Past Newsletters

Community Food Relief Program

The Community Food Relief Program – Coordination Grants provide grants of up to $300,000 to support food relief partnership projects across Victoria.

Applications close 5 August 2025

The Community Food Relief Program – Local Grants  supports local food relief and food security activities that help Victorians access healthy and culturally appropriate food.

Applications close 19 August 2025.

Look Over the Farm Gate – Community Grants

Local groups can apply for up to $5,000 to run events that bring people together and support mental health – from community BBQs and workshops to sports days and wellbeing sessions. These grants help strengthen community connection and mental wellbeing in farming regions facing challenging seasonal conditions.

Applications close 31

October 2025.

Men’s Shed Funding Program

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to support multicultural festivals and events for Victorians. The key objectives of the program are to ensure people can celebrate cultures, share traditions and encourage the community to take part in events to further learning, understanding and respect for different cultures.

Applications close 17
July 2025

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

Budget 2025/26

Last week I delivered my first State Budget as Treasurer.

Families are feeling the cost of living in their grocery shop, in their power bills – getting the kids to school and getting in to see a GP.

It’s why this Budget delivers record help.

That means free public transport for every child, every day, everywhere.

We’ve been able to do that because we’ve made responsible decisions.

By carefully managing our state’s finances – and reducing government spend on inefficient and non-priority programs – we’ve been able to use our Budget to deliver what matters most to Victorian families.

That means real help with the cost of living - and more investment in the frontline services families rely on.

In a cost of living crisis - we’re on the side of working people and families.

While we know there is always more to do, I will continue to advocate for the region and deliver on the things that matter most to our local communities.

My office is always available to help with state government matters.

To contact my office, call (03) 5783 2000 or email me at [email protected].

Real Help with Cost of Living

For parents in Northern Victoria, every dollar counts. It’s why we’re making public transport free for Victorians under 18. It’ll mean savings of up to $755 a year – per child. With free PT for under 18s, we’re ensuring cheaper school runs, more affordable weekends – and one less thing for families to worry about.

Other cost of living measures:

More rebates for energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems, so that more families can save up to $400 a year on their energy bills.
Free public transport for Seniors on weekends.
$100 Power Saving Bonus to eligible Victorian households with a concession card in time for their August winter bills.
Free Pharmacy Care- enabling pharmacists to treat even more conditions without a prescription, saving time and money on GP visits.
Making sure kids don’t miss out by increasing the Camps Sports and Excursions Fund payments up to $400 for eligible students.
Doubling key support for food relief in regional communities, with $6 million for FoodShares in Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Mildura and Bendigo.
Delivering an extra 65,000 Get Active Kids Vouchers
Stamp Duty concession extension for first home buyers

Upgrading Schools Across Northern Victoria

I was lucky enough to visit Broadford Primary School and give them the good news that in this years Budget they will be receiving $13.7 million to upgrade and modernise their school.

This years Budget is also funding $11.7 million for Wangaratta High School.

A further $453,000 will deliver upgrades a St Georges Primary School in Shepparton, while an additional $121,000 will upgrade toilets at Tallangatta Secondary College.

This Budget also invests in making sure our schools keep up with our growing community. 

That means kick-starting planning on even better learning spaces with $500,000 each for Lancaster Primary School, Yarrawonga College and Broadford Secondary College.  

Investing in Community Sport

We know families across Northern Victoria love their community sport. 

The Mount Beauty United Cricket Club brings together players of all ages and all abilities.  This Budget will provide funding of up to $175,000 for new practice nets for the club.

Up to $150,000 will also fund resurfacing netball courts at the Benalla Saints Football Netball Club.

$250,000 will fund the delivery of a new Pump Track for Yackandandah – making cycling in Victoria’s High Country even better.

It’ll mean even better facilities for these clubs and their supporters.

Investing in Regional Roads and Rail

An investment of $52 million in Vline services and upgrades will deliver additional peak services for the Seymour line and new six car trains on weekend services on the Bendigo line. This builds on the more than 2,000 additional weekly services added across the train network since 2015.

An extra $270 million will continue improving and maintaining our V/Line network, ensuring a more reliable service for passengers.

This Budget also backs our Better Roads Blitz. $976 million will be invested in 2025-26 alone to fix potholes and resurface roads, making it easier for Victorians to get where they’re going.

Watch my full budget speech here:

Budget Speech

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

Authorised by J Symes 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Unit 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore VIC 3764
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

March 2025

Click here to check out the full list

Welcome back to my community newsletter.

What a busy few months it’s been!

In December my portfolios changed, and I have taken on the role as the state Treasurer. I am very proud to take on this job and even more so being the first woman to hold the position in the state’s history. As always, I am honoured to serve the Victorian community and I am excited to bring a new perspective to this new role.

Parliament returned in February and the Allan Labor Government has been busy working hard for all Victorians. Last week I officially opened the new Banmira Specialist School campus in Shepparton. The Allan Labor Government invested over $24 million to rebuild and repurpose the old Wanganui Secondary School site into Banmira Specialist School. Complete with a sensory room, library, and community hub the junior school site provides more learning, recreation and play space for students just down the road from the Verney Road senior school campus.

While we know there is always more to do, I will continue to advocate for the region and deliver on the things that matter most to our local communities.

My office is always available to help with state government matters.

To contact my office, call (03) 5783 2000 or email me at [email protected].

NEW HOMES FOR FAMILIES IN WANGARATTA

Last month I was pleased to officially open alongside Housing Minister Harriet Shing 44 new homes in Templeton Street, Wangaratta.

This is thanks to a $13.5 million investment by the Allan Labor Government in partnership with Uniting Vic.

This project has more than doubled the number of homes at the site. 90 people have now moved into the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes close to the centre of town, jobs and transport.

MORE CAPACITY AT BROADFORD SECONDARY COLLEGE

I recently had the opportunity to visit Broadford Secondary College and formally open three new double-storey relocatable classrooms. This project was made possible through a $4.5 million investment through the Allan Labor Governments Relocatable Building Program. This funding provides additional state-of-the-art classrooms and spaces to meet the growing local population.

For more information, click here.

We’re building 12 New Neighbourhood Batteries In Northern Victoria

More towns in Northern Victoria will be home to new neighbourhood batteries, helping lower power bills, get more solar on to Victorian rooftops and provide backup power for communities during extreme weather events. These new sites were announced as part of round two of the $42 million Neighbourhood Battery Program.

Some of the projects include a battery at Bright Community Hub to ensure backup power for the community in extreme weather events, The Salvation Army in Mildura will receive a battery to reduce energy costs, which will allow savings and income to be redirected to frontline community services and Pylong Recreation reserve will receive a battery at the community hall to serve as an emergency relief centre during events like storms, fires, floods or power outages.

Grant Programs Open

Victorian Landcare Grants

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for activities that protect or improve natural assets such as native vegetation, native fauna, waterways, wetlands and soils.

Applications close 16 April 2025.

Camp, Sports and Excursions Fund

The fund provides payments for eligible students to attend school camps, excursions and sports and outdoor education programs. Families who apply can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.

Applications close 4 July 2025.

Pre-Service Teacher Placement Grant Program

If you are currently completing a Primary or Secondary Education Degree, you may be eligible for daily payments whilst you complete a teaching placement. Students must be completing a placement in an eligible regional, remote or specialist Victorian government school.

Applications close 1

December 2025.

Multicultural Festivals and Events Program

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to support multicultural festivals and events for Victorians. The key objectives of the program are to ensure people can celebrate cultures, share traditions and encourage the community to take part in events to further learning, understanding and respect for different cultures.

Applications close 17
April 2025

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

December 2024

Welcome back to my community newsletter.

We’re almost at the end of the year! Parliament has finished up for 2024 and will reconvene in February 2025. Earlier this month, we celebrated the commencement of works on the redeveloped $62 million public aged care facility at Bindaree Retirement Centre in Mansfield.

I am really lucky in this role to meet so many incredible emergency service volunteers that show up time and time again to keep Victorians safe. That’s why I was so excited to announce our $250 million package for VICSES and CFA. The package includes $70 million for a fleet replacement program for CFA and VICSES, $53 million to modernise the VicEmergency app - including an upgrade to translate the app into different languages, doubling the VESEP grants by investing more than $62 million to ensure our volunteers get the equipment they need and more than $30 million in extra training for our VICSES volunteers.

As we head into the warmer weather, I encourage everyone to brush up on their fire safety plans, download the VicEmergency app and adhere to warnings from local CFA and Emergency Services.

While we acknowledge that there is always more to do, rest assured that I will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for the region and deliver on the things that matter most to our local communities. My office is always available to help with state government matters. To contact my office, call (03) 5783 2000 or email me at [email protected].

Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season!

$10 MILLION UPGRADE COMPLETE AT COBRAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

I was delighted to visit Cobram Primary School this month and see students benefiting from new and upgraded facilities following the completion of a $10 million upgrade and modernisation funded by the Allan Labor Government.

The upgrades include a new learning hub with art, science, and technology spaces, new classrooms for the junior cohort, and a refreshed admin building.

Congratulations again to school Principal Claye Runnalls and the school community.

Thanks for having me!

MORE RELIABLE TRAINS ON THE SEYMOUR LINE

The Allan Labor Government is giving V/Line passengers on the Seymour Line more reliable trains and better services.

68 services every week that currently run two-carriage Sprinters have been replaced with modern, larger and accessible VLocity trains.

These changes will add hundreds of seats to Seymour Line trains each week, including some during the busiest times of the day – improving passenger journeys along the corridor.

Introducing more VLocity trains on the line will also improve the availability of Sprinter trains, reducing the risk of reduced or cancelled services.

More than 1.2 million trips have been taken on the Seymour Line since the Labor Government introduced the regional fare cap, with a return ticket to or from Seymour (previously costing more than $36), now capped at the daily metro fare of $10.60.

VISIT TO SHEPPARTON WITH THE PREMIER

In October, I had the pleasure of hosting Premier Jacinta Allan in Shepparton. The day began alongside Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney with an announcement of first-round recipients of the Regional Workers Accommodation Fund (RWAF). This fund, which supports shovel-ready projects, is a result of co-investment from private businesses, industries, regional councils, or local community groups. It is not just about delivering worker housing, but about shaping the future of regional Victoria, ensuring its prosperity for years to come. To learn more about RWAF, click here.

We then had the pleasure of visiting an outstanding local business, Evolve North Coffee Roasters. They graciously gave us a tour of their new and updated warehouse that supplies coffee beans and packaging products to hospitality businesses across Victoria. Evolve North, a shining example of our local entrepreneurial spirit, received a grant through Regional Development Victoria to expand its facilities.

We concluded the day with a fantastic visit to Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC). The Premier and I were truly inspired by the amazing young people we met. They spoke so proudly and passionately about their school, which is a testament to the wonderful work being done at GSSC.

LAND AQUIRED FOR NEW HEATHCOTE EMERGENCY SERVICES HUB

In November, I announced that the Allan Labor Government had secured land to rebuild Heathcote’s VICSES and CFA facilities, ensuring local hardworking volunteers have the base they need to keep Victorians safe.

Alongside the Premier and local Federal Member Lisa Chesters, I joined volunteers to announce that the new co-located facility will be built on Herriot Street, which was chosen by both CFA and VICSES.

The current CFA and VICSES facilities in Heathcote were severely affected by the October 2022 floods, and both agencies are facing growing demand as the Heathcote area grows.

The new facility, designed in consultation with CFA and VICSES, will provide space for their combined 70 volunteer members to respond, train and plan for future emergencies.

Grant Programs Open

Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants

The Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program provides funding to support Victoria’s authorised wildlife rehabilitators. Grants will be capped at $3,000 per eligible shelter operator and $2,000 per eligible foster carer applicant.

Applications close 5 February 2025

Veterans Capital Works Grant Program

The Veterans Capital Works grant program helps organisations improve buildings or facilities that deliver services to the veteran community. Grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) are available to help not-for-profit organisations build or improve facilities that deliver services to veterans, their families and communities.

Applications close 3 February 2025.

Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program

The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program offers funding for community groups to support veterans and reflect their service within the community. Grants of up to $30,000 (excluding GST) are available to conserve, maintain, or change war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour to better reflect local veteran service.

Applications close 3 February 2025.

Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2024-26

The program funds First Peoples, multicultural and multi-faith community organisations and groups to deliver community-led responses to racism.

It forms part of the Victorian Government’s vision for a more inclusive state under the Victorian anti-racism strategy 2024-29.

Applications close 6 February 2025.

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

October 2024

Welcome back to my community newsletter.

Its been a busy few months. In July I visited Mildura where I joined brigade members and representatives from the CFA to officially handover the new Mildura Fire Brigade tanker and thank the volunteers for their service and contribution to the community. I also officially opened Mildura’s brand-new Legal Aid office. The new purpose-built facility is critical to providing early resolution of legal problems, culturally safe services and access to justice for those living in the Mallee region.

In parliament there has been a number of key legislation pass through both houses. The new Youth Justice Act will hold serious repeat young offenders to account while our Women’s Safety Package is protecting women and children from harm.

Whilst we know there is always more to do. I will continue to work hard to advocate for the region to deliver on the things that matter most to our local communities.

My office is always available to help with state government matters. To contact my office, call (03) 5783 2000 or email me at [email protected].

TINY TOWNS FUND ROUND 2 NOW OPEN

Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available for each project for towns with up to 5,000 people.

Margaret, Jill, Traci and the Committee at the Nagambie Mechanics Institute secured a Tiny Towns grant of $50,000 in the first round of the fund earlier this year.

This will help them renovate and update the hall's kitchen, making it fit for purpose for the whole Nagambie community.

Tiny Towns Round 2 is open until October 25th!

For more information and to apply visit: Tiny Towns Fund

MORE FREE KINDER PLACES FOR BROADFORD FAMILIES

More children and families in Broadford now benefit from additional kindergarten places thanks to a $1.76 million investment from the Allan Labor Government.

In August I officially opened the new kindergarten room at Mt Piper Broadford Family and Children’s Centre, which has increased capacity by up to 59 additional free kindergarten places, bringing its total capacity up to 171 all thanks to Building Blocks Capacity Grants funding.

The grant also helped deliver expanded Maternal and Child Health Services, which Mitchell Shire manages. It includes a new meeting room for early childhood and family services, a new entryway with a large accessible foyer and additional car parks.

Mt Piper Broadford Family and Children’s Centre has also been named a finalist in the Victorian Design Awards!

NEW HEAVY TANKERS FOR EUROA, SHEPPARTON, NATHALIA & NUMURKAH FIRE BRIGADES

Last month I joined CFA volunteers and officials at Euroa Fire Station to handover their new tanker.

Three other tankers for Shepparton, Nathalia and Numurkah brigades have also been delivered. The new tankers will provide a valuable boost to the capability of the brigades ahead of the upcoming fire season. We are ensuring our volunteer firefighters receive the resources they need to carry out their vital role safely and efficiently.

I look forward to seeing the benefits these tankers will bring to our North East brigades.

RAIL TRAIL GEARED TO BOOST HIGH COUNTRY TOURISM

I recently visited Yackandandah to officially open the extension of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Which now connects Beechworth to Yackandandah, and Yackandandah to Osbornes Flat, make the most of the High Country’s natural beauty.

The project supported more than 34 jobs during construction and more than 7,600 additional visitors are estimated to use the trail annually, supporting the creation of 28 ongoing jobs and generating an extra $3.1 million of visitor expenditure in the region.

The North East is quickly growing its reputation as a top destination for trail cycling through Ride High Country, and this extension to the High Country’s Murray to Mountains Rail Trail will strengthen that reputation and bring even more visitors to the region.

Grant Programs Open

Men’s Shed Fund Program

Applications are now open for grants up to $100,000 to help build or improve Men’s Sheds.

Men’s sheds are safe and practical places for men to meet, make social connections and actively participate in their local communities.

Closes 16th October

Sporting Club Grants Program

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria.

Access to this funding helps grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

Closes 11th October

Multicultural Festivals and Events Program

The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to support activities that promote and foster social cohesion.

There are two key objectives: to ensure Victorians can celebrate and preserve cultures, and share traditions and encourage the broader Victorian community to take part in events that further learning, understanding and respect for different cultures and traditions.

Closes 25th October

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

Copyright (C) 2025 Jaclyn Symes- Jaclyn Symes - Member for Northern Victoria. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Unit 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore VIC 3764
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

June 2024

Welcome back to my community newsletter.

It’s been a busy few months. In April - the Legislative Council had a Regional Sitting of Parliament in the lovely town of Echuca.

It was great to show my colleagues around such a special part of Northern Victoria.

Alongside Regional Sitting, I participated in the Kyabram Youth Forum. It was wonderful to hear from young people across the region speak about the issues they are passionate about.

In May, the 2024-25 State Budget was released. Whether its helping with the cost of living, making sure our kids can be their best, record funding for our healthcare system or continuing to invest in more of the services families rely on- the Victorian Budget 2024/25 invests in our communities.

The Allan Labor Government’s $400 School Saving Bonus will be available to every student enrolled at a government school and eligible families at non-government schools. The bonus will help families cover the cost of uniforms and activities such as school camps, excursions, and sporting events.

Read all about this years State Budget HERE

More recently, in my role as Attorney General alongside the Premier, Minister for Police and Minister for Youth Justice I announced the introduction of the Youth Justice Bill. The first standalone Act for our youth justice system delivers vital reforms to how our justice system approaches young people. This bill is not simply a matter of tightening our laws; it aims to change our frontline response, deliver a more tailored and targeted court system, and ensure victims' voices are heard.

Read about it HERE

Education

I recently visited Eildon Primary School to confirm $4.8 million in funding to upgrade and modernise the school- ensuring staff, students and the school community will have first-class facilities they can be proud of.

Swan Hill North Primary School and Beechworth Secondary College also received funding in this years budget to deliver upgrades at their schools.

Community Sport

On Budget Day, I got to visit Myrtleford Bowls Club and announce $350,000 for upgrades, including a new synthetic green.

Benalla is also getting a brand new $300,000 BMX pump track as part of this years budget.

Investing in the things that matter to locals helps more people to be more active while making our communities healthier.

Also in the Budget for community sports:

$250,000 towards the delivery of Tatura Park western oval lighting upgrade
$120,000 towards the delivery of netball upgrades at Alan Garden Reserve in Swan Hill.

Brand New Pavilion for JJ Clancy Reserve

Local clubs that use the JJ Clancy Reserve are enjoying their brand-new pavilion made possible by a $3.4m investment from the Allan Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

JJ Clancy is home to over 900 players and supporters from Kilmore Football Netball Club, Kilmore Junior Football Club, Kilmore Tennis Club, Kilmore Netball Club, U3A Kilmore and Kilmore and District Little Athletics.

The new hub delivers community and social space, changing facilities, storage, a new play space, landscape works, an upgrade to car parking and relocation of Little Athletics field event facilities.

New Rutherglen Aged Care Facility hits Halfway Mark

Last month I got to inspect the progress on the new $57.11 million, 50 bed Rutherglen Aged Care facility that will provide a safe and comfortable place for residents to call home, as well as a modern and efficient working environment for staff.

Residents will share a community room and common areas designed to encourage social interactions and activities between residents, families and the community.

The new facility will also provide an environment that is dementia friendly and better suited to supporting mental health and the complex care needs of older Victorians.

Applications Open For Council Road Safety Grants

The Allan Labor Government has launched a new round of grants to help more councils across the state deliver road safety projects in their local areas to keep their communities safe.

Councils right across the state can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.

To apply visit: TAC Local Government Grant Program

Grant Programs Open

Regional Tourism Investment Fund

The Fund provides grants of up to $5 million for small and large-scale projects and accommodation improvement projects – creating more jobs and a strong pipeline of demand-driven tourism infrastructure projects.

Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP)

VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

New Year Newsletter- Jaclyn Symes MP (mailchi.mp)

Copyright (C) 2024 Jaclyn Symes- Jaclyn Symes - Member for Northern Victoria. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Unit 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore VIC 3764
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

January 2024

Welcome to 2024!

It’s been a big few weeks in Northern Victoria. In early January we experienced flooding and storms in many parts of the region. I wanted to give a big shoutout to all of the community members, emergency services and volunteers who worked (and continue to work) tirelessly throughout this stressful period. It was wonderful to see everyone banding together to help others, displaying community spirit and generosity.

If you or someone you know was affected by the recent floods visit Emergency Recovery Victoria or call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. You can also contact my office on 5783 2000 or email [email protected] and my staff will direct you to the best point of contact.

As part of the Allan Labor Government, I will continue to work hard to deliver for Northern Victorians. We’re investing in schools, kinders, housing, health services and jobs across Northern Victoria.

Tiny Towns Fund

The Allan Labor Government has launched the Tiny Towns Fund! We want to hear from you. This fund is only for towns with a population of up to 5000 people. Its aim is to support local communities to deliver quality tourism and community facility projects, such as splash parks and bike trails, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades, public art and more.

Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available for each project. To apply or for more information- visit: Tiny Towns Fund

This fund is open until 5pm, Sunday 25 February.

Investing in Women’s Health

We’re launching an inquiry into The Gender Pain Gap, which will provide recommendations to inform improved models of care and service delivery for Victorian girls and women experiencing pain in the future. Share your story and make a submission to the inquiry here.

Women and families across the Goulburn Valley region can now realise their dream of starting or growing their family - with the Allan Labor Government’s nation-leading public IVF service now available at Goulburn Valley Health. Offering eligible patients, a range of services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and ultrasounds -it is the third service to open in Northern Victoria following the launch of services in Mildura and Bendigo.

In addition to this we’ve opened three Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub locations in Shepparton, Wodonga/Wangaratta and Bendigo. With one on the way for Mildura.

To read more about these Allan Labor Government initiatives visit: Enhancing Women’s Health

Ditching the Double Drop-Off + Upgrading Schools across Northern Vic

The new kinder at Kyabram P-12 College is complete, meaning parents can ditch the double drop off. The centre provides an extra 66 kindergarten places in the local area. Numurkah Primary School and Mildura South Primary School are also set for kinders on school sites, which are now in planning and design phases.

A brand-new primary school is headed for Wodonga East- which will accommodate 525 students, including 50 places for students with disability. A new Tech School is also on the way for Wangaratta. Major upgrades are underway for Beechworth Secondary College, Broadford Primary School, Wangaratta High School, Rushworth P-12, Cobram Primary School and plenty more.

Visit the VSBA for more information.

Prep Bags

If your child is starting prep this year they will be receiving a Prep Bag!

It comes with lots of goodies to help your child (and you) transition for the best start to school!

Change Our Game Grants Program now open

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support community sport and recreation clubs or organisations to increase participation, build capability, promote gender equity and support the professional development of women and girls playing, volunteering and working in community sport.

Applications for this program close at 5pm AEDT, Monday 4 March 2024.

For more information about Change Our Game programs visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au

Enabling Tourism Fund now open

Applications for the Allan Labor Government's Enabling Tourism Fund 2024 is now open. This will support regional and rural Victorian tourism projects by funding planning activities such as feasibility studies and design for future investment.

This fund will help to deliver a strong pipeline of investment-ready tourism infrastructure projects across Victoria

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm, 28 March 2024.

For more information and to apply visit the website

If you have any questions or require assistance on state government matters contact my office on (03) 5783 2000 or email [email protected]

Copyright (C) 2024 Jaclyn Symes- Jaclyn Symes - Member for Northern Victoria. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Unit 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore VIC 3764
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

March 2023

From Jaclyn Symes

Labor Member for Northern Victoria

March Edition

The Andrews Labor Government has an exciting plan for 2023, and we’re getting on with delivering our commitments to Victorians.

I am privileged to be the Leader of the Government in the Upper House, Attorney General and Minister for Emergency Services. Since being elected in 2014 I’ve been working hard delivering for Northern Victorians.

We know Victorians are feeling the pinch, so we’re capping regional public transport fares from the 31st of March. Whether commuting to work, visiting family or friends or seeing one of Melbourne’s iconic sporting events, you’re getting money back in your pocket with capped Vline fares.

A new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus is available from the 24th of March for eligible Victorian households to help with your bills.

Together with Free Kinder, Fee-free TAFE, record investment in social housing and the Big Build creating thousands of jobs, the Andrews Labor Government is backing Victorians.

I will continue to work hard to advance Northern Victoria’s interests every chance I get.

If I can assist with anything, don’t hesitate to contact my office on 03 5783 2000 or email: [email protected].

New round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus

A new round of the $250 PSB starts on the 24th of March. Be sure to check if your eligible and maybe get a better deal!

Visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

Regional Train Fares capped from 31st March

Vline fares will be capped at the same price as the metro daily fare across Victoria from the end of March - $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession. That’s money in your pocket!

Whats happening in Northern Victoria:

Seymour Electric Buses

Last month I visited Seymour to check out the transition to an all electric bus fleet. Seymour will be the first town in the state to have a 100% zero emissions bus network.

Youth Foyers

Out and about in Wangaratta with GOTafe visiting the site where a brand new Youth Foyer will be built.

The Youth Housing investment will see two Youth Foyers built with 40 dwellings in Wangaratta and 41 dwellings in Wodonga. Combining medium-term accommodation with education and training, empowering young people at risk of homelessness to complete their studies and successfully transition from school into work.

New Bendigo Law Courts

Bendigo is now home to the first regional specialist courts in Victoria. The new facility houses 11 courtrooms, including a Koori Court and a specialist family violence court. This new precinct will help regional Victorians get the legal help they need without having to travel to Melbourne.