$86,000 to fix Black Spot in Holt
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Holt Anthony Byrne today announced the Gillard Labor Government will provide $86,000 to fix a dangerous black spot.
The approved project is:
• Intersection of Power Road and Kidds Road at Doveton: $86,000 to modify the roundabout’s deflection.
The project was recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2013-14).
Mr Byrne said since being elected in 2007, the Federal Labor Government has allocated over $1.5 million to fix eight black spots across the Holt electorate.
“This investment is helping to make our local roads even safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with six of these projects already completed,” said Mr Byrne.
“And the good thing about our Black Spot program is that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.
“Nomination forms are available from my office. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au.”
Mr Albanese said a recent evaluation of the program found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30%, which translates to the saving of one life per year for every 84 projects. It also returns around $7.70 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.
“That’s why nationally we’ve doubled the program’s funding to half a billion dollars – more than honouring all our election commitments.”
Media Contacts
For Mr Albanese: Jeff Singleton 0410 476 890
For Mr Byrne: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533
South East’s Headspace to Help Young People Through Hard Times
Young people in south-eastern Melbourne with mental health issues will get better support in dealing with their challenges, with the launch of a new headspace service in Dandenong today.
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler joined Federal MPs Alan Griffin, Laura Smyth and Anthony Byrne to open the service, saying the centre would be well positioned to support the growing population in Melbourne’s south eastern region.
“An astonishing 92 per cent of young people have reported improvements in their mental health after using the headspace service, and I expect to see similar results in the south east,” Mr Butler said.
“We know that 1 in 4 young people will experience a mental health issue this year, making it the single biggest issue facing young Australians,” Mr Butler said.
“However, three-quarters of these people aren’t receiving the professional help they need because of a lack of access to youth-specific mental health services or because they don’t know who to turn to.”
Federal Member for Bruce, Alan Griffin said this much needed service will provide valuable support for the youth of Melbourne’s south east in areas including mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, physical health and social and vocational support.
“With one of the largest youth populations in Australia, the new headspace service will give young people in Melbourne’s south east the help they need to weather difficult periods in life and get back on their feet,” Mr Griffin said.
Federal Member for La Trobe, Laura Smyth said the new headspace service will give young people the right care and co-ordinated support they need to get through hard times and fulfil their potential, particularly in Casey and Cardinia.
“This headspace has already participated in a number of local events and I’m confident our local youth will benefit from having access to professionals to provide support in a range of areas,” Ms Smyth said.
Federal Member for Holt, Anthony Byrne said headspace Dandenong would provide a local hub for young people to get coordinating services.
“This is about providing the early intervention and support our young people need in a youth-friendly environment they’re comfortable in,’ Mr Byrne said.
Mr Butler said the new service was part of Labor’s record $2.2 billion mental health package, which provided additional funding of almost $200 million to establish 90 headspace sites across the country.
“The ongoing rollout of headspace across Australia shows that the Gillard Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its promise to make mental health a national reform priority.”
Once all 90 sites are fully established, headspace will help up to 72,000 young Australians each year.
headspace Dandenong is open Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am – 7:30pm, Wednesday and Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 2:30pm, located at 196 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong in Victoria. For further information visit www.headspace.org.au
MEDIA CONTACTS: Karen Palmer (Butler) 0427 339 594
Matt Broderick (Griffin) 03 9547 1444
Chris O’Leary (Smyth) 0414 104 558
Daniel White (Byrne) 03 9796 7533
Holt Mental Health Roundtable
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, and Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health, hosted a Holt Mental Health Roundtable after opening the new Headspace in Dandenong.
“Our meeting with Minister Butler allowed community leaders and youth representatives an opportunity to discuss local challenges and present ideas for programs in the future,” said Mr Byrne.
Anthony Byrne MP recently encouraged local residents to participate in the Voices of Outer Suburbs campaign run by the National Growth Areas Alliance and so far many people have contacted Anthony’s office asking for additional Mental Health Services.
“The new Headspace is a service in Dandenong for young people aged 18-25 who need assistance with mental health issues. It is a welcome first step but additional services are needed in the City of Casey. Over recent years the City of Casey’s population has grown quickly but the essential services have not kept up with the population growth. It is the job of Federal, State and Local Governments to work together to ensure the interests of people living in the outer suburbs are not forgotten and that much needed services are built for the benefit of the community,’ said Mr Byrne.
To express your views and to join the Voice of the Outer Suburbs campaign please contact Anthony’s office on (03) 9796 7533 or email anthony@anthonybyrnemp.com
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533.
Office Refurbishment Opening
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, and the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Federal Member for Griffith and former Prime Minister of Australia today officially opened the refurbished Holt Electorate Office.
“Over the last few months our office has undergone a refurbishment to ensure it remains a vital community hub for local residents. We have improved the access to the entry area of the Electorate Office and made it easier for people experiencing a disability to receive assistance at the office. I wish to thank Kevin for his support on coming down today for this opening and I wish to specially thank all my staff for their tireless work and for their ongoing commitment to assist me with helping to solve people’s problems in the local community’, said Mr Byrne.
“It is great to represent the people living in Cranbourne, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Hampton Park, Narre Warren, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst & Lysterfield and working to make our community a better place. The voices of people living in the outer suburbs are important and Kevin & I will continue to stand up to defend their interests and demand better services. Under the stars of the Southern Cross we are all seen as equals and thus no matter whether you live in Melbourne or in the outer suburbs everyone is entitled to good quality services and that is what I am committed to, which is working for the common good,” said Mr Byrne.
Anthony Byrne MP’s Electorate Office provides an invaluable service, as local residents of Holt and their families can obtain assistance with any problems that they may encounter dealing with Federal Government departments and agencies (such as Medicare, Centrelink, Immigration , Citizenship, Higher Education or Aged Care).
If you require assistance then please do not hesitate to visit Anthony Byrne MP’s Electorate Office between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday or call 9796 7533 or email: anthony@anthonybyrnemp.com
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533.
Uniting Care’s Connections receive funding to deliver mental health carer support services
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, caught up today with Andrew Johnston, Chief Executive of Uniting Care Community Options, to announce that Uniting Care’s Connections service in Narre Warren had received $1,231,370 to deliver mental health carer support services for the local community.
“These services will give families of people with a mental illness in Holt greater access to flexible respite and support services over the next five years,” said Mr Byrne.
“We know how important it is to support carers and families of people with mental illness,” said Mr Byrne.
“This new service will allow carers to take short breaks from their caring roles, participate in community and social activities, engage in peer support groups and education, or receive counselling and advice, all contributing to their own health and wellbeing,” said Mr Byrne.
“We are delighted to be working with UnitingCare Connections to provide this important service,” said UnitingCare Community Options’ Interim Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Johnston.
“Our objective will be to help carers in Holt achieve a greater balance between the care they provide and the other aspects of their life that are essential for their own long-term emotional and physical well-being,” said Mr Johnston.
Anthony Byrne MP said the new services are part of the Government’s record $2.2 billion national mental health reforms.
The 2011–12 Budget allocated an additional $54.3 million over the five years from 2011–12 to 2015–16 for new or expanded Mental Health Respite: Carer Support (MHR:CS) services to assist carers of people with mental illness. This round of funding will assist up to an additional 1,000 carers and families of people with mental illness by providing greater access to a broad range of supports.
Successful service providers will be required to provide carer-centred, flexible and innovative carer support services to meet the needs of carers of people with mental illness, along with their families. The providers would be expected to develop care plans in collaboration with carers, to provide a continuum of support for carers and their families, involving a range of assistance to suit their circumstances at different points in time.
MHR:CS provides assistance for carers of people with mental illness to help them maintain their caring roles and improve their wellbeing.
In 2011–12 a total of 190 MHR:CS services funded for $50.3 million, assisted over 28,000 carers of people with mental illness in Australia.
New or expanded MHR:CS services will focus on improving access to a broader range of carer support options that account for the episodic nature of mental illness and the need for carer support services that respond to changing circumstances. New services will be expected to deliver a range of services that can include providing breaks for carers from their caring roles, social and recreational activities, counselling, education, advocacy and referral, and education for families and the community about mental illness and its impacts.
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533.
Supporting people with mental illness and their carers in Holt
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, caught up today with John Bateup, CEO of WISE Employment, at the WISE Employment Office in Cranbourne to announce that WISE Employment had received $1.4 million over three years under the Australian Government’s Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs) to assist people with mental illness to lead fulfilling lives.
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs) is a program that supports people whose lives are severely affected by mental illness. It is a key part of the Australian Government’s Mental Health program, and is part of the Council of Australian Government’s National Action Plan on Mental Health.
PHaMs focuses on strengths – what people with mental illness can do, rather than what they can’t do. It focuses on recovery – demonstrating that people with mental illness can lead a fulfilled life in the community with the same opportunities as other people. People who join the program will work with their own Personal Helper and Mentor who will support them on their recovery.
“Through the funding, the Federal Labor Government is providing new PHaMs employment workers in Holt because we understand how important it is to help people with severe mental illness build their capacity to find and keep a job and stay connected with their community,” said Mr Byrne.
“We know that finding and keeping a job is one of the best ways for people to stay connected,” said Mr Byrne.
Since 2007, employment services provider, WISE Employment has been helping people with severe mental illness through the PHaMs program in the Casey region. The new PhaMs contract will enable WISE Employment to provide intensive, flexible and holistic support and improve the quality of life for people in the Cardinia region who have a severe mental illness.
“WISE Employment is pleased to be awarded this new PHaMs contract as it will enable us to empower more people who have severe mental illness by enriching their lives, facilitating recovery and well being, providing training and ultimately, gaining meaningful employment,” said Mr John Bateup, CEO, WISE Employment.
“The Federal Labor Government is delivering practical assistance to people with mental illness to help them achieve their personal goals, participate more fully in their community and in work, develop better relationships with family and friends, and manage their everyday tasks,” said Mr Byrne.
For more information about the program please visit: http://www.wiseemployment.com.au/Publications/PHaMs-DL.pdf
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 753
Saluting Their Service Commemoration Grant
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, caught up today with Susan Morrissey the Facility Manager at Monash Health’s Chestnut Gardens Aged Care Facility in Doveton to announce that the facility has received a $1,000 grant under the Saluting Their Service Commemorations grants program.
This grant will help to install a flagpole at Chestnut Gardens Aged Care Facility to fly the Australian National Flag and for use on days of commemoration.
Saluting Their Service is an Australian Government initiative that aims to honour the sacrifice and service of Australia’s serviceman and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and to promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who served have played in shaping the nation. The program is designed to preserve our wartime heritage and to involve people throughout the nation in a wide range of activities and projects.
“In the lead up to Anzac Day it is wonderful that the Saluting Their Service grant has been of great benefit to Chestnut Gardens Aged Care Facility, so that their resident’s achievements and service to the nation can be appropriately recognised,” said Mr Byrne.
Further information can be accessed on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au /grants
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533.
Local Sporting Champions Grant
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, last Friday presented a Local Sporting Champions Grant to Kareem Nasser at the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre in Cranbourne.
Kareem Nasser attends Haileybury College and competes for Casey Cardinia Athletics Club and while he suffers from Type 1 diabetes he was still able to win two silver medals in the U14 400m & 800m at the National Junior Athletics Championships in Perth last month.
“This grant makes a real difference for families, as the grant assisted Kareem and his family with paying for his travel expenses to Perth,” said Mr Byrne.
Anthony Byrne MP today encouraged Holt’s young athletes and teams to follow in Kareem Nasser’s footsteps and apply for funding support to help them realise their sporting dreams and compete in a championship.
Anthony Byrne MP said that the Labor Government’s Local Sporting Champions program is aimed at helping our junior sport stars meet the costs of participation at eligible sporting competitions.
Local junior athletes can apply for a grant to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment associated with participating in an eligible championship.
“The Labor Government is committed to promoting participation in sport and providing support to boost our community sporting programs,” said Mr Byrne.
“This grant program is designed to help more families cover the costs of expenses associated with participating in sporting competitions and support our junior athletes and future Olympians”, said Mr Byrne.
“Individual athletes and teams who are participating in appropriately endorsed state school sport championships or international competitions are now also eligible to apply for support”, said Mr Byrne.
“I encourage parents, coaches and junior athletes to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to help them meet the costs of their involvement in a sporting championship”, said Mr Byrne.
The Labor Government now provides $3.17 million in funding through the Local Sporting Champions program each year to support junior athletes perform at a championship level.
“This has been a very successful and popular program and the Government is proud to help support young Australians achieve their sporting dreams,” said Mr Byrne.
The Local Sporting Champions program offers grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for teams and applications for next round close on 30 June 2013.
For more information on the Local Sporting Champions program visit the Australian Sports Commission website: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533.
Volunteer Grants 2013
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, last night caught up with Club President Charles Geriesi, Abraham Jaber and Ravi Prakash from the Endeavour Hills Sporting Club to promote the Volunteer Grants 2013.
The Australian Government has invested $16 million in Volunteer Grants 2013 as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and encouraging volunteering. These grants support the work of our local community volunteers and recognise the crucial role of volunteer organisations as the focal point in generating community cohesion and connectedness, which is helping to build a stronger and more resilient local community.
Our community values the contribution of volunteers and recognises that they are the heart of our local organisations, which rely on their time, energy and expertise to support their initiatives. Volunteer Grants 2013 funding will help local organisations meet the changing needs of our community’s volunteers.
“This is a great initiative that enables local community groups to apply for up to $5000 in funding. This funding can assist to purchase small equipment items, and contribute to the reimbursement of volunteers’ fuel costs incurred while carrying out their volunteering work, and to assist with transport costs incurred by volunteers with a disability who are unable to drive”, said Mr Byrne.
Applications for Volunteer Grants 2013 will close on Wednesday 24 April 2013 at
5 pm AEST and please contact Anthony Byrne MP’s office on (03) 9796 7533 if you need an application form.
For more information please visit: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people/grants-funding/volunteer-grants-2013-call-for-applications-now-open
Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533
Village Gold Class Cinemas Coming to Westfield Fountain Gate
Anthony Byrne MP, Federal Member for Holt, last Friday caught up with Kirk Edwards, CEO of Village Cinemas Australia, and Jonathan Codman, Centre Manager at Westfield Fountain Gate, to promote the extension of the Village Cinemas at Fountain Gate.
Village Cinemas recently announced it is making a significant investment to refurbish and extend its cinemas at Fountain Gate; giving the complex another Vmax cinema and launching Gold Class in late 2013.
The complex already boasts a total of ten auditoriums including one Vmax cinema. The refurbishment will see this number rise to 14 auditoriums with the inclusion of three Gold Class cinemas and an additional Vmax screen featuring stadium seating and Dolby Digital surround sound, offering a total of 2,600 seats.
The most distinctive and sought after feature of the revamped cinema will be the introduction of three Gold Class auditoriums each seating 40 guests. Guests are pampered in luxurious V.I.P style – from giant wall-to-wall screens, the latest in digital sound, a private bar and lounge reception and full electronic reclining armchairs. Guests will be provided with friendly, first class service direct to their armchairs. A special Gold Class menu features an extensive range of quality food and beverage refreshments, from cocktails and canapés through to the traditional cinema favorites.
In recent years, Village Cinemas has established itself as one of the top competitors in the Australian cinema industry. Offering world class entertainment facilities to their customers with state of the art technology coupled with the very best in cinema going experiences at a local, affordable, and accessible level across the state.
This year, Fountain Gate will join the clan and step up onto a new level of unmatched class and excellence, establishing Village Cinemas as the number one, local ‘go-to’ cinema complex.
According to CEO Kirk Edwards, “the expansion and refurbishment of Village Cinemas in Fountain Gate is testament to our long term commitment to continue offering our customers a rich and complete cinema experience from now and well into the future.”
“The launch of the new and luxurious Gold Class and Vmax is set to create a hype regarding the complete cinematic experience for Fountain Gate customers. For as long as movies remain a core part of popular culture and entertainment, we want to ensure our facilities are in the best possible shape to guarantee our customers enjoy a first-class theatrical experience,” said Mr Edwards.
“This $32 million combined investment by Village Cinemas and Westfield will create over 40 new jobs and provide the local community with one of the best cinema experiences in Australia,’ said Mr Byrne.
For Village Cinemas media enquiries please contact Helen Reizer helenr@hrpr.com.au or M: 0412 684 431
Anthony Byrne MP – Media Enquires: Daniel White (03) 9796 7533
