of skills, experience and background to begin their career journey in the community mental health services. The Government is getting underway on implementing more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and in the last year have invested a record $372 million in workforce initiatives to hire more than 1,500 mental health workers, including 400 mental health nurses and 100 psychiatrists to deliver Victoria’s mental health reform agenda. The Andrews Labor Government also offers the Certificate IV in Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Support as part of the Free TAFE program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams “The Earn and Learn traineeship program means community mental health workers can begin working in the sector while they complete their studies – getting them straight into the workforce and supporting Victorians right away.” “These new roles are a key part of the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce that the Royal Commission recommended for the mental health system.”

Supporting More Women On Boards

The Andrews Labor Government is getting more women into leadership and helping them gain positions on community and government boards. Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today encouraged women to apply for the 2023 round of scholarships under the Women’s Board Leadership Program. The program gives women tailored governance training and mentoring for roles on community and government boards, with a focus on Aboriginal and culturally diverse women. It’s also designed to help more women improve their governance skills and gain extra experience to make an impact on community and government boards in Victoria. The program – which is delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) – will receive $200,000 this year to sponsor 50 Victorian women to undertake governance training. Through the scholarships, women will have up to 12 months to complete ICDA’s Diploma of Governance online. The program forms part of the Labor Government’s promise to have an equal representation of women on government boards. Women now make up more than 50 per cent of seats on government boards. Applications for the scholarships are now open until March 15. Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins “We’re supporting more women into leadership and helping them gain positions on community and government boards - and I encourage all women from across the stateto apply for this round of scholarships under the Women’s Board Leadership Program.” “Women not only have the capacity, drive and potential for roles on community and government boards – but also bring experiences, expertise, and unique personalities to the organisations and corporations they work in.”

Supporting More Women On Boards

The Andrews Labor Government is getting more women into leadership and helping them gain positions on community and government boards. Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today encouraged women to apply for the 2023 round of scholarships under the Women’s Board Leadership Program. The program gives women tailored governance training and mentoring for roles on community and government boards, with a focus on Aboriginal and culturally diverse women. It’s also designed to help more women improve their governance skills and gain extra experience to make an impact on community and government boards in Victoria. The program – which is delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) – will receive $200,000 this year to sponsor 50 Victorian women to undertake governance training. Through the scholarships, women will have up to 12 months to complete ICDA’s Diploma of Governance online. The program forms part of the Labor Government’s promise to have an equal representation of women on government boards. Women now make up more than 50 per cent of seats on government boards. Applications for the scholarships are now open until March 15. Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins “We’re supporting more women into leadership and helping them gain positions on community and government boards - and I encourage all women from across the stateto apply for this round of scholarships under the Women’s Board Leadership Program.” “Women not only have the capacity, drive and potential for roles on community and government boards – but also bring experiences, expertise, and unique personalities to the organisations and corporations they work in.”

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