April 11, 2025Friday, 11 April 2025    On Friday April 11, Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne attended the official reopening and plaque unveiling at Leo Hoffman Reserve.  The reserve has received a $95,000 grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund and an additional $80,000 grant from the State Government through the Local Sport Infrastructure grants.  As a result, the reserve now has a ‘Ninja Warrior Course,’ providing challenging activities for children 12+ and young adults.  The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund provided funding to upgrade the rotunda at the reserve including installing a BBQ and new accessible furniture for the community to use, repairing the rotunda roof, and new concrete paving.   The upgraded rotunda provides an accessible space for all ages with upgraded accessibility.   These works are in addition to the $1.1 m Leo Hoffman Reserve development by Hobsons Bay City Council.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne   ‘It was wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying these new facilities at Leo Hoffman Reserve. The park was filled with kids and families using the play spaces during the school holidays.’    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
March 28, 2025Friday, 28 March 2025  Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, visited McIvor Reserve to attend the announcement of the second round of funding for The Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.  As a round two participant, McIvor Reserve in Yarraville will receive up to $100,000 in funding for upgrades.  This project aims to improve off-lead dog area at McIvor Reserve in Yarraville to strength community connections and promote responsible dog ownership.   Key upgrades include new park amenities, path connections, fencing, new planting and lawn areas.  The Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program seeks to improve the state’s open space network by committing $13.4 million to ensure that Victorians have easy access to much needed green open space to exercise, relax or enjoy the outdoors with their dogs.  This investment will provide funding to specific public land managers to design and deliver the new and upgraded dog parks across Victoria in two rounds.  The program aims to deliver 26 new and upgraded dog parks across the state.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     ‘Having a dedicated space where people and their dogs can enjoy being outdoors, meeting up with friends is a great outcome for our local community.’    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
March 25, 2025Statement from Melissa Horne Member for Williamstown Start of works at Maddox and Champion Roads I would like to acknowledge many people in the community, in particular Gill Gannon and Bea Tomlin who have let me know directly their opposition to the closure of Champion Road as part of the level crossing removal program. I have made significant representations to the Ministers who have held the role of Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, Danny Pearson and Gabrielle Williams, to inform them of the concerns I have received. Despite these representations, government is proceeding with the level crossing program and works have commenced. I will continue to provide the advocacy for the issues that have been raised with me and that the community can continue to influence, including noise mitigation; landscaping and urban amenity; improved engagement with businesses; and minimising disruption during construction. If there are members of the community who wish to raise specific issues with me, I am always available for a conversation and to provide representation. The Hon. Melissa Horne MP State Member for Williamstown [...] Read more...
March 10, 2025Wednesday, 5 March 2025 International superstar Liam Neeson has hit the road in Altona as production starts on The Mongoose, Neeson’s third film in the state in four years. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne today announced the blockbuster will include scenes shot locally in Altona. The Mongoose stars Neeson as Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a war hero accused of a crime he didn’t commit and with nothing to lose, leads police on an epic televised cross-country car chase, helped by members of his former Special Forces Army battalion, as a fascinated public cheers him on. Directed by veteran stunt professional Mark Vanselow, the film boasts a stellar international cast including Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames and Michael Chiklis. They are supported by a terrific local cast including Ryan Morgan, Maurice Meredith, Toby Truslove, Aisha Aidara, Zac Taylor, Yesse Spence, Mario Sayana, Geoff Paine, Elias Anton, Brett Tucker, Hamish Michael, Geoff Morell and Louisa Mignone. From its production base at the Melbourne Screen Hub in Footscray and across its on-location shoots, the production will also create more than 450 jobs for Victorian screen workers and engage 150 local businesses –including aerial cinematography by globally renowned Melbourne drone specialists XM2. The production will inject more than $19 million into the Victorian economy, with an estimated $2 million being spent in regional Victorian communities. The project reunites Neeson with Code Entertainment, producers of both Ice Road and Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and was written by Thompson Evans (Reckoning). Code Entertainment’s Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt, and Eugene Musso will produce. Jonathan Dana will executive produce with Code’s Rich Freeman along with Steven Shapiro and Liz and Ken Whitney of Jupiter Peak Productions. Lisa Wilson and Craig Chapman of The Solution Entertainment Group will also executive produce. Liam Neeson’s previous Victorian-based productions Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky (2023) and Blacklight (2020) created more than 1,300 jobs and generated more than $55 million in economic value for the state. The Mongoose was attracted to Victoria by the Allan Labor Government through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate. The film also received support from the Federal Government’s Location Offset. The Labor Government’s screen strategy has so far created 44,000 jobs and generated $1.9 billion in direct economic expenditure in Victoria – securing the state’s reputation as a global destination for screen and games production.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP “We’re thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson and the team back to Victoria to make yet another action-packed movie that will create hundreds of local jobs, engage local businesses and generate millions for our economy.” “The Mongoose is the first of a strong pipeline of local and international productions that will fuel our screen industry in 2025. We’re excited to see Victoria on the global stage once again, and we thank the local communities across Victoria who are hosting this major production in their home towns.”   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “It’s fantastic to see Altona once again in the spotlight, with this major Liam Neeson production bringing jobs, excitement, and a boost to our local businesses.”   Quotes attributable to VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher “Since the inception of Victoria’s Screen Industry Strategy in 2021 we have seen exceptional economic growth, creative success and cultural value delivered to Victoria. This performance is derived from setting a bold vision and working as a united industry to become a global powerhouse for screen. “The strengths of Victoria’s screen industry are no secret to Liam Neeson, Al Corley and Bart Rosenblatt, they love Victoria. They have embraced our exceptional film-making talents and our spirit of innovation which is benefiting Victorian small businesses and screen workers across the state.”   Quotes attributable to Liam Neeson “I’m honoured to be back in Victoria working on my latest film “The Mongoose” with one of the best crews, again, that I have ever worked with in over 100 movies.”   [...] Read more...
March 3, 2025Monday, 3 March 2025 The Allan Labor Government wants the community to have their say on proposed protections to Melbourne’s rivers and creeks to safeguard them for generations to come. Victorians can have their say on proposed plans to protect the environment and landscape of 17 waterways across Melbourne including Cherry Creek and Kororoit Creek. These changes aim to encourage responsible development around our waterways to help conserve natural habitats, safeguard wildlife corridors, and protect the health of waterways across both public and private land. Proposed planning protections would require landowners to obtain a permit for activities that could impact rivers and creeks, including removing native plants and conducting significant earthworks. The proposed changes are based on years of research and collaboration with experts as well as consultation with Traditional Owners who have a deep and enduring connection to country and its waterways. Victoria’s waterways are home to more than 1,800 species of native plants and 600 species of native animals that keep the waterways and parks that surround them healthy and clean. The Labor Government is also improving vegetation across these iconic urban rivers and creeks as part of the $10 million Green Links Grant Program. The program will deliver up to 300 hectares of revegetated land along our waterways for communities to enjoy and wildlife to thrive. Consultation is open until 16 March and communities, landholders, and stakeholders are encouraged to have their say at engage.vic.gov.au/planning-for-our-waterways.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny “As Melbourne grows, we need to ensure that we protect what makes our city such a great place to live – including our rivers, creeks, and green spaces.”   Quote attributable to Minister for Water Gayle Tierney “These waterways are places of pride for locals. New protections and revegetation projects will ensure our rivers and creeks remain healthy and thriving into the future for locals and visitors to enjoy.”   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re proposing stronger protections for our waterways to make sure they can be enjoyed for generations to come, and I encourage the local community to have their say.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
March 3, 2025Monday, 3 March 2025 The Allan Labor Government has kicked off construction to build female soccer facilities for the Yarraville Glory Football Club, thanks to the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Yarraville Glory Football Club received $1.18 million to build the new facilities – and is part of more than 260 projects supported by the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. The new changerooms will be built next to the existing Yarraville Glory Pavilion, creating better connections between the change rooms and the soccer pitches. In addition, an electronic scoreboard and new goal storage area will also be installed to improve the experiemce for local players and spectators. The new facilities will boost the club’s ability to cater for the expanding soccer community in Yarraville and will be ready for use later this year. Since 2020, there has been a 357 percent growth in female participation at Yarraville Glory Football Club, with the upgraded facilities set to help accommodate for the increase in participation among women and juniors in soccer. Having female-friendly changerooms will not only continue to break down barriers for women in sport but also create a comfortable and private space for female athletes at the club. The project is being funded by the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, with support from Maribyrnong City Council. The Fund has supported more than 260 projects, with more than 85% of projects already delivered, including: behind the goal netting for Newport Power Junior FC stadium style seating at Donald McLean Reserve for Spotswood Sport Club electronic scoreboards for Altona Junior Football Club, Altona Hockey Club, and Power House Junior Rugby Union Football Club. The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was created to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during construction of the West Gate Tunnel.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “It’s fantastic to see that construction is starting on female-friendly facilities at the Yarraville Glory Football Club, providing the club with the modern facilities they need for the rapid growth in female participation.” “Thanks to the support from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, these new facilities will greatly benefit Melbourne’s inner west and the future generation of soccer players in the area.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
February 26, 2025Wednesday, 26 February 2025 Better facilities are on their way for students at Altona Primary School, thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Reliance Construction and Maintenance Pty Ltd has been appointed to upgrade the fencing, and upgrade and modernise the playground, at the school in Blyth Street. The Labor Government allocated $1.2 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 for the project, which will give students the amenities they need and deserve. The project involves upgrading the school’s fencing, and upgrading and modernising the playground. Building will start over the coming weeks and is forecast to be completed by the end of this year. The Government is building the Education State so every student can receive a great education in their local area. We have invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $947.7 million to build 16 more new schools – completing the promise to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll “We are building the Education State to ensure every Victorian student has access to a quality education close to home, regardless of their background or where they live.”    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We are upgrading the fencing, and upgrading and modernising the playground, at Altona Primary School to give students the facilities they need and deserve.”   “I am excited to announce Reliance Construction and Maintenance Pty Ltd has been appointed to upgrade the fencing, and upgrade and modernise the playground, at Altona Primary School, and look forward to seeing the project come to life to help enrich the educational journey of students.”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
February 26, 2025Wednesday, 26 February 2025 The Allan Labor Government is getting trucks off local roads and improving air quality in Melbourne’s west. Early works are underway to seal and upgrade sections of Ross Road at Altona North, as part of Labor Government’s $5 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to seal roads in Melbourne’s west and reduce dust pollution. The project includes new on-road parking bays which will benefit the local community and those who regularly use the Paisley Park soccer complex. A new shared path will also be built, linking Blenheim Road and Mills Street, along with fencing between the road and rail line providing safer access to community and sporting facilities. In Brooklyn North, work is in the final stages to seal the southern end of Old Geelong Road, including a turning area and new intersection to cater for a landfill facility. Residents, bike riders and pedestrians using the nearby Federation Trail will also benefit from improved air quality as part of the road-sealing package. New street lighting and landscaping work is also planned to improve recreation for trail-users. In Yarraville, Francis Street from Whitehall Street to Spotswood Pier will undergo sealing works to create a smoother, safer road for the growing local community. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 delivered $10.2 million for new camera technology to enforce legislated 24/7 No-Truck Zones on inner west roads which will take thousands of trucks off local streets when the West Gate Tunnel opens this year.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne “Sealing these local roads is a direct action from listening to and prioritising community concerns to reduce airborne dust pollution and provide the improved amenity that our residents deserve.’’ “The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver better connections between Melbourne’s west and the city and take 9,000 trucks off local roads.” “When the West Gate Tunnel opens this year, we’ll have new camera technology in place to enforce No-Truck Zones on inner west roads – giving local roads back to local people.”   Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor and Altona North Ward Councilor Rayane Hawli “These are significant actions to tackle the issues that matter to our community. I thank our local MP for taking strong action to improve our air quality and the safety of our roads.” “Clean air is fundamental to our health and the wellbeing of all communities and the people of Hobsons Bay have the same right to clean air as those living in other parts of Melbourne.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
February 20, 2025Thursday, 20 February 2025 The Allan Labor Government is repairing Workshops Pier in Williamstown, with major works now underway to repair and strengthen the historic pier. Constructed in 1942, Workshops Pier is a working port centrally located within the Williamstown Maritime Precinct and a key part of Victoria’s rich maritime history. Reopening the local landmark in mid-2026 will support the vision of the recently completed Williamstown Local Port Area Plan which highlighted the area’s historical, recreational and commercial significance and potential. Duratec was appointed in late 2024 as the lead construction contractor to deliver the project which followed a competitive tender process. New steel piles and beams will be installed to strengthen the pier and minor repairs will also be made to the concrete deck and abutment. In addition to Workshops, the Labor Government’s $46 million investment in piers and jetties is delivering critical upgrades at Warneet, Dromana and St Leonards. Since 2019 the Government has invested more than $150 million in piers and jetties across the state including the St Kilda Pier redevelopment – one of the biggest in Victoria’s history. Victoria’s local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities and critical industries such as commercial fishing – supporting jobs and families. For more information or sign up to receive updates on this project visit:  www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne “Major works are underway to restore Workshops Pier to its former glory so it can continue operating as Melbourne’s only remaining public port facility for large vessels close to the city.’’  “Workshops Pier has been a proud part of Williamstown’s maritime precinct for more than 80 years, and this upgrade will ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for decades more to come.”   Quote attributable to Glenn Jones CEO Seaworks “We look forward to reopening Workshops Pier and welcoming back historic vessels which will help boost the local visitor economy in the West.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
February 13, 2025Thursday, 13 February 2025 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne changes to the way trucks will travel on local roads in Altona North, around  Chambers Road.  The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), in consultation with Hobsons Bay City Council and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), have agreed to the installation of 24/7 truck restrictions on McArthurs Road and Bunting Court between Chambers Road and Millers Road.  Works have commenced to install updated road signage.  Once the new signs are installed on McArthurs Road and Bunting Court, the NHVR will be sending officers to patrol the area and monitor heavy vehicle use.  The NHVR will be responsible for enforcing curfews on local roads.  The new Chambers Road curfew in collaboration with the West Gate Tunnel no-truck zone will aid in reducing noise, pollution, and road safety issues contributed by heavy vehicles on local roads.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     ‘I would like to thank members of the local community who have raised this issue with me and the advocacy of Councillor Rayane Hawli. Making sure that trucks don’t rat run through the area on suburban streets is important for safety and reducing noise.’  ‘I look forward to working with Council and encourage them to enforce the permits of the businesses so that they are only operating during the permitted hours and not through the night.’    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
January 31, 2025Friday, 31 January 2025 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the Australian Day Citizenship Ceremony on Saturday, January 26.  Held at Williamstown Town Hall, the Australia Day citizenship ceremony is a formal event where new citizens are welcomed into the Australian community.  New citizens were celebrated as they took their final pledge to become Australians.  The Hobsons Bay City Council Citizen of the Year Awards were also announced.  The Awards reward and recognise individuals and organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution to a local community.  Congratulations to Lara Week for being awarded the 2025 Citizen of the Year for her community engagement and being a key spokesperson for Techno Park Drive.   Congratulations to Albee Damnics for being awarded the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year for her volunteering in sports and advocacy for gender equality.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     ‘Celebrating the day with our newest citizens is always a delight. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Lara Week and Albee Damnics on their awards.’   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
January 24, 2025Friday, 24 January 2025 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne visited the group Coastal Rowing Williamstown (CReW) at their operating shed at Seaworks.  CReW is a community-based group that focuses on the rebuilding and rowing of St Ayles Skiff’s through the St Ayles Skiff Community Rowing Association of Australia.  The group was started by nine women and is still focused on empowering female members and participation.  The skiff arrives in a kit and must be assembled, teaching boat building and maintenance skills.  CReW raised funds from the Hobson’s Bay Council and the Outlets Co-operative to pay for their first kit.  The group finished and launched their first skiff in November 2019.    The skiff was named ‘Thursday’ as it had been built on Thursday evenings over the period of three years.   The group received $6,000 of funding from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to continue running sessions with women of all ages, cultures and abilities to build participation in rowing and connection for community members.   The sessions supported by the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund will be delivered as two large community rowing days in Hobsons Bay.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne      ‘Although I didn’t get the chance to try rowing myself, it was great to check the hard work of the St Ayles Williamstown Coastal Rowing Group. They built an entire boat from scratch—such an impressive achievement! If you’re interested in trying your hand at rowing, they meet Thursday at 6pm at SeaWorks shed over the summer.’   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
January 21, 2025Tuesday, 21 January 2025 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the opening event of the Spotswood Summer Sessions on Saturday, January 18th.   The Spotswood Summer Sessions were organised by the Spotswood Traders Associate and are held at the new Forest Street Pop-Up Space.   The sessions will include live bands, local artists and activities for children while promoting local eateries and stores.   The events are intended to aid in supporting local business by bringing visitors to the Spotswood area through community engagement and new summer activities.  Future dates for Spotswood Summer Sessions include:  Thursday, 30th January | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM  Saturday, 8th February | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Saturday, 1st March | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  The Forest Street Pop-Up Space and was made possible by a Westgate Neighbourhood Fund of $17,707.    The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million.      Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     ‘Spotswood Traders Our Hood Spotswood have organised a series of events at the Forest St pop up. And today was fantastic to join President Matthew and the other traders to listen to some live performances, watch the kids drawing and getting their faces painted and supporting the vibrant traders in the village.’ ‘Thanks to the West Gate Tunnel Project Neighbourhood Fund for the support in getting this great addition up and running.’   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 24, 2024Tuesday, 24 December 2024 JOINT STATEMENT FROM TIM WATTS AND MELISSA HORNE Our community in Melbourne’s West is one of the most diverse in Australia and we’re proud of it. The way people from every imaginable background come together to build a thriving, shared community, is one of the most special things about where we live. So we were disturbed to hear reports that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the truck of a local resident immediately after someone was heard shouting Islamophobic abuse. Police are investigating this outrageous attack. Those responsible should face the full force of the law. Incidents like this aren’t just an attack on physical property, they are an attack on the Australian way of life. They are an attack on everyone’s right to live their lives, express their views, and practice their faith free from fear. We are grateful that the victim of this incident feels supported by his local community and we encourage everyone in Melbourne’s West to show their solidarity and condemn racism and Islamophobia. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au Acts of hate and violence against any race, gender or religion have no place in our community.                 Tim Watts                                                                                     Melissa Horne    Federal Member for Gellibrand                                              State Member for Williamstown   ENDS. Media Contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au   [...] Read more...
December 11, 2024Wednesday, 11 December 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne announced the release of the Williamstown Photo Competition calendar.   The Williamstown Photo Competition ran from August to November 2024, collecting submissions from locals in Williamstown, Altona, Altona North, Spotswood, Newport, South Kingsville, Brooklyn and Seaholme.  The photo competition was intended to celebrate the beauty of our electorate and the talent of our local photographers.   The calendar contains twelve photos selected by Melissa Horne; one assigned to each month and an honourable mention photo at the end of the calendar.   Photographers selected include Alex Williams, Josh Schumann, Robyn Singleton, Ann Smith, Russel Cassar, Brett Harrison, Ian Street, Jo Gregg, Bridget Sun, Kate Robinson, Cas Bukor, Ray Alfieri, and Robyn Barlett.   The winning image ‘colours from above’ by Brett Harrison decorates the cover of the calendar and the month June, representing the electorate’s maritime environment.  Printed calendars are now available for collection from the electorate office at 101 Douglas Parade, Williamstown, 3016, or the office can be contacted to receive the calendar by post.  ​  Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “We have so many talented photographers across the electorate. Thank you to everyone who participated. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the talent we have in our backyard.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 10, 2024Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the Spotswood Primary School children’s roundtable meeting to hear directly from children aged 6-12 years old on what improvements or support they require in school.    The meeting is an extension of the Raising Children in Victoria roundtable engagement series, where parents of children under 12 provided feedback on Victorian schools through a survey and attending 18 adult roundtable discussions held throughout 2024.  The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, in partnership with the Department of Health and Department of Education, delivered the series of roundtables.   Topics of discussion included maternal and child health, early childhood education and care, early parenting centres, kindergartens and family services.  The Spotswood Primary School roundtable meeting focused on feedback from the children to ensure student representation.   The event involved engaging with 20 Spotswood Primary School students in a roundtable discussion to ask questions regarding their experiences from kindergarten and primary school.  Topics included the students’ feedback on school services and possible improvements to encourage engaged learning.  The Allan Labor Government is investing a further $163.1 million to support early childhood education in the 2024-25 State Budget to run and improve programs that collect student and parent feedback.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “Thanks to Spotswood Primary for hosting this invaluable conversation with 20 students of all primary school ages. It was such an engaging discussion with so many topics covered from school breakfast clubs through to the excitement and nervousness the students felt from moving from kinder to prep and then grade 6 to high school.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 10, 2024Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the opening planting day at Brooklyn’s new community garden Patch in the Park.   Thanks to $250,000 in this year’s state budget, the Patch in the Park group has been able to create a new, inclusive gardening space in the heart of Brooklyn that is open to all residents of Brooklyn and the surrounding suburbs.  Patch in the Park is a not-for-profit, community-led, inclusive green space.  The park contains 41 self-watering Foodcubes, a fully equipped storage shed, an indigenous garden, seating nodes, composting, free water supply, kids play area, and it connects directly to the commercial kitchen in the Brooklyn Community Hall.   The new community gardens will provide an opportunity for residence to grow and harvest their own food, socialise with others, and take part in local gardening projects.   Patch in the Park is an accessible and inclusive space to encourage environmental engagement in the Brooklyn area.   The opening planting day represented the community’s efforts in producing the garden.   ​  Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “Community gardens are the heart of a local area. They are great spaces to learn, meet new people and connect. Congratulations to all involved in making this new addition to Brooklyn a success.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 6, 2024Friday, 6 December 2024  The Allan Labor Government is delivering students in the Williamstown electorate the first-class facilities they deserve, supporting better learning outcomes with upgrades and maintenance rolling out to schools across the state.  Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne today congratulated Williamstown North Primary School and Williamstown Primary School, two of 58 successful schools that will share in $25 million for for a range of small-scale refurbishments, such as bathroom, playground, and fencing repairs, through the 2024/25 round of the Labor Government’s Capital Works Fund.   Williamstown North Primary School will receive $468,758 from the Capital Works Fund to refurbish the student toilets.    Williamstown Primary School will receive a Capital Works Fund of $374,629 to refurbish the junior student toilets.    The Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,000 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.   We are getting on with the job of building new schools as we gear up to open 100 new schools by 2026.  The Victorian School Building Authority will work with successful schools from early 2025 to deliver their projects.   All construction is set to be finished by the end of May 2026.  Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll   “Every student deserves world class facilities at their school. We will continue to invest in renovating school facilities, making sure we meet the needs of every child.”   “Every family wants the best for their kids – the best education in state-of-the-art facilities.  Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering for our hard-working school communities in the Education State.”   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne   “It’s great to build on the sustained investment across our schools. Whether it’s small capital works or large facilities, it’s great to see schools across the Williamstown electorate receiving funding.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 2, 2024Monday, 2 December 2024 The Allan Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel Project has reopened a newly surfaced section of the Federation Trail – delivering smoother and safer journeys for pedestrians and cyclists. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced works between Old Geelong Road and Millers Road are complete following a seven-week closure as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. Cyclists and pedestrians will have more options to explore their local area with the full 23-kilometre path re-established to Fogarty Avenue in Yarraville, and connecting with the recently upgraded Kororoit Creek Trail. Works along the Federation Trail included landscaping and the installation of around 400 tonnes of asphalt to resurface more than 2 kilometres of the cycling and pedestrian path to provide a smoother surface. The completion of this section of Federation Trail follows the upgrades and reinstatement of the trail between Millers Road and Fogarty Avenue in October – allowing cyclists and pedestrians to continue their journey all the way to Fogarty Avenue. Crews this spring have also been working on the missing link in the Federation Trail as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, connecting the Federation Trails’ end at Fogarty Avenue to a new cycling and walking connection to the city following the West Gate Freeway to Hyde Street. This will be made possible by a new 86-metre elevated walking and cycling bridge spanning over the Williamstown Road citybound exit ramp, with three huge beams lifted into place over the last month to form the bridge. With the final span lifted into place in late November, crews are now installing lighting, signage and handrails to the bridge. This section of path will open in 2025 and is part of more than 14 kilometre of new and upgraded paths being delivered by the West Gate Tunnel Project, making it safer and easier for more people to walk or cycle.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We are one step closer to providing a safer off-road connection for cyclists and pedestrians all the way to the city with Federation Trail reopened and this new bridge in place.” “We are giving local communities more choice about how they move around, providing better connections with more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded paths being delivered by the West Gate Tunnel Project.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 2, 2024Monday, 2 December 2024   Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the opening of Bayside College’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) facilities at the P-12 campus.   This was made possible thanks to a $6.7 million investment from the Allan Labor Government to build a new STEM building, modernise the library, and upgrade outdoor spaces for students.    These upgrades ensure students have access to cutting-edge tools and dynamic spaces that inspire creativity and problem solving.   The new facilities will ensure students with STEM skills can prepare for future industries and jobs critical to global challenges like climate change and technological advancement.   The event to unveil the new STEM building was focused on student wellbeing, engagement and improved learning opportunities.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “Bayside College is a great school that consistently delivers terrific learning outcomes for local students. The addition of this new STEM centre plus an upgrade to the library and outdoor areas means that students will have great learning spaces for years to come.”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 29, 2024Friday, 29 November 2024 The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its plan to restore Victoria’s historic piers, with major works on Williamstown’s iconic Workshops Pier set to begin in early 2025. Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Duratec had been appointed as the lead construction contractor to deliver the project following a competitive tender process. Funded as part of the Labor Government’s $46 million investment in critical pier rebuilds and repairs across the state, the works will strengthen the pier’s foundations so it can reopen for community and commercial use. Once completed, the pier will again be able to provide berthing for tall ships, emergency response vessels and be a welcoming spot for locals and visitors. The pier, which was built in 1942, is a local landmark in Williamstown’s historic maritime precinct and the reopening will support the vision of the recently completed Williamstown Local Port Area Plan. Crew are on track to kick off strengthening works on Workshops Pier in early 2025 and are expected to complete works in 2026 The Labor Government’s $46 million investment will also deliver critical upgrades at other popular piers and jetties across the state including Warneet, Dromana and St Leonards. Victoria’s local ports contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries. For more information or sign up to receive updates on this project visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne   “Major works on Workshops Pier is set to begin early next year as part of our $46 million investment to rebuild and repair piers right across the state.” “Workshops Pier has been a proud part of Williamstown’s maritime precinct for more than 80 years, and this upgrade will ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for decades more to come.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 26, 2024Tuesday, 26 November 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne extended her congratulations to Julia Bevis, organiser of the Inner West Art Fair. The event was held at the Substation in Newport to celebrate existing and emerging artists within the western suburbs.   The Inner West Art Fair involved three days of art exhibitions, local catering and community engagement. A decision was made by the fair not to charge sale commissions on any artwork sold, ensuring profits go back to the local artists. Children under 14 were free when accompanied with an adult.  The 2024 selection committee was made up of Julia Bevis, the Founder and Director of Inner West Art Fair, Kristy Tull, the Founder and Director of Fox and Ramona and renown concrete artist, and Angela Simons, the CEO of Renew Australia.   The opening night on Friday 22nd November included live music and a first look at the fair. The Saturday showing included a didgeridoo performance from Sean Candy and live music from Newport Fiddle Club along with the chance to meet the artists. On the closing Sunday there was meeting the artists, seeing their art on display for sale as well as the beautiful sounds of guitar played by Lewis Pidutti.   The event lasted three days and served as an opportunity for artists to engage with the Inner West community and exhibit their work in a fair that offers an inclusive experience with the community.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “Congratulations to all involved in making this such a successful event. Without a doubt, we are home in the west to many talented artists and this is a great opportunity to showcase local talent and help artists through purchasing their work.  It was wonderful to see such a depth of talent and diversity across the region.”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 22, 2024Friday, 22 November 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne supports the opening of applications for the final round of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program, which has already seen 410,000 trees planted since 2021.   The Labor Government will invest a further $2 million to deliver the final phase of plantings, with both mature and young trees for areas of western Melbourne with the lowest tree canopy cover – including Hobsons Bay.  There are around 90,000 trees available under this round for schools, parks and reserves in the western suburbs to plant over the next 18 months.  This latest round of funding will help provide more green open spaces, vital new habitats for our local wildlife and reduce the urban heat island effect which means more shade and cooler streets and parks in summer.    Applications for local councils, public land managers and Traditional Owner Corporations will open on Tuesday 19 November and close on 3 December 2024, with trees ready to be planted throughout 2025 and 2026.    Schools will be invited to apply for native trees to plant on their grounds early next year.  These trees will add to the 6,500 hectares of new open space and parklands being delivered by the Labor Government through the $315 million Suburban Parks Program, providing new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – including 22 new and upgraded parks in Melbourne’s west.  For more information on the program and how to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/more-trees    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne  “Over the past few years, we have seen major activity across the Williamstown electorate with trees being planted in places like Brooklyn and Altona North. Much of this is through the advocacy of groups including Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek and the Wetlands Centre.   I would encourage all eligible to apply.”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
November 19, 2024Tuesday, 19 November 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended and spoke at the Williamstown North Primary School 150th anniversary celebration. The event was held at the school gym to celebrate the 150 years of education provided by the school.    Founded in 1874, the school was a part of the State Government’s Education Act of 1872 which declared that schooling in Victoria for all children would be free, secular and compulsory.  Prior to this act, education had been catered for by a small number of church schools or private individuals who had operated in the district since 1838.  Since then, Williamstown North has delivered 150 years of upstanding educated focused on the values of respect, resilience and responsibility. The school has dedicated itself to creating a safe and inclusive environment for its students by providing a sensory room called the Butterfly Room, upgrading its learning facilities and promoting multiple wellbeing programs.   The 150th anniversary event focused on the longstanding efforts and dedication of the school and staff.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “It was fantastic to help celebrate Williamstown North’s 150 birthday. It’s a school built on excellence in teaching, respect and great community spirit. Congratulations to all involved in making the day such a success.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 12, 2024Tuesday, 12 November 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the new Kororoit Creek trail community event. The event was held at GJ Hoskin Reserve to celebrate the newly opened section of the Kororoit Creek Trail and the reopened Federation Trail.   The project involved improving the Kororoit Creek Trail and the re-surfacing of approximately 2km of the Federation Trail in Brooklyn between the Kororoit Creek Trail and Millers Road. These changes are a part of the West Gate Tunnel Project to deliver 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths. These works will help to create a smoother and safer journey for both cyclists and pedestrians.   The community event at GJ Hosken Reserve began with group walking and cycling tours along the new trails. A sausage sizzle, food and drinks were supplied during the free community event along with a free bike check station, a virtual reality experience and activities for children to enjoy. The event was intended to thank locals for their patience while waiting for the newly constructed cycling and walking paths.  The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million.      Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “The Kororoit Creek Trail and Federation Trail provides such important connectivity for our community. The upgraded and resurfaced paths will improve accessibility for many more people in our community.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 8, 2024Friday, 8 November 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne today announced that more kids in Hobsons Bay will have access to affordable swimming lessons to help them stay safe in the water.   Applications open next Wednesday for the popular VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program, which teaches kids basic swimming skills as well as crucial water safety education at a subsidised cost of $35 for a week of lessons.  Families with kids aged four to 12 can choose to enroll in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of a week, or four 35-minute lessons.  VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program has helped generations of kids learn the skills and water safety knowledge they need to stay safe in and around water – so they can enjoy their summers by the pool and near the ocean.   An extra $117,000 has been invested into the program to provide tailored lessons for kids with disability and from multicultural backgrounds. The additional funding will create 400 extra spots for kids across the state. The boost takes the Victorian Government’s investment in the program to $917,000. It’s part of wide-ranging efforts to promote swimming safety and ensure even more kids get their chance to learn water-safety basics.  Registrations for the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program open on 13 November.   For more information visit vicswim.com.au.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “We have beautiful beaches in Altona and Williamstown and our lifesaving clubs are pillars of our community. By making sure that more kids learn to swim, we can be sure that local families are safe in the water over summer.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
October 29, 2024Tuesday, 29 October 2024 Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Cub is set to receive a new All Terrain Vehicle, thanks to a grant of $17,842 from the State Labor Government.  The purchase of this vehicle will be supplemented by $xx from the club and will be used to transport boats and other equipment and better assist the community during an emergency.  The funding is part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) where grant recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.  VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them.”   Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club is the backbone of our community, with volunteers saving lives and making sure people are safe on the water. I’m thrilled that the Club has received this funding to help continue their great work.”    Quotes attributed to president of Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club, Claire Howell “Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club volunteer patrollers are very grateful for the state government recognition and assistance through the emergency services equipment program. A new ATV will help support lifesaving services at Williamstown beach over the coming busy patrol season. A reminder to all to stay safe and swim between the flags.”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
October 25, 2024Friday, 25 October 2024   Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne was in attendance to help celebrate the Williamstown Morgue’s restoration. This was made possible thanks to a $150,000 grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to the Seaworks Foundation to preserve the morgue and its connection to Williamstown’s history.  The Williamstown Morgue has a long running legacy in the Hobsons Bay area. Built in 1859 by convicts and holding a historical bluestone façade, the Williamstown Morgue was one of the first of its kind and is the oldest surviving morgue in Melbourne. The building was first built as a substitute for storing bodies in pubs and dry, cold spaces. The morgue was relocated many times before being situated at the Williamstown waterfront in 1973. Closed in 1925 due to health concerns, the morgue was made vacant.  Today it rests next to the Seaworks building as a part of the Seaworks Foundation, who will ensure the morgue’s survival as a part of Williamstown history. The grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund will aid in the upkeep, refurbishment and preservation of the building. This will lead to the morgue becoming a more interactive historical site for both local visitors and tourists.  The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     “The morgue at Seaworks is an iconic part of Williamstown’s history. The restoration works will ensure that this building remains part of Williamstown’s unique landscape.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au    [...] Read more...
October 24, 2024Thursday 24 October 2024 Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne attended the unveiling of St Mary’s Primary School’s new tram. In July, a retired Melbourne tram was delivered to the school, to be refurbished and repurposed into a playground for their 278 students.   $5,000 was raised by the school and community members through a sausage sizzle and cake stall charity events. This was also made possible thanks to a $10,000 grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to the school to upgrade the tram into a safe and inclusive learning space.   The project has transformed an old vintage Melbourne tram, donated by VicTrack into a Wellbeing Tram. The tram will be an area that students can retreat to for peace and an alternate place to the busy playground. Designed especially those on the Autism spectrum, the new Tram will also be used for learning activities outside the classroom.  The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million.   The event to unveil the tram was focused on supportive learning, student wellbeing and community engagement.     Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne     I would like to congratulate all involved in the successful delivery of this tram. It will provide a much needed space for students, particularly a quiet area for well being.    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
October 8, 2024Tuesday 8 October 2024 New and upgraded walking and cycling paths have been opened around Altona North, Brooklyn and Yarraville in Melbourne’s west – part of a network of more than 14 km of paths that is being delivered through the West Gate Tunnel Project. The missing link in the Kororoit Creek Trail between Grieve Parade in Altona North and the Federation Trail has been completed, with a new 3m wide walking and cycling path now connecting the Trail north of Geelong Road to the existing path at GJ Hosken Reserve. The path, which follows Kororoit Creek, will link communities on the north and south sides of the West Gate Freeway. This area will also be home to interpretive signs and public art that commemorates the area’s heritage, culture and landscape – expected to be installed in 2025. The Federation Trail between Millers Road in Brooklyn and Fogarty Avenue in Yarraville has now also opened after being upgraded, featuring a new surface and safety measures including hand rails, signs, line marking, and a protection screen between the path and the West Gate Freeway. This section will ultimately connect to a new off-road path between Fogarty Avenue and Hyde Street which will complete a missing link in the Federation Trail through Yarraville and Spotswood, expected to be delivered in 2025 as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. Resurfacing of the Federation Trail between Millers and Kororoit Creek Trail, east of Little Boundary Road has also started, which requires it to be temporarily closed for around 10 weeks to resurface a 2.4km section. Once complete, cyclists will have a smoother stronger path to ride on.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne    “The West Gate Tunnel Project is delivering more than 14km of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths to make it safer and easier for more people to travel and be active. “As we forge ahead with remaining works to complete the project, we’re pleased to be able to open this important new section of the Kororoit Creek Trail so that people can it enjoy now. A big thank you to Geoff Mitchelmore and the Friend of Lower Kororoit Creek for the important work they do in the area”     Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
October 4, 2024Friday, 4 October 2024 Celebrations to mark the 30th birthday of the South Kingsville Community Centre were held on Friday the 4th of October, with a special community event. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne was in attendance to help celebrate. The community focused celebration was made possible thanks to a $15,000 grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. The celebration reflected the centre’s values and goals by having something for everyone with workshops, a petting zoo, a disco, cupcake decorating, arts and craft activities, and birthday cake. The South Kingsville Community Centre was found the 1993, by a group of passionate community leaders and with support of local council and organisations. Today the same passion is still alive and well in the community with the centre being managed by a dedicated board of volunteers and service providers at the centre. From maternal and child health to occasional childcare, kindergarten, playgroup, senior citizens activities, social and recreational programs, and information and referral services, South Kingsville Community Centre provides a comprehensive suite of services for individuals from birth to maturity. The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million. The celebration of 30 years of the South Kingsville Community Centre was focused on the community and highlighted that the community and service will be central to the next 30 years of success.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “The South Kingsville Community Centre is more than a gathering place, it’s a hub of information, of service and of community. The Centre has grown so much over the past 30 years, and I wish the Centre, all the staff and volunteers the very best for the next 30 years”.   ENDS Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
September 6, 2024Friday, 6 September 2024 This year marks half a century of service to the community for the Williamstown Community and Education Centre (WCEC). The Centre focuses on developing, implementing and delivering high quality inclusive programs and training and services from various locations, based on community wants and needs is admirable. Williamstown MP, Melissa Horne attended the official community celebration on Wednesday. The occasion was a fitting tribute to the work of the centre and what sits at its heart, the community. Complete with a documentary sharing the history of the centre and a birthday cake to mark the occasion, the centre was filled memorabilia and past and present staff and participants. WCEC found its beginnings in North Williamstown in 1974, before finding it permanent home at Joan Kirner House in Thompson St, thanks to its name’s sake and former Premier and Member for Williamstown, Joan Kirner. The service has now expanded to have locations in Spotswood and Altona North. The Centre provides, classes in computer skills, English language, art, reading and writing, yoga, and many more, as well as services to fill out forms and documents and information services. The Centre is a home from home for many attendees with some coming for one class and staying anywhere up to 15 years or more. In the last year alone, the Centre has provided over 25,000 hours of pre accredited training and was estimated to have a community value of $10.4 million (according to the Neighbourhood House VIC 2022 Survey).  The past 50 years of the centre have seen much success and growth, and it looks set to continue long into the future.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The Williamstown Community and Education Centre has been at the heart of our community for 50 years, serving, supporting, and informing. I wish the Centre and its staff another 50 years of success.”   Ends. Media Contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
August 21, 2024Wednesday, 21 August 2024 Altona Miniature Railway had a lot to celebrate over the weekend, with the opening of their new community pavilion, as well as being successful in obtaining funding for two new train cabooses. Williamstown MP, Melissa Horne was on hand to officially cut the ribbon to open the pavilion and to celebrate with the community. In 2023, Altona Miniature Railway received $50,000 through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to construct a community pavilion to improve facilities and increase outdoor community space. This pavilion features an iconic heritage W Class Melbourne tram, which promotes transport heritage and provides an alternative space for community gatherings and celebrations Earlier this year, Altona Miniature Railway received additional funding of $10,000 to purchase two train cabooses, which will separate the guard from the rest of the passengers, giving them a dedicated space to conduct their role. Altona Miniature Railway was established in 1976, with the objective to build and operate a passenger carrying miniature railway in the Western suburbs area of Melbourne. The first official train to run on the site occurred on the 2nd of July 1985. The railway is a popular tourist destination in the inner west, with annual ridership approaching 20,000. The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was established to support communities in Melbourne’s inner west during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has supported over 200 community projects at a value of more than $9.5 million.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Altona Miniature Railway is a community favorite far and wide. These new upgrades will ensure it is enjoyed long into the future.” “It’s a 100% volunteer run organisation, that not only provides a tourist attraction for the inner west but preserves transport history for future generations”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
August 7, 2024Wednesday, 7 August 2024 Two new pedestrian bridges on the West Gate Tunnel Project have been named in recognition of the Indigenous heritage of the Williamstown Electorate. Following a naming competition, the new bridges at over the West Gate Freeway connecting South Kingsville and Yarraville, and Brooklyn and Altona North have been given traditional Aboriginal names. The bridge between South Kingsville and Yarraville will be known as Woduyullul Parring Bridge meaning ‘many paths’, and the bridge between Brooklyn and Altona North will be known as Yalukit Willam Bridge in honour of the local Indigenous clan that lived in the area. As part of the bridge naming competition, nearly 250 submissions were received from the public, with 10 winners collectively nominating the selected bridge names. Both new bridges have replaced older bridges that had been in place since the 1970s. With improved lighting and ramps, each will be an important local landmark that will connect communities over the West Gate Freeway. The West Gate Tunnel Project is taking shape and on track for completion by the end of 2025. The project will transform travel in the area. It will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing, cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads. It will also create 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “Melbourne’s inner west has a proud and rich Indigenous heritage, so it’s fitting that these two bridges will recognise the area’s connection to its Traditional Owners for generations to come.”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
August 1, 2024Thursday, 1 August 2024 The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with dozens of local, low-fee Catholic schools to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities, including in Williamstown. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, announced St Mary’s Primary School in Altona, and St Margaret Mary’s Primary School in Spotswood are two of 67 projects at 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will share in more than $243 million to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools. Stage 1A of St Mary’s Altona’s Master Plan will be completed thanks to $2.4 million from the Allan Labor Government to rebuild six learning areas of the school, including collaboration and outdoor learning spaces. These upgrades will ensure students can move freely and safely between classrooms and shared spaces as well as have opportunities to work outdoors. St Margaret Mary’s received $3.6 million to construct new learning areas, student amenities, and breakout spaces as well as the refurbishment of school entry, staff workspaces, and meeting rooms. These projects will facilitate student capacity through the addition of three learning areas with greater connectivity between them. These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children. Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll “Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.” “We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “These works will ensure that all students in Williamstown have the opportunity to learn in modern, safe and accessible classrooms and learning spaces.”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
July 24, 2024Wednesday, 24 July 2024 Altona City footballers can look forward to playing extra time on three new upgraded pitches and a new pavilion at HC Kim Reserve, thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined representatives from Hobsons Bay City Council and Altona City Football Club to officially open the pitches and a new pavilion, made possible by an $800,000 government investment. Football is one of Victoria’s fastest growing sports and HC Kim Reserve is at the heart of the action for over 380 Altona City footballers. The works included a complete rebuild of pitch one and irrigation upgrades to pitches two and three ensuring improved surface quality and consistency, safety, more capacity and opportunities to boost women and girls’ participation. The new pavilion is female friendly and features six change rooms, umpire facilities, first aid room, dividable multi-purpose social space and storage. Together the new facilities provide a great new base for Altona City to host more training, games and the big events including local tournaments. The Victorian Government investment includes $500,000 from the World Game Facilities Fund and $300,000 from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. Both funds are part of the more than $1.9 billion invested by the Victoria Government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue the delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure, and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility. Melissa Horne MP acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its financial contribution of almost $5 million and commitment to delivering the upgrades, and Altona City Soccer Club for its $100,000 contribution. For more information visit sport.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The pitch upgrades and new pavilion will ensure Altona City and other members of the community can ramp up training and development and create more opportunities for locals of all ages and abilities to participate in football.” “Providing modern facilities our clubs can be proud of is an investment in our community sportspeople, and ensures more people have the chance to lace up their boots and play the world game.”   Ends. Media Contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
July 15, 2024Monday, 15 July 2024 The latest round of Port Phillip Bay Fund grants has seen the marine environment and wetlands centres of the Williamstown electorate receive more than $300,000 in funding. The funding for three organisations including Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group, Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, and Parks Victoria. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group received $25,000 to improve the level of community care and health of the Jawbone Marine Park which include two marine stewardship programs by the 1,000 students and community members. $23,100 was awarded to the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre to fund the project to document the status and significance of coastal wetlands in the Cheetham & Altona key biodiversity area and train volunteers to survey birds, as part of an ongoing bird monitoring program. The underwater forests of Port Phillip Bay will be protected and restores with Parks Victoria receiving $297,783 to reduce overabundant urchin densities and implement kelp seeding approaches in Jawbone and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary to prevent further kelp loss and ensure the ongoing recovery of critically important reef habitat. Since 2016, the Port Phillip Bay fund has provided more than $13.9 million in grants across 187 projects in and around the Bay. Port Phillip Bay is one of Victoria’s most precious natural assets. It is an important place for the people of Kulin Nation. It’s amongst Melbourne’s most important ecosystems with many plant and animal species living in the Bay. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, welcomed the funding as part of an important investment in educating the community about the local environment and maintaining the health of marine sanctuaries and wetlands for the future.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Our coastal and marine environment is a large part of the identity of the electorate of Williamstown. It is important that we invest in the conservation of these areas and preserve the knowledge we have for future generations.”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
July 10, 2024Wednesday, 10 July 2024 Fans and members of the Altona Magic Soccer Club and Altona East Phoenix Soccer Club can enjoy better access to Paisley Park thanks to the completion of car park upgrades at the ground, backed by the Victorian Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined representatives from Hobsons Bay City Council and local clubs to officially open the new parking area made possible by a $500,000 investment from the Victorian Government. Football is one of Victoria’s fastest growing sports and Paisley Park is at the heart of the football action with Altona Magic and Altona East Phoenix Soccer clubs sporting over 550 members. The upgraded car park includes dedicated accessible car spaces and is a game changer, providing easy access for more club members and fans of all abilities to access the ground for training and games. Safety and lighting improvements also give park users greater opportunity to use the grassroots venue for local events including community gatherings and celebrations. The investment in Paisley Park is part of more than $1.9 billion the Victorian Government has chipped into community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure, and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility. Melissa Horne MP acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its financial contribution of more than $250,000 towards the car park upgrades and commitment to delivering the project. For more information about grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The car park upgrades are a game changer for local soccer providing more space for the clubs and fans to access the ground for training games and the big events.” “Providing modern facilities our clubs can be proud of is an investment in our community sportspeople, and ensures more people have the chance to lace up their boots and play the world game.” “We would like to thank Altona Magic and Altona East Phoenix for their patience whilst these important upgrades were completed.”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au [...] Read more...
June 26, 2024Wednesday, 26 June 2024 The future redevelopment of Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (WSLSC) is finally set to move ahead following the passing of the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Budget last night. At last night’s meeting it was resolved that $5.5 million would be allocated to the redevelopment of WSLSC’s redevelopment. This investment is welcome following after an $11.35 million investment was announced by the State Labor Government in 2021. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne said she was glad to see the investment by Hobsons Bay City Council and that the community could finally be assured that this vital project for Williamstown could proceed with the co-commitment by Council.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “I commend the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Cub for all the hard work the committee members have undertaken to ensure that this is a project that is finally backed by Council.” ” The State made it clear that the upgrade of the Club and the protection of the heritage club building was a project of importance following the allocation of $11.35 million in the 2021-2022 State Budget.” “It is great to see that finally Council has decided to back the community and back the important work that the Club does to keep people safe and teach people how to swim.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
June 24, 2024Monday, 24 June 2024 The Allan Labor Government is making heading to and from school easier and safer for hundreds of students and their families in Yarraville. New pedestrian technology will be installed at the traffic lights on Wembley Avenue in Yarraville, which will give students, teachers, and community members a head start in crossing the road before cars are able to turn. This new technology will ensure pedestrians are more visible to turning drivers, making walking to and from Wembley Primary School safer for the school community. New signage will also be installed at the intersection to alert drivers to the pedestrian crossing. Works to upgrade the crossing are expected to be completed by the end of June. The Labor Government is continuing to implement increased safety measures around schools, and under Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030 we’re working across education, infrastructure, policy and technology to end the heartbreak and make our roads safer, including for our most vulnerable road users.   Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne “We’ve worked with the school and the community to introduce a small change that will have a big impact on the safety of our school kids, teachers, parents and the broader community.”   Quote attributable to Principal of Wembley Primary School, Vassie Vatsilas-D’Arcangelo “Thanking Minister Horne for her support of the Wembley Primary School community, in working in partnership with us to prioritise the safety of our students, parents and staff members, and wider community members. This traffic light upgrade is a great step forward in an ongoing plan to improve the road safety around Wembley Primary School.”   Ends. Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
May 23, 2024Thursday, 23 May 2024  The Allan Labor Government’s plan to upgrade and re-open the historic Workshops Pier in Williamstown is another step closer, with tenders now open for repair works to strengthen the pier.    The Labor Government has invested $46 million to rebuild piers and jetties across the state, including the repairs to the much-loved Workshop Pier.   Workshops Pier will undergo significant upgrades to strengthen its foundations and allow it to accommodate tall ships and commercial vessels again after being closed in 2021 for public safety.  The pier, which was built in 1942, is a local landmark in Williamstown’s historic maritime precinct and the reopening will support the vision of the recently released Williamstown Local Port Area Plan.   This project complements last year’s upgrade of nearby Gem Pier, also located in the Williamstown maritime precinct, where new fenders have been installed to provide safe berthing for commercial vessels and ferries, ensuring it remains an accessible destination for operators.   Victoria’s local ports contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries.  The lead construction partner for the Workshops Pier project is expected to be appointed this spring.    Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown and Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne  “We’re making this Williamstown landmark safe and accessible, so residents and tourists can again enjoy this iconic part of our maritime history.’’  “Across Victoria, we are continuing the revitalisation of our important piers and jetties – ensuring they can be enjoyed by communities, boaters, anglers and tourists for generations to come”    Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
May 7, 2024Tuesday, 7 May 2024 Pedestrians and cyclists in Altona and Altona Meadows will be safer as this year’s State Budget will deliver a new shared user path over Laverton Creek in Queen Street Altona. After sustained advocacy and widespread community support, the petition for a Queen Street pedestrian and cycling bridge across Laverton Creek has achieved success. Under the 2024/2025 Victorian Budget, $12 million will help Victorians walk and cycle safely. This includes funding for a new bike and pedestrian path on Queen Street Altona. The Queen Street Bridge, a vital thoroughfare connecting Altona Meadows to Altona and beyond, has long been recognized as needing a safe pathway for cyclists and pedestrians.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Today marks a significant win for Altona residents. Through this funding allocation, we are taking decisive action to address safety concerns and enhance local connectivity. This investment reaffirms our commitment to improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”   Quotes attributable to Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari “Safety is a critical priority when moving around our community and this bridge directly addresses that priority. I thank all those terrific community advocates who have supported this project, that will now be delivered by the State Labor Government.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
April 26, 2024Friday, 26th April 2024 The Williamstown Football Club stars in a documentary about local veterans and their service, with the 10-minute compilation of the interviews which premiered at the ANZAC Day match. The project, directed by This Story Australia, was made possible by a grant of $28,750 from the Victorian Government’s Victoria Remembers grants program. The documentary focuses on the stories of service of four service personnel who play and have played, for the Williamstown Football Club. The initial compilation aired on ANZAC day prior to the Williamstown vs Werribee Tigers match at DSV Stadium, Williamstown. The full interviews will be released in the coming weeks. Each service person provides a unique perspective on service with the linking theme being the Williamstown Football Club. Veterans from Korea, Vietnam and peace keeping operations are interviewed about their time in the armed forces and their involvement either playing or supporting the Williamstown Football Club. Victoria Remembers provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects honouring or commemorating veterans’ service. This includes projects that educate Victorians about veterans’ contributions. This Story Australia works to educate, engage, and connect communities through the production of powerful personal digital stories of Australia’s military veterans. This Story Australia has worked in conjunction with the Williamstown Football Club to preserve the personal stories of these veterans via the interviews. This Story is a charitable organisation that aims to provide better understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by many veterans throughout their service and upon return to civilian life. More information about the Victoria Remembers grant program can be found at www.vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grant-program .   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP “Williamstown Football Club is at the at the heart of our community and it’s wonderful to see the stories of those who have served come to life.” “When service personnel return to civilian life their service often becomes history, this documentary will act as a permanent reminder of their service, sacrifice and legacy.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
April 18, 2024Thursday, 18th April 2024 The Allan Labor Government is backing pedestrians and cyclists, with more than $2 million worth of grants for local councils to improve road safety for vulnerable road users. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today announced the 40 Victorian councils that will receive funding under the annual Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program. Projects funded through the grant program must use Safe System principles with a focus on reducing crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists, those most vulnerable to trauma on our roads. The Safe System is a holistic approach to road safety that recognises different elements of the road environment must work together to keep everyone safe – these elements include roads and roadsides, vehicles, travel speeds, and road users. Hobson’s Bay City Council has received a grant of $99,625 to construct two raised intersection treatments at the intersections of Osborne and Bayview Street and Gellibrand and Bayview Streets. The raised intersection treatments both comprise two wombat crossings. The project will also construct a raised threshold treatment at the intersection of Tobruk Crescent and Bayview Street. These upgrades will improve safety for students as they make their way to school at Williamstown High, as well as local pedestrians and road users. The 2024 TAC Local Government Grant Program will open for applications mid-June 2024. For more information on the program, visit www.tac.vic.gov.au/local-government-grants   Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “This grant will go along way to improve the safety of the road network, particularly that around Williamstown High School, ensuring that students and locals can safely move around the community.” “Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy, that’s why we’re working with councils across the state to implement projects that keep Victorians safe.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
March 1, 2024Friday, 1 March 2024 The Allan Labor Government is improving the health and wellbeing of communities across the state, through the allocation of infrastructure funding to 28 Men’s Sheds as part of the latest round of the Men’s Shed Funding Program. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne announced that Altona Minature Railway was among the 28 successful recipients of the Men’s Shed Funding Program. Altona Minature Railway will receive $9,999 towards the upgrade toilets from septic system to main sewer system. These works will modernise the facilities to cater for the community. Recipients from the latest round also include the Benambra Men’s Shed which will receive $100,000, and the Morwell Men’s Shed which receive $77,589, both towards the construction of new Men’s Sheds. Other grant recipients include the Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed, which will receive $7,648 to replace a staircase, making it more accessible to their members, and the Point Cook Men’s Shed, which will receive $50,000 to convert a building into a Men’s Shed and cultural facility. The Allan Labor Government has proudly provided 487 grants to Men’s Sheds since 2015, through an annual $1 million investment. To view the full list of grant recipients visit Men’s Shed Funding Program – DFFH Service Providers.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne ”Altona Miniature Railway provides a welcoming place for locals to learn new skills, contribute to the community and improve wellbeing.” ”This grant will go a long way to help continue their important work in the local community.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
February 23, 2024Friday, 23 February 2023 The Allan Labor Government is taking action to set the long-term strategic direction for one of Melbourne’s key maritime precincts with the release of the Williamstown Local Port Area Plan. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said work on the Williamstown plan has been completed following extensive community feedback. The Williamstown plan provides clear direction on the future of the precinct’s five piers and jetties, access-channel sedimentation and provisions for larger vessels, along with key actions to support the successful function of the local port area and ensuring it continues to be a jewel in the crown for its local community. Local port area plans are developed to understand use and function of port facilities ensuring the best outcomes for our communities, the economy and environment. Parks Victoria, as the relevant local port manager, has led these priority planning projects. Late last year, stakeholders and key users gave feedback on the current facilities and future activities they’d like to see at Williamstown that informed the final plan. Proposed outcomes include the already funded vital repairs to Workshops Pier to improve commercial vessel berthing at Seaworks. Additional improvements to harbour safety, access and function will be achieved through proposed plans to streamline future dredging in the precinct and upgrade Boyd Street Pier for berthing of commercial vessels and emergency response services. A Local Port Area Plan for Sandringham has been released with Mornington Harbour currently being finalised and Sorrento expected to be ready for community feedback in 2024. Victoria’s local ports drive significant regional economic growth and employment and contribute more than $900 million per annum to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries. The Victorian Government is committed to implementing a long-term strategy for the future management and maintenance of our piers and jetties. The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan can be viewed at www.engage.vic.gov.au   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight, and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Developing local port area plans for these popular waterside destinations helps safeguard maritime heritage, tourism potential, and direct future investment where it’s needed most.” “Consulting with community and stakeholders was essential so we could deliver a tailored local port area plan and ensure these valuable precincts serve our businesses and communities’ changing needs in the future”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
January 31, 2024Wednesday, 31 January 2024 Community groups have the chance to get involved and join over 120 successful recipients with applications for the latest round of the Victorian Government’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund now open. Funding is available for not-for-profit community organisations with initiatives that help create happy, healthy and connected communities. So far, the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund has invested more than $8.5 million to support transformational projects like the major upgrade to GJ Hosken Reserve. The redevelopment of the Altona North reserve includes a new playground, fitness equipment and upgrades to park facilities and structures, turning the much-loved reserve into a park that brings the community together. The Williamstown and Newport Anglers Club and Fish Protection Society also received funding to refurbish the Williamstown Beach Jetty Facility, including the replacement of cross beams, bearers, decks and handrails, conserving the jetty for years to come. Diesel Electric Rail Motor Association of Victoria used their grant to repair and refurbish a railmotor train, giving locals the chance to experience a train heritage ride. This round of funding will have two components, grants and partnerships. Grants will provide funding for one off activities or events, whereas partnership funding will support infrastructure projects that provide a significant and lasting outcome. Partnerships and grants are available for initiatives in the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong Council areas to support communities most impacted during construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project. Projects should be ready to get started and need to be completed by June 2025. Applications for the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund are open now and will close at 3pm, Monday 18 March. For more information about the Fund and the projects supported, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund. The West Gate Tunnel Project is more than just a tunnel. The project is connecting communities and making the inner west an even better place to live with 14k of new walking and cycling paths, new open space and $10 million in grants and partnerships to bring people together and deliver a lasting community legacy.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “It’s exciting to see the local community transforming with the help of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, and the next round will lead to many more improvements and opportunities for Williamstown. The latest round of partnerships and grants will mean that more local sports clubs and community groups will have access to the facilities and equipment they need to create happy, healthy, and active communities.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au    [...] Read more...
January 23, 2024Tuesday, 23 January 2024 Today the Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, joined community members and Parks Victoria to officially open the newly redeveloped Altona Pier. Altona Pier is a beloved local landmark with a storied history dating back to 1888. In recent times, the pier has swapped steam ferries for boating, fishing, and other maritime recreation. Over its 136-year history, the pier has undergone several repairs and upgrades. This latest upgrade has made the pier a safer place for all users while preserving its history. Timbers from the old pier were salvaged for use in the upcoming foreshore redevelopment and for the seating on the pier. The redeveloped pier opened to the public in December and features a modern Y-shaped pier head, a hardwood timber deck, public lighting for safe pedestrian access, and an accessible lower landing for swimming and recreational boating. It aligns with Pier Street, providing a connection to the historical elements of the pier’s heritage. The rejuvenation project was managed by Parks Victoria and delivered in partnership with Simpson Construction Co.  in record time thanks to a $11.9 million investment from the Allan Labor Government. The completion of this latest local port project marks a major milestone in the Labor Government’s $24 million commitment to enhancing maritime amenities for residents and visitors alike.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “I am thrilled to officially open the brand-new Altona Pier today – it’s a win for boaters, anglers and the local community. With a couple more months of summer, I encourage residents and visitors to come down and enjoy the new pier”. “Piers like Altona are not just about the physical structure; they are about the memories created here, the community gatherings, and the connection to our maritime history. We are committed to ensuring these spaces are preserved and continue to be enjoyed by everyone.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 13, 2023Wednesday, 13 December 2023 Local anglers and boaters are welcoming summer even more warmly this year following the completion of a major upgrade of the Williamstown and Newport Anglers Club Jetty. The jetty, which was built in the 1944 and last refurbished in the 1970s, has been transformed over recent months with $500,000 from the Victorian Government’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund for the much-needed revamp. The upgrade delivered vital structural improvements to the jetty, including new piles, cross beams, decking, and handrails, while it also features a modular floating pontoon. The jetty has also been made more wheelchair friendly, so people with a disability and the elderly can now enjoy greater access to use the facilities and undertake water-related activities. The Williamstown Jetty has been an important recreational hub for the local community for almost 70 years and remains popular with anglers, kayakers, swimmers and boat users involved in the Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club. The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grants and partnerships program was established to support inner west communities during construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project and improve community connection. The fund has already supported 128 community projects valued at more than $8.5 million across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, including the refurbishment of the Williamstown Beach Jetty. Applications for 2023 have closed, but there will be a final round of funding in early 2024. To find out about the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, or to apply for funding, visit: www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “The jetty has been an important recreational hub for the local community for more than 70 years, and this much-needed upgrade will ensure it continues to be enjoyed by anglers, boat users and swimmers for decades to come.” “The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is all about making sure our community benefits from the West Gate Tunnel Project sooner, rather than later, and this upgrade is a terrific example of that.”   Quote attributable to Lindsay Morton, Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club Committee Member “This new jetty gives our community and club members easier, more accessible, and safer access to the bay. It will help us attract a younger generation of members and allow even more anglers to get involved.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
December 6, 2023Wednesday 6 December 2023 The 160-member strong Williamstown Colts Cricket Club can now ramp up training and development thanks to a new cricket training facility at their home ground Greenwich Reserve, backed by the Allan Labor Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today officially launched the new nets, made possible by a $300,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects initiative. The facility is in line with Cricket Australia standards and features one turf and three synthetic wickets, storage area and connecting paths that can be used by the club and local cricketers. Students from nearby schools and local residents can also access the facility all year round. The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sport. The funding is part of $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. More than $1.9 billion has been invested by the government into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014, including more than $31 million in the Hobsons Bay area. Melissa Horne MP acknowledged the Hobsons Bay City Council for its $60,000 contribution and commitment to delivering the project. For more information about sport infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The Williamstown Colts Cricket Club is a great club, and the new cricket training facility will go a long way to inspiring more locals to play sport, providing a great new space for aspiring cricket stars to take their game to the next level.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
August 25, 2023Friday, 25 August 2023 Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme is a step closer, with the roll out of refund points continuing to progress across Victoria in preparation for the scheme’s 1 November start. Melissa Horne announced a Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed at West Gate Fitness – Altona, 61 Dohertys Road, Altona North. CDS Vic will reward Victorians with a 10 cent refund for every eligible used drink can, bottle and carton. There will be more than 600 refund points across the state and four different ways to return eligible containers – reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and bag drops and collections. CDS Vic will reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate around 640 jobs across the state, in both regional and metropolitan Victoria, and turn drink containers into new recycled products. CDS Vic will be run by Scheme Coordinator, VicReturn, and three zone operators, TOMRA Cleanaway, VISY, and Return-It, who will establish and oversee the refund points, provide refunds to customers, and ensure proper recycling of the containers. The zone operators are each responsible for a part of Victoria, which has been separated into three scheme zones: north, east and west. CDS Vic also offers Victorian charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and educational organisations new ways to raise funds through collection drives, by operating refund points, or receiving direct donations from the community. The scheme is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to transform the state’s waste and recycling sector. This includes the new standardised four-stream waste and recycling system, which will meet the target of diverting 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030. More information about CDS Vic can be found at www.cdsvic.org.au .   Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt “CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products and reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half, while putting extra cash in Victorian pockets and creating local jobs.” “Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will be the most accessible and convenient scheme in the country, with more than 600 refund points across the state.”   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This is a great opportunity to help clean up our environment, while helping Altona North sporting clubs, community groups and schools to raise valuable funds through collection drives and donations.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au    [...] Read more...
August 17, 2023Thursday, 17 August 2023 The Victorian Government is giving every child the opportunity to learn more through play, with grants for fun and educational toys and equipment rolling out to around 2,900 kindergartens across the state. Member for Williamstown today announced a $5,000 grant for every Victorian Government-funded kindergarten and long day-care service in the area to buy new toys and equipment for their Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs. The grants will help each kindergarten buy age-appropriate and inclusive toys such as construction blocks, musical instruments, puzzles, chalk, gardening tools and sensory toys – encouraging children of all abilities to use their imagination and creativity while learning through play. With wear and tear inevitable, services will be encouraged to purchase toys made of natural and sustainable materials, extending their durability and keeping them out of landfill. Services will also be asked to purchase locally made products wherever possible – supporting local jobs and businesses and saving money. The one-off grants are part of a $14.7 million investment to ensure every funded kindergarten in Victoria has the high-quality toys and equipment needed so every child can learn best through play. Research shows that quality play-based learning helps lay the foundation for success throughout a child’s education and life. By playing with educational toys and games, children use their imagination and practise important skills, such as problem-solving, while also learning to listen, share and take turns. The Victorian Government is investing an additional $1.8 billion over five years to support the biggest-ever early childhood reforms in Victoria’s history – Best Start, Best Life. The funding locks in Free Kinder, continues the roll-out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and starts the transition to Pre-Prep from 2025, while helping to deliver a massive infrastructure program of new and upgraded kindergartens across the state. Up to 140,000 children and families are already benefitting from the first year of Free Kinder, which gives children 5 to 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, saves families up to $2,500 in fees per child and helps parents return to work or study if they choose.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown “We’re ensuring every kinder in the Williamstown electorate has the educational toys and games needed to encourage our children to grow and learn and let their imaginations run free.” “Victoria leads the nation when it comes to early childhood education – two years of quality play-based learning gives our children the skills they need to succeed in school and life.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
July 25, 2023Tuesday, 25 July 2023 The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on the promise we made to Victorians at last year’s election – improving air quality in Melbourne’s inner western suburbs by modernizing truck fleets and sealing local roads. As part of a $20 million package, $15 million will target truck operators who regularly use inner western roads and make grants available to support a transition to trucks that produce fewer emissions. A further $5 million in grants will be made available to local councils to seal local roads, reducing dust pollution. The Labor Government is already taking action to reduce air pollution through our nation-leading investments in climate change and renewable energy. Our Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap is supported by a $100 million investment to ensure Victoria is a leader in adopting zero emissions vehicles. Melbourne’s inner west experiences significantly higher volumes of heavy vehicle traffic than other parts of Melbourne due to its high concentration of industrial uses, including empty container parks, and its proximity to the Port of Melbourne. The Labor Government is working with community and industry to reduce the environmental impact of heavy vehicles, while making roads safer for pedestrians by lowering speed limits and banning trucks on some roads. The completion of the West Gate Tunnel Project in 2025 and the introduction of truck bans will remove 9,000 trucks from roads in the inner west and cut congestion for local communities. The Government also continues to implement Clean Air for all Victorians, the state’s first overarching air quality strategy. We’ve invested $2.8 million to establish two air quality improvement precincts in the Inner West and Outer West of Melbourne, reducing air pollution and address emerging environmental challenges, in partnership with the community and business. The Labor Government is investing $20 billion in transformational projects in Melbourne’s west, making it an even better place to live and work. For more details, visit dtp.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/clean-air-for-the-inner-west.   Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne “We promised we’d make air cleaner in Melbourne’s inner west and that’s what we’re doing: replacing emissions-heavy old trucks and sealing roads to reduce dust pollution.”   Quote attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt “Through this important package and the implementation of our Air Quality Strategy, we’re taking action to improve air quality and tackle pollution in the west.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
July 14, 2023Wednesday, 12 July 2023 The next generation of Yarraville soccer stars can look forward to emulating their Matildas’ World Cup heroes under the bright lights thanks to the completion of new competition lighting at McIvor Reserve. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined representatives from home club Yarraville Glory to flick the switch and officially launch their new 200 lux LED pitch lights, made possible by more than $176,000 from the Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund. With the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup just days away, clubs like Glory have seen a growth in female participation and more demand for pitch time. The bright new lighting means more opportunity for local teams to ramp up their training and games. The new lights also open up the venue to more community use including casual play, and local events. The World Game Facilities Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality, active lifestyles and stimulating local economies through job creation to make a real difference to local communities. The Fund has invested more than $19.3 million into 65 game-changing infrastructure projects to develop high-quality, accessible soccer infrastructure since 2018. From new sports pavilions to pitch lighting, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible facilities that allow Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation. The Victorian Budget 2023-24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations. This brings the Victorian Government’s investment into community sport and active recreation infrastructure to more than $1.9 billion since 2014. For more information about how the Victorian Government is funding community sport, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “With football as popular as ever, we’re ensuring local clubs like Yarraville Glory have a place to grow and communities can come together.” “The new lights are a game-changer and provide more time on the park for the local community to play the sport they love.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
July 7, 2023Friday, 7 July 2023 Locals and visitors alike will again be able to enjoy Workshops Pier in Williamstown’s historic maritime precinct, thanks to Andrews Labor Government funding for restoration and repair works. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the $6 million package announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 would breathe new life into the pier, ensuring the much-loved local landmark can be enjoyed for generations to come. Workshops Pier has long been a focal point in Williamstown and is part of a working port that showcases Victoria’s maritime history – however, the pier was closed in 2021 in the interests of public safety. Workshops Pier is managed by Seaworks and Parks Victoria, with the site acting as Melbourne’s key berthing location for visiting tall ships and large vessels. This comes after the recent upgrade of nearby Gem Pier in Williamstown, which has seen new fenders installed to provide safe access for berthing vessels and commercial ferries, ensuring it remains an accessible destination for boaters. Repairs to Workshops are also supported by the Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework. Released last year, the Framework sets out a vision to guide future opportunities for the precinct, including improving public amenity and access, activating community spaces and strengthening communities. The Labor Government announced $46 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, so critical works can take place at other popular piers and jetties across the state including Warneet North and South Jetties, St Leonards Pier, and Dromana Pier. It follows further investments for rebuilding and critical works to piers and jetties at Rye, Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, McLoughlins Beach, Flinders, Mornington and Hampton. Planning for works at Workshops Pier have commenced.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re making this Williamstown landmark safe and accessible, so residents and tourists can again enjoy the best our suburb has to offer, including exploring the rich maritime history.’’ “Across Victoria, we are continuing the revitalisation of our important piers and jetties – ensuring they can be enjoyed by communities, boaters, anglers and tourists for generations to come.’’   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
July 5, 2023Tuesday, 4 July 2023 The Andrews Labor Government is backing local governments to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The Labor Government has today launched this year’s TAC Local Government Grant Program, with applications now open to local government authorities for grants to fund road safety projects. Analysis grants of up to $30,000 and infrastructure grants of up to $100,000, with a matched 1:1 contribution from the LGA, are available for projects that adopt Safe System principles to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. The Safe System is a holistic approach to road safety that recognises different elements of the road environment must work together to keep everyone safe – these elements include roads and roadsides, vehicles, travel speeds, and road users. The program now also includes grants of up to $30,000 for developing Road Safety Strategies and Action Plans, and a further $30,000 for purchasing Variable Message Signs. Previous projects funded through the program include a raised pedestrian crossing (wombat crossing) in Warrnambool City Council and the development of concept plans for a cycling corridor in the City of Greater Dandenong. The program is now open and will close at 3 pm on Wednesday, 9 August. For more information on funding guidelines and further details on past projects, visit tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/local-government-grants   Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne “Creating a safe road network is crucial to reducing the number of lives lost on Victoria’s roads, and local governments are an important part of that.” “These grants empower local governments to proactively work to improve road safety for their communities and address local road issues.”   Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter “Victoria’s local councils are responsible for roads that are often used by cyclists and pedestrians and they are best-placed to identify what infrastructure is needed to keep them safe.” “Improving road safety in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility and these grants will ensure we’re supporting local councils to improve in the overall health and mobility of their communities.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
July 3, 2023Monday, 3 July 2023 The Andrews Labor Government has repaired the bluestone seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, so that communities in Melbourne’s west can continue to enjoy the much-loved promenade for years to come. Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt announced the repairs had been delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program which is upgrading facilities at 21 parks across Melbourne – supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities. Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park is the state’s first permanent European settlement and seaport making it a significant heritage site. Visitors can explore the maritime history of Timeball Tower, retrace Ned Kelly’s steps along Battery Road, and enjoy the views across the bay. The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is also delivering an extension to the Bay Trail at Point Cook, enabling a continuous journey for the community to walk, run and cycle from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park. Parks Victoria is working closely with Aveo Group, which is delivering an adjoining section of the Bay Trail extension. When complete, the new section of trail will provide a faster, safer, off-road journey for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres. The program is also upgrading visitor facilities at a number of popular urban parks including picnic shelters and tables, toilets, trails, carparks, barbecues, playground equipment and visitor signage. The Labor Government is investing millions of dollars into parks and reserves across greater Melbourne to improve visitor experiences, stimulate the economy, and support the health of natural and cultural landscapes. The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program has directly created 48 new jobs during construction and $5.4 million of direct economic benefit. For more information about the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program projects visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt “We know that Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park is loved by many in the Williamstown community. I’m thrilled that we’re able to give the seawall and promenade a new lease on life.” “Keeping our urban outdoor spaces accessible for Victorians is key to supporting healthy communities, through providing more opportunities for active recreation, relaxation and connection with others and nature. “We’re preserving our urban parks to support biodiversity and help build Melbourne’s resilience to climate change.”   Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne “This project will ensure people get the most out of their visit at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park and can continue to enjoy the beautiful views of the bay for years to come.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
May 30, 2023Tuesday, 30 May 2023 The Andrews Labor government is doing what matters and delivering on our election commitment to Altona families. As part of the 23/24 budget, we are allocating funds ensuring promises we made during the election campaign to upgrade and modernise Altona Primary school’s playground with dedicated funding of $1.2 million. This continues from our investment in education, building a new two room modular kindergarten in Altona North. Sutton Avenue Kindergarten which will provide 106 new funded kindergarten places.  The Andrews Labor government invests in early childhood education as we continue the delivery of free kindergarten programs for three and four-year-olds in participating services. We are also backing TAFE to deliver the skills Victoria needs. This year’s budget also ensures the continuation of free TAFE, including allowing students to access multiple Free TAFE courses along priority training pathways.   Quote attributed to the Member for Williamstown: Melissa Horne MP “I’m delighted to see this much needed upgrade funded in this year’s budget. Having spoken with students, teachers, and parents about just how outdated the play equipment is, it will be wonderful to replace this aged infrastructure for future years of kids to enjoy.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
May 20, 2023Friday, 24 March 2023 The Andrews Labor Government is expanding a multi-million-dollar infrastructure partnership with a council in Melbourne’s southwest, in response to growing demand in the area. Creating a new two room modular kindergarten in Altona North, the Building Blocks Partnership with the City of Hobsons Bay is supported with a contribution of up to $2.1 million for its delivery, from the Labor Government. Sutton Avenue Kindergarten will be located at 1-19 Collins Ave, Altona North, providing 106 new funded kindergarten places. The kinder will be operational from Term 4, 2023. Building Blocks Partnerships build on joint state government and council supply and demand forecasts via Kindergarten Infrastructure and Services Plans and agree funding for a forward pipeline of kindergarten projects, providing funding certainty for new and expanded kindergartens years in advance. This is one of several partnerships that has been agreed with a local Victorian council, the first being agreed with Wyndham City Council in September 2021. In an Australian first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion over this decade to deliver a full 15 hours per week of universal, funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten. Since it was launched in 2020, Building Blocks has provided over $190 million to plan, build new and improve early childhood services across the state. For more information about the partnership or to apply for new Building Blocks Capacity or Planning grant rounds, which are open all year-round visit, schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.   Quote attributable to Minister for Early Education and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt “We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria, ensuring more families have access to better quality facilities and ensuring every child has the best start.”    Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This Building Blocks Partnership provides local families and local kids with essential kinder spots in a growing area, ensuring no matter where your kids live, they receive the best start in life.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
May 15, 2023Tuesday, 9 May 2023 The Andrews Labor Government is giving more community groups across the state the chance to receive grants to deliver projects that boost road safety in their local areas. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today encouraged groups to apply for their share of $600,000 as part of the 2023 TAC Road Safety Grants Program. The recently revised program gives community groups the opportunity to identity road safety issues in their area and implement solutions, by coming up with a project to overcome them. The program has two funding categories – Road Safety Support Grants of up to $50,000 and Road Safety Collaboration Grants of up to $150,000. Examples of projects that may be funded include those that engage with communities to raise awareness of the benefits of safe road user behaviours or proven road safety measures. Community groups that are eligible to apply include incorporated associations, not-for-profits, charities, community trusts and social enterprises. Applications for the 2023 TAC Road Safety Grants Program are now open and close on 16 June. For more information including how to apply visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety-grant-program   Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. This program will support more community groups to take action and address the road safety issues that matter most in their area by developing solutions that will boost safety on our roads. “ “I encourage all community groups who want to make a difference and improve safety to apply for this funding.”   Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore “Local road safety issues are often best dealt with at a local level, and community-based road safety programs are important in reducing road trauma.” “The TAC Road Safety Grants Program will work with community groups and support them in creating a safer environment for all road users.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
April 28, 2023Friday, 28 April 2023 Williamstown soccer and cricket players have just scored a major goal thanks to the completion of the Victorian Government backed redevelopment of the JT Gray Reserve pavilion. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined Hobsons City Bay Mayor, Cr Antoinette Briffa, to officially open the new JT Gray pavilion, made possible by $650,000 from the Government’s Victorian Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund. One of the more popular reserves in Williamstown, JT Gray Reserve is home to several clubs including Barnstoneworth United Football Club, Barnstoneworth United Junior Football Club, Williamstown Soccer Club, Williamstown Congs Cricket Club and St Johns Cricket Club. The new pavilion offers eight female friendly and accessible change rooms, two referee rooms, three community meeting spaces, two kitchens and two canteens, an undercover viewing area, car parking and new toilets for spectators and players. The new spaces provide more room for local clubs to host more than 1,200 members that depend on the reserve’s nine soccer and four cricket pitches for training, development and games. And it’s not just the clubs that benefit, with local community groups able to access the pavilion for gatherings and celebrations. The success of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup exceeded all expectations with the $2 million windfall making a difference for communities like Williamstown, providing facilities that help inspire more people to play the world game. JT Gray Reserve is just one of 11 soccer venues across the state to have benefited from the Victorian Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund. Program funds also delivered a new drainage system at Betula Reserve in the City of Casey, installation of new lighting at Newhaven Reserve in Bass Coast Shire, and construction of a new natural turf and a synthetic pitch at Painted Hills Recreation Reserve in the City of Whittlesea. The government’s investment in the pavilion is part of more than $1.6 billion kicked into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014. Melissa Horne MP acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its investment of more than $5 million in the project.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “It’s fantastic to see the legacy of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup live on long after the final whistle.” “Local sport clubs are the breeding ground for our next generation of sporting champions. They deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of.” “This is all about giving back to the community – delivering more facilities for our Victorian soccer teams like Barnstoneworth United Football, Barnstoneworth United Junior Football and Williamstown Soccer Club, so they can encourage more locals to get out on the pitch.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
April 24, 2023  Monday, 24 April 2023 Road users in Melbourne’s growing inner west are being asked to have their say on future planning options for two key routes in the area. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced an online survey will get underway next week, seeking community feedback from those who regularly travel along Blackshaws Road in South Kingsville and Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown. The online survey will give motorists, pedestrians and cyclists an opportunity to provide their view on a range of topics including traffic flow, speed limits, pedestrian crossings and lighting. Feedback will be reviewed to help understand how the community use these roads across multiple modes of transport to inform future planning and transport initiatives in the area. The survey focuses on Blackshaws Road between Millers Road and Melbourne Road and Kororoit Creek Road between Maddox Road and Melbourne Road. On average, more than 35,000 vehicles travel across both stretches of road per day. The survey opens on Monday, 24 April and closes at midnight on Sunday, 21 May. For more information and to have your say on Blackshaws Road and Kororoit Creek Road, https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/melbourne-road-projects/blackshaws-road-and-kororoit-creek-road-survey   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We know Melbourne’s inner-west is rapidly growing so we want the community to inform how we plan for the area’s transport future, including upgrades to our roads to boost safety.” “This survey will help us understand how the community uses Blackshaws Road and Kororoit Creek Road to ensure that any future improvements deliver direct benefits to road users and residents.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
April 3, 2023Monday, 3 April 2023 A brand-new park is now open at Donald McLean Reserve, with local families celebrating at a free community open day over the weekend. The new Spotswood park includes a large, sheltered BBQ area, a bike skills area, flying fox, basketball and netball court and a children’s playground. But it’s not all just for the kids – the upgraded reserve also features an outdoor exercise station, with fitness equipment installed along with new gardens, trees, and walking paths. Locals enjoyed a free celebration at the reserve last Saturday, when the new park officially opened to the public. The free community day featured face painting for kids, a coffee van for parents, and free native plant giveaways to those who came along to help mark the celebration. The new park was constructed in partnership between the West Gate Tunnel Project and Hobsons Bay City Council. The West Gate Tunnel Project provided $5 Million in community funding to help improve and upgrade local parks and sporting facilities in the inner west, and an additional $2.4 Million for the new shared sports pavilion at the Donald McLean Reserve. The funding, with contributions from Council, has already helped provide new cricket nets and carparks, upgraded ovals, improved club pavilions, better facilities across Donald McLean Reserve, WLJ Crofts Reserve and Brooklyn Reserve. You can find out more about the West Gate Tunnel Project online at: westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au   Quote attributable to The Hon. Melissa Horne MP, Member for Williamstown. “These upgrades are all about making sure that communities in the inner west can benefit from the West Gate Tunnel Project sooner, rather than later.” We’re helping to create greener suburbs, better facilities, and more open space for families to enjoy in their local communities.”   Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Antoinette Briffa JP, Hobsons Bay City Council: “Donald McLean Reserve is a significant part of our local open space and sports community and it’s fantastic to see the redevelopment of the entire precinct now complete. We thank the state government for their valuable contribution to this project.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
March 3, 2023Friday, 3 March 2023 The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading a popular pier in Williamstown to ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced works to improve Gem Pier are now underway. The works include installing new fenders along Gem Pier to provide safe access for berthing vessels and commercial ferries and ensure it remains an accessible destination for boaters. The Labor Government is investing $1 million to upgrade the pier, with the installation of the new fenders to also prevent damage to the pier and vessels. Gem Pier will remain open to the public while the upgrade takes place, with temporary fencing and signing to ensure public safety. The pier’s low landing will also continue to service commercial tour operators, as well as ferries in operation between Williamstown, the city and St Kilda. Victorian company Bridgewater Marine has been awarded the contract to deliver the works. In addition, the Williamstown Local Port Area Plan is underway, with a draft to be released for public consultation in mid-2023. The plan will set out priorities for future investment within the ‘on-water’ component of the Precinct and address challenges in the area – including the future of the Seaworks piers and jetties, wave wash and surge, sedimentation, and access for large vessels. The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan will also build on the recently finalised Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework and Williamstown Maritime Precinct Wave and Surge Study. Community and stakeholder feedback has been sought by local port manager Parks Victoria, with technical investigations also carried out to seek ideas and capture the values and challenges within the Williamstown local port area. This input ensures the plan meets the needs of both existing and future users of the area. Consultant Urbis has been appointed to deliver the Williamstown Local Port Area Plan. The Government has committed $40 million for rebuilds of piers and jetties at Dromana, St Leonards and Warneet under the More Piers, Jetties and Opportunities for Little Anglers announcement, as well as $6 million for critical repairs to Workshops Pier in Williamstown.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Gem Pier is a popular destination for locals, boaters, commercial ferries in Williamstown – so this upgrade will provide a huge benefit and ensure the pier can continue to be enjoyed well into the future.” “By starting the local port area plan we will safeguard the future of Williamstown’s historic, popular and vibrant maritime precinct – and ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by fishers, boaters, locals and families.” “We want to keep the community well informed as the plan progresses – so there will be consultation taking place mid-2023 and we encourage people to provide their feedback.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
January 31, 2023Tuesday, 31 January 2023 Work on the new Altona Pier will soon get underway with a Victorian company appointed as the lead construction partner after a competitive tender process. Simpson Construction Co. will build the new pier, which was designed with community input and funded as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $24 million piers and jetties economic stimulus package. Work will be scheduled to begin after the busy summer period to minimize disruptions to local businesses. Removing the existing pier is one of the first tasks. New steel piles and  concrete crossheads will form the substructure with the new pier also featuring an accessible low landing, circular seating areas and offering excellent fishing opportunities. The new pier will be easily accessible from Altona’s foreshore . It will include a 4.2-metre-wide deck constructed from timber, the community’s preferred material. A branching pier head will stretch 300 metres into Port Philip Bay, providing great access to nearby artificial reefs for fishers and divers. The pier head will provide an enjoyable place for people to walk and enjoy the views across the bay towards Melbourne’s skyline. The new design incorporates features that recognise the historic importance of the pier in Altona, including aligning the pier with Pier Street and reusing weathered timber from the existing pier in the new pier. The Labor Government is investing in rebuilds and critical works at piers and jetties across the state, including at Williamstown, St Leonards, Flinders, Mornington, Rye, St Kilda, Hampton, Warneet, Flinders and Dromana, For more information, to view the designs or to sign up to project updates, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne “The community has been involved in this project from the outset and it’s great to see that vision reflected in the new pier. “The Altona Pier redevelopment will provide a better and safer destination for anglers, swimmers, and people who simply want to take a stroll.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
November 16, 2022Wednesday, 16 November 2022 A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver better boating and fishing infrastructure for our community, keeping families having fun safely around the water in Williamstown. We’ll invest $6 million towards critical repairs to support the re-opening of the popular Workshops Pier – which has been closed in the interests of public safety – in the Williamstown maritime precinct. The investment will breathe new life into the pier, ensuring the much-loved location can be enjoyed for generations to come. Victorians and their families love spending time outdoors, and with Labor’s strong investment, many more locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the pastime of boating and fishing. The Labor Government continues to deliver better fishing and boating facilities on waterways all over the state, investing more than $130 million in improvements and upgrades. In 2018, we promised to make it cheaper and easier to get out on the water by abolishing parking and launch fees – and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered, saving families up to $315 each year on an annual parking permit. Labor is doing what matters – supporting Victorian fishers and boasters to get out on the water and backing jobs right across our state.   Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re so proud that a re-elected Labor Government will deliver better infrastructure for our beloved community pier.” “Supporting the restoration of this Williamstown landmark to a safe, accessible and modern pier will bring benefits for locals, visitors and tourism in the precinct.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
October 31, 2022A Stronger RSL In Newport   A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will ensure the Newport RSL can keep serving local veterans and their families across the Williamstown electorate.   Labor will invest $200,000 towards upgrades for the RSL’s facilities and kitchen, ensuring this much-loved community organisation remains strong for many generations to come. This builds on our record of support for the Newport RSL who earlier this year received $36,000 through Veterans Capital Works Grant Program and $9,900 through the Living Local Grants program for airconditioning.   RSL sub- branches are run by a volunteer committee who provide support to veterans and their families. For years the Newport RSL has provided veterans and local families with a friendly and welcoming community space with live music and social events.   A re-elected Labor Government will ensure the future of this important organisation.   Only Labor will deliver what matters for Williamstown – backing the important organisations that keep our community strong.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “RSLs are vital to supporting the health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families. I know how important the Newport RSL is to our local veteran community.” “I’m delighted that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver $200,000 to upgrade the Newport RSL including a refurbished kitchen.” [...] Read more...
October 27, 2022A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will seal roads and modernise trucks to reduce pollution and improve air quality for residents in Melbourne’s inner west. The Port of Melbourne in our western suburbs is Australia’s largest container port, supporting crucial supply chains and thousands of jobs. Freight activity to and from the port keeps Victoria running. When the West Gate Tunnel opens, it’ll take 9,000 trucks off local roads and prevent another 5,000 from using local streets to avoid the Westgate Freeway. But in the meantime, we need to manage truck traffic flows for local residents. No community should need to worry about the air quality in their suburb – so Labor is taking action to improve air quality for the inner west. This $20 million package includes $15 million for a grants program to modernise trucks that travel through the western suburbs. Subsidies of up to $20,000 will be available to encourage truck operators to replace older vehicles to newer models that limit engine emissions. We will also make $5 million in grants available for local councils to seal more roads. Trucks can kick up a lot of dust but sealing more roads will reduce dust pollution in the air. Labor is already taking action to reduce air pollution through our nation-leading investments in climate action and renewable energy. Our Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap is supported by a $100 million investment to ensure our state is a leader in adopting zero emissions vehicles. We’re making our public transport network greener and we’re strengthening environmental protections – so the EPA has more power to prevent air pollution. You can’t trust the Liberals to act on climate change and air pollution – instead of standing up for communities, they only look out for their mates. Only Labor is doing what matters and taking action to deliver better air quality for residents in the inner west.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio “No community should have to worry about air quality in their suburb. That’s why a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make a $20 million investment to drive down pollution and give communities in the west a breath of fresh air.”   Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We have worked hard with the local community and industry to develop practical plans that will fundamentally change the air quality in the inner west. By modernising trucks it will mean better air quality and more efficient movement for freight.” Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “Only Labor is doing what matters – looking after communities in the inner west and delivering better air quality for locals.” Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly “We’re so pleased to deliver this investment in a brighter future for our neighbourhood and clean air for the western suburbs.” [...] Read more...
October 24, 2022The Altona Cricket Club is ready for a big summer thanks to a new practice facility at its home ground at JK Grant Reserve, made possible by the Victorian Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today officially launched the new outdoor training facility, backed by a $90,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Community Cricket Program. Summer means cricket in Australia. Through the program, the Government is helping growing clubs like Altona Cricket Club modernise its facilities so they can cater for even more people keen to play the game. The new facility features six-wicket synthetic cricket net facility complementing the existing four-wicket turf nets and creating a multiuse space with the use of retractable netting. There is also public access for locals keen to practice their bowling and batting. The Community Cricket Program has invested $12.8 million in 63 cricket infrastructure projects across Victoria. This initiative is part of the Government’s investment of more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014. Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities. The recent release of the Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap will also help to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities like cricket nets across the state. Ms Horne acknowledged the City of Hobsons Bay for its $170,000 contribution and commitment to the project and Cricket Australia for its $30,000 contribution. For more information about cricket grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “With a big summer of cricket coming up, growing clubs like Altona depend on quality facilities that they can rely on for training and competition.” “The new cricket training facility will go a long way to inspiring even more locals to join in local sport, with the club now having the facilities they need to welcome more women and girls, train longer, and compete.” “Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back into local sport and active recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.” Quote attributable to President of Altona Cricket Club Darren McConville “The new facilities are fantastic for us and will make a huge difference to our club, including our junior cricket program through the provision of safer and more inclusive infrastructure.”   Altona Scores Six New Practice Nets MR [...] Read more...
October 24, 2022Community groups and organisations across the inner-west will share in almost $500,000 through the Andrews Labor Government’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund – bringing people together and improving neighbourhoods near where it is being built. A broad range of 22 new projects will benefit through the second round of grants – ensuring the benefits of the project to the local community start now. The grants of up to $100,000 have been awarded for festivals, events, displays and upgrades to community, and recreational facilities run by not-for-profit community groups and organisations, to benefit the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong City Council areas. Recipients in the latest round of grants include Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek for a heritage bridge rejuvenation, Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre for a “Nurtured by Nature” mental health program and Altona Miniature Railway Inc for new passenger carriages. Williamstown Community and Education Centre will use its funding to buy computers for a new community house, while the Rotary Club of Yarraville will bring the local community together for a Halloween party. The grants follow on from earlier rounds of partnerships and grants that have now seen almost $7.5 million distributed for 69 programs benefiting the community across the inner west. When complete the West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west – delivering a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much needed second river crossing, and removing more than 9000 trucks from residential streets. Journeys will be safer and more reliable with travel times between Melbourne’s west and the city slashed by up to 20 minutes. There will also be 14 kilometers of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to 9 hectares of new parks and wetlands. The West Gate Tunnel Project will be complete in 2025.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “While the West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west we want to see its benefits flow to all parts of the neighbourhood sooner rather than later.” “We’re proud to be helping the community bring more exciting and innovative ideas to life to reflect the vibrancy of the inner west.”   Ends.  Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au  [...] Read more...
September 9, 2022The Andrews Labor Government is providing Victoria’s tourist and heritage rail sector with more than half a million dollars in funding to support them with their operations and their work to protect the state’s rail assets. The groups receiving funding include Seven-O-Seven Operations and Steamrail Victoria, which both operate from the Newport Workshops, and the Newport Railway Museum. The three groups will receive a total of more than $130,000 over the coming weeks. The Newport Railway Museum will receive $25,113 to construct an additional two storage bays for heritage carriages, enabling them to protect more of their artefacts from the weather. Seven-O-Seven Operations will receive $68,200 for the restoration and upgrade of key rolling stock. Steamrail Victoria will receive $41,580 for the restoration of two T Class locomotives. Across Victoria, sixteen tourist and heritage rail operators and museums are receiving a total of $620,000, after the sector was invited to apply for grants to support them with works to preserve state-owned assets earlier this year. Applications for the funding were assessed by VicTrack and the Department of Transport. In their applications, groups had to demonstrate that they would use the funding for projects including repairing, restoring, or refurbishing state owned rail assets; improving access to assets; delivering approved projects on buildings or rolling stock; and works in the rail corridor such as weed control or vegetation management. The Labor Government is implementing Preserving our rail history – a blueprint for the future a strategy to help secure the future of the tourist and heritage rail sector. Through this, tourist and heritage rail groups are being supported with governance, leasing, growing visitor numbers and developing processes to allocate rolling stock and other assets. Up to $2.2 million of funding and grants is being provided to the sector to support the implementation of the blueprint. As part of this, last year tourist and heritage rail operators received $1 million from the Labor Government to help them re-establish their operations and cover costs after they were unable to run their services during COVID-19 restrictions. The funding this year was offered to the 16 tourist and heritage rail and tram operators, and more widely to rail museums. The blueprint was put together by the Victorian Government in partnership with transport, tourism and heritage stakeholders. For more information visit victrack.com.au Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Newport is lucky enough to be the custodian of so much rail history, with volunteers working hard to preserve heritage rail locomotives, carriages and other artefacts.” “The tourist and heritage rail operators at Newport run popular heritage train services across Victoria and the Newport Railway Museum preserves and protects some of our most valuable historic rolling stock and memorabilia.”   [...] Read more...
June 20, 2022The Andrews Labor Government’s transformation of GJ Hosken Reserve in Altona North is complete, with new facilities now open to the public to enjoy. The brand-new open space includes an adventure playground, barbecues, shelters and off-leash dog area, as well as new fitness equipment, footpaths and furniture. The upgrade was jointly funded by the Andrews Labor Government’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund through the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek and Hobsons Bay City Council. The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is an initiative of the Government through the West Gate Tunnel Project to ensure the benefits of the project to the local community start now – bringing people together and improving neighbourhoods near where it is being built. The new park will provide community benefit for generations to come and is a real credit to the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek who have dedicated so much time and energy to the restoration of this park.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “As well as slashing travel times and delivering more reliable journeys, the West Gate Tunnel Project is adding more open space and thousands of trees to the inner west.” “It’s wonderful to see the benefits of the project flowing on through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund which means locals can now enjoy an improved Hosken Reserve for many years to come.” Quotes attributable to Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek President Geoff Mitchelmore “What a transformation from a paddock to a park.” “This wonderful new play space and BBQ area will be welcomed by the local community as a place to take the kids whilst enjoying the Kororoit Creek environmental corridor.” [...] Read more...
June 9, 2022The Victorian State Budget 2022-23 continues the Andrews Labor Government’s legacy of delivering for the inner west. Local communities deserve great places to play sport and under an Andrews Labor Government, they will have them. We’re investing $88 million across Victoria to build, upgrade and renovate community sporting infrastructure. This will deliver bigger, better change rooms, club rooms and community spaces for our community to enjoy, including $500,000 to deliver more car parking and better lighting at Paisley Park – making it easier for more people to make the most of this wonderful community space. We’re also supporting local baseball players and fans with $90,000 for a new scoreboard at K.C. White Reserve. We’re also getting on with delivering for local sporting clubs with up to $300,000 being delivered to upgrade the cricket nets and minor pavilion works at Greenwich Reserve, meaning the Williamstown Colts Cricket Club will have the facilities that the players and volunteers deserve. A further $1 million commitment in this Budget means we’re also supporting commercial fishers and boaters through projects such as the installation of fenders on Gem Pier in Williamstown, ensuring better protection for boats of all sizes using this historic pier and supporting more people to get out and about on the water. We’re supporting our creative industries and artists in the west with a $2.4 million investment, as part of the Go West fund. Creatives and community groups will be supported to hold festivals, family activities and performances and access more affordable creative spaces – taking creativity to the next level in the west. We want to give our multicultural communities the chance to celebrate everything they hold dear. That’s why we’re investing over $6.4 million to ensure that Victorians of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds can hold festivals and celebrations in great community spaces, including $250,000 to support upgrades at the Australian Islamic Centre and $50,000 for air-conditioning upgrades at the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay. We know that many Victorians are still paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help families get the best deal. We’re providing a once-off $250 payment for all Victorian households that use the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website – the Victorian Government’s independent price comparator website – to search for the cheapest electricity plan that suits their needs. This Budget also delivers for the iconic Westgate Punt service, with a $200,000 investment for the continuation of this important service connecting cyclists from Spotswood to Port Melbourne across the Yarra River, linking up popular cycling paths. We’re also refurbishing Yarraville West Primary School’s toilets to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene, with a $493,100 investment. With this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering for all Victorians.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne  “Williamstown is a wonderful place to live, with great local parks and community sports grounds. With upgrades to Greenwich Reserve, Paisley Park and K.C. White Reserve, we’re making it even better.”   “Supporting our multicultural communities like those at the Australian Islamic Centre and the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay is such an important part of bringing our community together and celebrating our multicultural organisations in Williamstown.” [...] Read more...
February 28, 2022The Andrews Labor Government is supporting more Victorian women to develop their leadership, management and negotiation skills through the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program. As both the first and only woman to become Premier in Victoria, and the former Member for Williamstown, Joan Kirner AC was a hard-working representative of Melbourne’s West and Williamstown in the Victorian Parliament, and a resident of Williamstown until her death in 2015. Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams opened the first round of applications for the program last week, which honours the legacy of the late Joan Kirner AC. Women continue to face structural barriers that prevent them from participating equally in the workforce, such as unconscious bias, gender stereotypes and a lack of workplace flexibility. The program is one of a range of initiatives designed to progress gender equality and improve women’s representation. The program supports women aged 22 – 40 to advance their careers by providing them with the strategies and skills they need to pursue leadership opportunities. The program’s first round is open to women across all industries. A second round, set to open in late June, will focus on women employed in non-traditional and male-dominated industries, given the challenges women experience in career advancement in those industries. The program will support women from diverse backgrounds who can face additional barriers in leadership. The Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP said that “Joan Kirner was a trailblazer as a woman in public life and a strong advocate for constituents of Williamstown, and I strongly encourage any young women living in the Williamstown electorate to apply to take part in this rewarding leadership program.” The program will run from 27 June to 18 November. Women will be supported to access this year’s program with reimbursements for childcare, accommodation, and travel costs. Applications for round one of the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program are open to all women in Victoria aged 22 to 40, and close on Monday, 25 April. For more information or to apply, visit www.vic.gov.au/joan-kirner-emerging-leaders-program. [...] Read more...
February 28, 2022The Andrews Labor Government has provided $30,000 to Hobsons Bay City Council for a local road safety project to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in the Williamtown electorate. The Greenline (Active Travel Corridor) Project in Spotswood and South Kingsville hopes to not only encourage walking and cycling as a great way to stay healthy and get around, but in turn foster a sense of safety for vulnerable road users in a city which encourages active transport. The Labor Government awarded 22 Victorian councils a share of $1.4 million through the TAC’s Annual Local Government Grant (LGG) Program – improving road safety outcomes for vulnerable road users. The Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP said that “the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety simply cannot be understated. This is an essential investment that is being made into road safety in Spotswood and South Kingsville to encourage safe active transport through the Inner West.” The program, launched in 2012, encourages councils to work closely with their local communities to develop solutions to address safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians, in projects aligned with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy (2021-2030). Local governments were invited in April 2021 to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects that focus on delivering benefits to at-risk road users such as pedestrians and cyclists across Victoria. TAC data shows that these groups account for almost 20% of fatalities in the past 5 years, with 28 pedestrians and 11 cyclists killed in 2021 alone. The TAC received an overwhelming response to the program, demonstrating a grassroots commitment to improving road safety throughout Victoria. Thirty projects were selected, across an even spread of rural and regional, outer and inner metro local government areas. Projects are split between two categories: 15 analysis projects, and 15 small-scale infrastructure projects. For a full list of 2021 funded projects to go the www.tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/. [...] Read more...
February 2, 2022Community groups and organisations will share in almost $500,000 through 28 grants that have been awarded for local initiatives through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. The $10 million fund is an initiative of the Andrews Labor Government that ensures the benefits of the West Gate Tunnel Project can start flowing to the local community by bringing people together and improving adjacent neighbourhoods. The grants of up to $100,000 have been awarded for festivals, events, displays and upgrades to community, sporting and recreational facilities run by not-for-profit community groups and organisations, to benefit the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong City Council areas. Recipients for the inaugural round of grants include Brooklyn Tennis Club which will invest in new tennis court net posts and nets, the Italian Social Club Altona to upgrade two bocce courts and add a new one, and Friends of Community Tributaries to expand the Brooklyn Community Garden, creating a food forest consisting of fruit trees. The grants follow on from the success of the first round of partnerships, that provided funding of between $100,000 and $1.1 million for a broad range of programs across the inner west. When complete the West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west. It will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge and remove more than 9000 trucks from residential streets. Travel times between Melbourne’s west and the city will be slashed by up to 20 minutes, while communities along the West Gate Freeway will enjoy quieter neighbourhoods thanks to more than nine kilometres of new noise walls. There will also be 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands. To see the full list of grant recipients go to www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This is great news for our local community as we see more open space, community events, and more opportunity for us to come together and celebrate what’s great about our neighbourhood.” “Congratulations to all recipients and I can’t wait to see these ideas come into action through support from the Andrews Labor Government.” [...] Read more...
November 19, 2021More of the Williamstown community will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays thanks to the sixth round of Community Shade grants released by the Andrews Labor Government to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks and playgrounds. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP today 5 community organisations in Williamstown will share in over $1.3 million of funding from the latest round of the Community Shade Grants program. The Shade Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s skin cancer prevention election commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives. The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen. The following community organisations are recipients of the grant: Clare Court Early Learning Centre, TRY Australia Children’s Services, Newport Bowls Club Inc., Old Calypso Cricket Club Incorporated & Williamstown Church of Christ. Good quality shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation when used in combination with other sun protective measures such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Through this program the Government is supporting Williamstown to keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer. In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2,841 new cases and sadly 270 deaths. The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with melanoma was 92 per cent in 2014-2018, compared to 69 percent for all cancers. The Community Shade Grants Program is complemented by the School Shade Grants Program, which provides shade for Victorian Government schools. In 2021, these programs have awarded 354 grants across Victoria totalling $2.75 million in funding. So far, these programs have awarded 1998 grants totalling more than $17.5 million in funding across Victoria. Round seven of the Shade Grants Program will open in mid-2022. It forms part of the Government’s ambitious Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 which sets out a target to halve the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040. Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP “We know how much Australians love the outdoors. These grants mean that the Williamstown community can still enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle while having the necessary shade to protect them from the sun.” “Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Australia. That’s why this program is so important to ensure Victorian communities are protected from harmful UV rays which could contribute to skin cancer.” “Our grants programs have helped hundreds of schools and community groups provide the protection Victorians need to prevent cancer and stay SunSmart.” [...] Read more...
November 17, 2021The Andrews Labor Government is helping children in Williamstown get the best start in life by improving local kindergartens with facility upgrades and state-of-the-art technology. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne this week announced 3 kindergartens in Williamstown will receive grants in the latest round of the Building Blocks Improvement stream. Across the state, 49 kinders will share in more than $3.5 million to upgrade or improve the amenity of their facilities as well as funding for new IT devices. South Kingsville Preschool, The Range Children’s Centre and Norfolk Street Child Care Centre are amongst the 49 kinders that will share in this funding. South Kingsville Preschool will receive $458,896 to upgrade their nature discovery play space and extend the occasional care room. The Range Children’s Centre will receive $265,000 to provide improved outdoor spaces and Norfolk Street Child Care Centre will receive $144,100 to upgrade some key facilities. Building Blocks grants are available to local councils and not-for-profit organisations delivering funded kindergarten programs. In the Improvement stream, they can apply for grants of up to $300,000 to renovate and refurbish their centre or up to $50,000 for a minor improvement project, as well as up to $1,500 to upgrade IT devices. So far in 2021, 618 kindergartens across the state have already received a Building Blocks Improvement grant, sharing in more than $4.3 million in funding. The Building Blocks Grants program is a streamlined overarching funding scheme that supports early childhood providers with new and existing infrastructure and facilities for eligible three and four-year-old kindergarten services. In an Australian-first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. From 2022, three-year-old children across the state will have access to at least five hours of kindergarten. Services will then scale up their hours to reach the full 15-hour program by 2029. For more information and the Building Blocks program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt “We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children right across the state can get the most out of their great local kindergartens ─ giving them the best start in life.” “We want to make sure all children can fully participate at their kinder, so it is crucial that we upgrade facilities and equip them with modern technology to create modern, inclusive and interactive learning environments.” Quote attributable to Melissa Horne MP “We’re proud to be improving early childhood services here in Williamstown – helping local families access local kinders equipped with better facilities for their children and setting them up for the rest of their lives.” [...] Read more...
October 18, 2021The Andrews Labor Government is making sure all children in Williamstown attending a funded kindergarten program in 2022 have the right support in place to help them transition from early childhood education to the start of their formal school life. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Williamstown would benefit from $195,347 in School Readiness Funding for new programs, supports and extra staffing across 21 kindergartens ─ helping them provide world-class early education and give children the best start in life. This funding is among the $53.9 million available in 2022 for more than 2,500 Victorian funded kindergarten services from the Labor Government’s $160 million School Readiness Funding initiative. The Australian-first initiative addresses gaps in educational disadvantage by building the capacity of services, educators and families to support children’s learning and development. The program focuses on growing communication, social and emotional wellbeing skills, as well as improving access and inclusion. Services will receive a funding allocation based on the level of need from children in their programs, with support available to all three- and four-year-old children in funded kinder programs including sessional and long day care. The support allows kindergarten services to select the package of resources and programs that best reflects the needs of their children and staff – which can include programs targeting speech, language and literacy, support for culturally and linguistically diverse children and families and tools for parents to support their child’s development. Services can also use funding to tap into the expertise of speech and occupational therapists, language and literacy professionals and child psychologists – who can boost the capability of both parents and teachers. School Readiness Funding is part of the Victorian kindergarten funding model to help improve learning and development outcomes – with more than 4,200 services receiving funding, helping over 129,000 children. Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years, and ensuring no child is disadvantaged as they start their education. The Labor Government is leading the nation in early childhood education, investing almost $5 billion this decade to give three-year-old children access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. From 2022, three-year-old children across the state will have access to at least five hours of kindergarten. Services will then scale up their hours to reach the full 15-hour program by 2029.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne  “We are making sure children in Williamstown have the supports they need for the education they deserve ─ and this funding will help our local kinders best prepare our children for school.”   Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt “We are ensuring kindergarten services have the resources they need to deliver high-quality programs that support all our children so that they can fully participate and get the most out of their early learning years.” “This needs-based funding will improve outcomes in communication, social and emotional wellbeing, access and participation so that all our children are on track to have the best start to school and are on par with their peers.” [...] Read more...
October 5, 2021The Victorian Government will make sure that not one school student in Williamstown is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, with the state’s extraordinarily successful tutor program to continue until the end of 2022. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced $230.4 million to extend the single biggest boost to individual learning support in the state’s history – allowing Victorian schools to retain the tutors that have supported students throughout 2021. The tutor program has called on pre-service teachers, teachers on leave, retired teachers and casual relief teachers to sign up and get back in the classroom – with at least one tutor in all government schools to ensure every Victorian child comes out of the pandemic with the confidence that their learning is on track. While the past two years have seen some students thrive with the flexibility and self direction remote learning gave them, for others this period has been profoundly difficult – and the tutors have worked both in the classroom and through remote learning to identify and support the students who needed extra help with their learning. Students who struggled most during the pandemic included those with low levels of English, those already at risk of disengaging from school, or those with home environments not conducive to online learning. The tutors have had a hugely positive impact on hundreds of thousands of students, with Victoria recording nation-leading NAPLAN results in August, and an independent evaluation by Deloitte concluding the initiative improved attendance, achievement, and engagement among students – and had a positive impact on their confidence. Schools are responsible for employing their tutors based on the needs of their students, with tutors offering a range of expertise, experience and support to the students who need it most. Tutors work in small groups to provide tailored support for identified students who need assistance to catch up – regardless of their circumstances or background. The extra support for onsite tutors in 2022 will also ensure teaching teams can continue to provide dedicated and individualised support for students who need help. Small schools will also see their funding allocation increased from a minimum of $15,000 to $25,000 per school – allowing them to hire more support for their students after the challenges of 2021. Individual schools will continue to determine how tutoring support is best implemented in their school, ensuring the program is tailored to the needs of each student – with a focus on ensuring all students have caught up on key skills in numeracy and literacy. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “There’s no question that this pandemic has been a challenge for many students – but we’re making sure no Victorian child is left behind, with thousands of dedicated tutors to make sure everyone can catch up and prepare for a much better 2022.” “Our tutors have done incredible work throughout this year helping students succeed, and Victoria’s nation leading NAPLAN results are a testament to their dedication and hard work in schools across the state.” Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re making sure every child in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay is given the support they need to succeed at school.” [...] Read more...
September 20, 2021Work to bring the historic Point Gellibrand Seawall in Williamstown back to life has taken another step with consultants SMEC appointed to assess how to make the structure safe and functional for years to come. Following the technical investigations, options analysis and design concepts, the Seawall will either be repaired or fully reconstructed as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing program. While repairs were made to the Seawall in the 1960s, it dates to the 1850s and needs works to ensure the community can continue to safely enjoy its promenade. Parks Victoria will work with Heritage Victoria on this project, to ensure the Seawall is both recognised for its values and protected, while SMEC will provide options and design concepts after geotechnical and structural investigations. Parks Victoria expects to start works on the Seawall in 2022, following the necessary preliminary work and after obtaining relevant permits for the project. The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is delivering $21 million of upgrades at 21 parks so that more Melburnians spend time outdoors and enjoy the benefits of being in nature. The upgrades include new picnic shelters and tables, improved toilets, carpark repairs, upgraded electric BBQs, replacement of playground equipment, signage upgrades, wider and more accessible pathways, trail repairs and the extension of the Bay Trail at Point Cook Coastal Park. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Walking along the Seawall has become a rite of passage for locals and visitors all year, especially on sunny days as they grab an ice cream or a coffee to enjoy the views.” “Bringing SMEC on board brings us one step closer to starting works on this project, which will ensure visitors to the park can enjoy the area for years to come.” “This project to renovate the Seawall and protect its heritage values is a big win for the Williamstown community. I look forward to seeing Williamstown families safely walk along the wall, taking in the views and heritage of the park for many more generations.” [...] Read more...
September 7, 2021Getting vaccinated is set to become even easier for residents in Melbourne’s inner west, with the launch of a new pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today visited the new open access clinic to mark its first day in operation. As part of a community-led approach, the clinic has been established by the Muslim community of Melbourne in partnership with the Victorian Government. It follows the success of other community-led pop-ups in recent weeks, which have been set up to support Melbourne’s Greek, Hindu and Samoan communities. More community-led initiatives are planned and will be established in the months ahead as the supply of COVID-19 vaccine ramps up. The tailored and culturally appropriate approach to vaccinations aims to reduce barriers by offering vaccinations in a familiar setting amongst trusted members of the community. The Australian Islamic Centre site will be operated by Western Health and in partnership with community health, with translators and medical staff from the community available to provide support in Arabic. The clinic will operate between 9am and 5pm for the next three weeks and is expected to initially administer up to 270 vaccinations per day. There has been significant community interest, with all initial appointments booked out within 48 hours of being available. Additional appointments been made available in response. Bookings are required for vaccinations at the Newport clinic can be made via the community’s online booking system, which has been promoted through community networks. The site is open to people aged 16 years and over and will offer both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, based on eligibility. The vaccination site will offer options for those of a range of faiths and those in the local community. Private spaces for individuals and families, and a mix of male and female immuniser staff, will also be available. The Department has also been working with a range of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including those from faith groups, to build trust and confidence on COVID-19 vaccines, including addressing vaccine hesitancy. Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re proud to partner with the Muslim community of Melbourne to launch the Newport vaccination clinic.” “The Australian Islamic Centre in Newport has seen extraordinary demand for bookings – it’s this community-led approach that’s vital to driving demand and overcoming any barriers that may exist.” [...] Read more...
September 2, 2021The Victorian Government is creating extra kinder places in Williamstown with a boost to early education infrastructure ─ making sure young children in the area can access and enjoy Three-Year-Old Kinder. Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt today announced a $600,000 Building Blocks capacity grant for One Tree Altona North Children’s Centre ─ one of 10 successful grant recipients to share in $13.3 million, creating 561 funded kindergarten places across nine local government areas. The expansion will not only increase the capacity of the service to provide an additional 73 kindergarten places to meet the expected undersupply of kindergarten places, it will also provide a physical link between the existing kindergarten and long day care centre facilities to ensure better connectivity for families accessing the service. The Building Blocks Grants program is a streamlined overarching funding scheme that supports early childhood providers with new and existing infrastructure and facilities for eligible three and four-year-old kindergarten services. For more information about Building Blocks Grants, visit: https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Building-Blocks.aspx. In an Australian-first, the Victorian Government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. From 2022, three-year-old children across the state will have access to at least five hours of kindergarten. Services will then scale up their hours to reach the full 15-hour program by 2029 As part of the Three-Year-Old-Kinder roll-out, the Victorian Government is upgrading infrastructure through a $1.68 billion co-investment with the early childhood sector to build and expand kindergarten facilities across the state.   Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re proud to be boosting early childhood services in Williamstown – because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.” Quote attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt “We are investing in more infrastructure for the early childhood sector to ensure Victorian families can access more kinder places and better facilities so their children can get the best start in life.” [...] Read more...
August 24, 2021Residents in Melbourne’s west are set to benefit from more essential road and rail works this spring, including the removal of a busy Williamstown level crossing. Across Melbourne over the next three months, an incredible eight level crossings will be removed and six new stations will be opened. In Williamstown, the Ferguson Street level crossing is used by 25,000 vehicles and 110 trains each day. Up to 50,000 cubic metres of rock will now be excavated to lower the rail line under the road – boosting safety and reducing congestion for locals. A major 84-day closure of the rail line between Newport and Williamstown, which kicked off last week, will come to an end on November 13 when the level crossing is removed, with trains picking up passengers from a new North Williamstown railway station. Buses will replace trains between Newport and Williamstown until 12 November, and Ferguson Street will be closed to traffic at the level crossing until the end of September. Works will continue on the $2.1 billion Sunbury Line Upgrade that will prepare the line for bigger, more modern trains to run when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 and create room for an extra 113,000 passengers every week. Crews will upgrade overhead line structures at the Metro Tunnel’s western portal in Kensington as well as between Keilor Plains and Watergardens, install trackside signalling, communications and power infrastructure along sections of the line, and improve platforms at Middle Footscray, West Footscray and Sunshine stations. As a result, buses will replace Sunbury trains between North Melbourne and Sunshine from 9pm on Friday, 3 September until the last train on Tuesday, 7 September. From Sunday, 5 September to Tuesday, 7 September replacement buses will extend to Sunbury after 8:30pm each night. The Sunbury Line Upgrade works will also impact V/Line services on the Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill, Ballarat, Ararat, Maryborough, Geelong and Warrnambool lines on the weekend of 4 – 5 September. As part of the Western Roads Upgrade, works in Werribee will be completed on the Duncans Road Interchange from 13 – 17 September as the old bridge pillars are removed, meaning the 11,000 cars and trucks that use the interchange every day will enjoy reduced congestion, increased safety and an easier journey to and from Geelong. A dedicated 20-year maintenance program is also underway as part of the upgrade, delivering targeted maintenance on about 260 kilometres of arterial roads from Footscray to Werribee to deliver smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for drivers in the west. Construction will also ramp up on the West Gate Tunnel project from 17 September to 18 October as crews rebuild the Grieve Parade citybound ramp, build a new lane south of the freeway at Williamstown Road and install new traffic signals and lighting, and carry out bridge and pavement works at the Princes Freeway to Geelong Road rampDuring this time the Grieve Parade onramp to the West Gate Freeway inbound and the Princes Freeway to Geelong Road onramp inbound will be closed, and there’ll be no left turn from the Williamstown Road exit ramp onto Melbourne Road. These works are part of Victoria’s Big Build which this spring will see Victorians benefit from more level crossing removals, road and rail upgrade projects designed to build a better transport system for Victoria’s future. Passengers are reminded to wear a mask every time they leave the home, including on replacement buses. Check in every time you see a QR Code and register your myki so that we can contact you if you’ve travelled on a public transport service that’s been identified as a COVID-19 exposure site.  It’s quick and easy to register your myki: ptv.vic.gov.au/register. Victoria’s Big Build projects are critical state infrastructure projects under current restrictions and work continues safely with strict COVIDSafe Plans in place. For more information about the planned disruptions visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The Ferguson Street level crossing is used by hundreds of school students and families each day – it’s an unacceptable safety risk and removing it will benefit the community for years to come.” “The Sunbury Line Upgrade will improve journeys and make way for an additional 113,000 passengers each week and introduce bigger, better trains, as well as a raft of infrastructure improvements.” “As we continue on the path to COVID-normal, we’re investing $80 billion in the 165 Big Build projects that will be critical to this state’s recovery.” [...] Read more...
May 20, 2021The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and caring for the people of Williamstown. The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care and services our community needs. Wembley Primary School is one of 52 Victorian schools that will be upgraded in this year’s Budget. This $10.2 million investment will upgrade and modernise the school’s main building. Not only will this give our students new classrooms and learning spaces, it’ll create good jobs for Victorians. Across the state, our investment in more and better schools is expected to support 3,500 jobs. Recognising the key role of schools in supporting the wellbeing of our students, this Budget also invests in a new School Mental Health Fund. This investment will allow schools to choose and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will also be expanded to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools. The best start in life for young Victorians begins with a great early education. That’s why the Labor Government is rolling out three-year-old kinder for every Victorian child from next year. That means every child in Williamstown will have access to at least five hours of funded kinder per week, increasing to 15 hours by 2029. It’s not just great news for kids – families will save $1150 on average, while an extra 6,000 roles for qualified early childhood teachers and educators will also be created. Our Surf Life Saving Clubs keep our community safe. This year’s Budget includes $11.35 million to upgrade and restore the Williamstown Life Saving Club, giving our volunteers the facilities they need to continue their incredible work. Local sporting clubs are the heart and soul of our community. The Budget is backing their future, delivering better pavillions, changerooms, grounds and courts so all Victorians can get active. In Williamstown, this means up to $1 million to upgrade change rooms, training and administration facilities at Downer Oval, home of the Williamstown Seagulls Football Club. This Budget also includes a once in a generation investment to build our mental health system from the ground up. $3.8 billion will transform the way mental health support is offered in Victoria, with early intervention, a dedicated stream of care for our kids, and the recruitment of thousands of new workers. An investment of $954 million will deliver 22 reformed area mental health and wellbeing services to replace current services. These services will have more capacity to treat and support Victorians experiencing severe and complex mental health challenges. Young Victorians are at the heart of our reform, with $842 million in mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This investment will see two separate streams of care created – one devoted to infants and children and one devoted to young people. This investment will deliver more early intervention, more intensive support for those who need acute care, and three new community-based hubs, providing a one-stop approach to children’s mental health, health and development. Not only are we delivering the mental health system Victoria needs – we’re also supporting around 3,000 new jobs. From doctors to nurses, support staff to peer workers, this investment is creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians. To train and recruit this critical workforce we’re also funding new scholarships, job placements and continuing our Free TAFE courses. With this Budget, we’re creating new jobs and caring for Victorians. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The quality of our education system is measured by the quality of our schools, that’s why I’m so excited that we’re delivering this upgrade to Wembley Primary School.” “Williamstown Lifesaving Club is at the heart of our local community – this upgrade will deliver a great community space that our volunteers need and deserve.” “Not only will our investments in mental health make sure locals are getting the care they need – they’ll also support new local jobs.” [...] Read more...
May 19, 2021Today Qenos, the nation’s largest petrochemical company, announced its decision to reconfigure its manufacturing assets in Altona, resulting in the loss of 150 local jobs. Sadly, 150 job losses means 150 families will be affected by this tragic news. Our most sympathetic thoughts are with these families today, but more importantly, so too is the full support of this government. There is no denying that this will be challenging news, which comes amidst a changing industrial landscape here in the west resulting from closure of the Altona refinery. For our community and its rich industrial history, this is devastating. We know that the west has long been home to highly skilled workforces such as this, and it is our absolute priority to see that these advanced skills are fed into manufacturing employment opportunities wherever possible. Rest assured that as your local representatives, we stand ready to assist in whatever way we can. We will work with Qenos, unions, and industry to understand the role that we can play in supporting workers and families as they grapple with this incredibly sad news. [...] Read more...
May 14, 2021The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in the west with an unprecedented $5 million to plant half a million trees in Melbourne’s western suburbs including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.   Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne said the new plan will provide shade to reduce the risk of heat stress in the Western Suburbs as well as improving air quality, delivering more access to green spaces and benefiting native species.   The Labor Government will work with experts to make sure the right trees, including saplings and more mature trees, are being planted in the right spots. Funding will be available through grants to community organisations and local councils, and organisations with projects already underway will be able to apply for funding to scale up those projects. The funding for the West’s new trees is in addition to the thousands of hectares of new open space and parklands being delivered by the Victorian Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program delivering new and upgraded parklands in the growing suburbs.   The Suburban Parks funding will provide up to 6,500 hectares of parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks including 22 new or upgraded parks in Melbourne’s west such as Cruickshank Park in Yarraville and Maclean Reserve in Williamstown.   These investments build on our strong track record of delivering green spaces in the inner west. It’s a track record that includes tree-planting in Hobsons Bay funded by the Working for Victoria program and over $1 million for a new pocket park in Yarraville. It also includes $500,000 for greening Brooklyn’s Pipeline Reserve and $346,000 to upgrade GJ Hosken Reserve and deliver a magnificent regional park- both from the West Gate Tunnel Project’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. The West Gate Tunnel Project also has significant investment in unprecedented tree planting in addition to $5 million to an open space enhancement package in Hobsons Bay.   The tree planting program in the western suburbs will also help Victoria to tackle climate change, supporting the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and the goals of the Victorian Government’s Plan Melbourne 2017 to 2050 by greening and cooling our rapidly growing city to reduce the urban heat island effect. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Last year showed us how much open green spaces matter for local families and for the health of residents. We want to make sure that Western Suburbs residents have easy access to those benefits. “The Victorian Government will work with local government to plant around half a million trees in the Western Suburbs in addition to the work already underway to provide new and upgraded suburban parks.” “This funding for half a million new trees will provide shade as well as environmental and health benefits for communities across the Williamstown electorate” [...] Read more...
April 30, 2021Suburban parks and reserves across Melbourne will be given new life as part of the Victorian Government’s $10 million Parks Revitalisation Grants Program. Forty-one suburban parks will receive revitalisation grants to fund a range of upgrades, including new seating, barbecues, toilets, fencing, landscaping, lighting, shading, path upgrades, as well as demolition of old assets, and installation of park infrastructure, water features and playgrounds. Residents of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will soon benefit from increased recreation and social opportunities, improved safety, and better land use in Yarraville and Williamstown. Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay City Councils have each been granted $300,000 in funding to support improvements of Cruickshank Park in Yarraville and MacLean Reserve in Williamstown, and to give locals more reason to get outdoors. The Parks Revitalisation Grants for 41 parks and reserves across Melbourne are part of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which is also investing $35 million for 29 new pocket parks and $5 million for up to 16 new off-leash dog parks. This bold program to deliver quality open space to Melburnians will also create jobs in industries such as construction, design and landscaping as Victoria rebuilds from the economic impacts of coronavirus. The Victorian Government will work in partnership with Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay City Councils to deliver these projects. The 41 park upgrades are anticipated to be completed in 2022. For more information about the Suburban Parks Program, including a list of grant recipients, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “Melbourne’s open spaces are at the heart of our city and provide social, economic, environmental and health and wellbeing benefits to our communities. We are investing in projects to improve our open space network now, to ensure we meet the needs of the community in the future.” “By partnering with councils to deliver improvements to existing parks, we are investing in projects that will meet the unique needs of local communities. This will promote visitation by existing users and welcome a variety of different park users.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This funding will greatly benefit the communities of Yarraville and Williamstown by encouraging us to make the most of our parks.” [...] Read more...
April 23, 2021Residents of the inner west will be given the opportunity to name two new pedestrian bridges in their suburbs. The West Gate Tunnel Project has installed and opened two brand new pedestrian bridges over the West Gate Freeway making it easier and safer to get around. Residents of Melbourne’s inner west are now invited to nominate names for these important pieces of infrastructure that will serve the inner west for generations to come. The competition is open to all residents of Melbourne’s inner west, who are invited to suggest a name and explain in 25 words or less how the name is important to the area. As well as the privilege of naming a piece of Melbourne’s infrastructure, the winning applicant will receive a VIP invitation to the bridge naming community open day, an exclusive tour of the project, and a $100 voucher for an inner west business in our trader directory Linking Muir Street, Spotswood with Fogarty Avenue, Yarraville; and Rosala Avenue, Altona North with Richards Court, Brooklyn, the bridges are vital pieces of community infrastructure that connect communities over the West Gate Freeway. The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver over 14 km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, making travel easier and safer, including a completed Federation Trail and a new 2.5 km elevated veloway which will give cyclists a safe and express route to and from the city. Entries will be shortlisted by a panel who will select the final names to be announced at a community open day. Important rules and details on how to enter can be found at: www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/nameyourbridges Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We want the community to have the chance to name these important pieces of infrastructure that connect people of either side of the freeway making it easier and safer to get around.” “I am excited to see the creative minds of the inner west in action to come up with suitable names for these new bridges.” [...] Read more...
March 31, 2021More Victorian schools will soon establish outside school hours care services, to further facilitate workforce participation while ensuring our children are cared for, thanks to the Victorian Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Yarraville Special Developmental School will be among 53 across the state to share in more than $4.1 million in grants to establish a new outside school hours care service from Term 3 this year. Yarraville Special Development School will receive up to $75,000 per year over the next four years for their outside school hours care service. The funding will help establish new services, and provide support for costs including resources or equipment, setup and administration, facility upgrades, small service viability and transport. The number of schools providing access to outside school hours care services through these grants will increase by 2 per cent in Melbourne and 22 per cent in regional Victoria, with an overall increase of nearly 8 per cent. This is the first round of grants to be awarded under the $81.6 million initiative announced in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to establish up to 400 new outside school hours care services at government schools. There will be another three application rounds between this year and 2023. The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and get a great education. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “By creating more outside school hours care services, we are helping parents and carers to get back to work, study, training or re-enter the workforce as part of Victoria’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.” “These services will ensure our kids are cared for, before and after school hours.” Quotes attributable to the Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This investment will go a long way to making the daily juggle of work, school and kinder just that little bit easier.” [...] Read more...
March 29, 2021Upgrades to Altona North and Spotswood sporting grounds are about to get underway delivering better facilities for the thousands of community members, and sporting clubs that use them. WLJ Crofts Reserve in Altona North and Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood are being overhauled with funding from the Andrews Labor Government as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. The sports clubs that use Crofts Reserve will be able to enjoy refurbished and realigned ovals, floodlighting, relocated and newly built cricket nets, and upgraded landscaping.   The upgrades will deliver modern new shared sports pavilions which include change rooms, umpires’ rooms with amenities, a gym, meeting spaces, first aid rooms, kitchens, bar areas, social spaces, and new storage spaces for the clubs that share the pavilions.   At Donald McLean Reserve other works include floodlighting, refurbished ovals, enhancements to multipurpose tennis and netball courts, relocated and newly built cricket nets and upgrades to open play space and a new pavilion   The West Gate Tunnel Project will also make it much quieter at these popular sports grounds, with noise walls being installed at WLJ Crofts and Donald McLean Reserves to reduce noise from the hundreds of thousands of vehicles that use the adjoining West Gate Freeway, in direct response to community feedback provided through the Environment Effects Statement for the project.   The noise walls are some of the best ever seen in Victoria and will allow users to hear the umpire’s whistle and crowd’s cheer at these vital inner west reserves.   Both of the new pavilions will be completed at the end of the year.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne   “The west is home to some great community facilities and we want to make sure sporting teams can hear the umpires whistle and the cheer from the crowd.”   “We’re building some of the best noise walls Victoria has ever seen to reduce traffic noise for residents and people enjoying the beautiful parks and gardens of the inner west.”   Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay  “Sport and recreation is an important aspect of community wellbeing here in Hobsons Bay. This significant upgrade of Crofts Reserve and Donald McLean Reserve will enhance our offering to the diverse sporting community we have in Altona North, Spotswood and beyond.   “We are thrilled to be able to offer brand new pavilions with accessible features to our local clubs who can look forward to a modern facility with excellent amenities.” [...] Read more...
March 25, 2021Students at Bayside P-12 College are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, with an architect appointed to design the school’s exciting upgrade. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced that Genton Pty Ltd has been appointed to design the school’s $6.7 million upgrade. The upgrade will modernise the school including the Maths and Science Blocks. In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022. The Labor Government is building the Education State to ensure that every student can access a great local school and get a quality education. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed.” “Williamstown families are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.” [...] Read more...
February 10, 2021JOINT STATEMENT WITH THE HON. JILL HENNESSY MP:   This morning Exxon Mobil announced their decision to close the Altona fuel refinery.   We know this is an incredibly sad day for workers and their families, and our thoughts are with the many people impacted by this. This is challenging news, but you have this government’s full support.   The West has a rich industrial past, and the refinery has played a key role in that – operating for decades and employing generations of workers.   This is a highly skilled workforce and our priority is assisting them wherever possible to find other employment in advanced manufacturing and other areas suitable to their tailored skillsets.   Please be assured that as your local members, we will continue to speak with Exxon Mobil and unions as a matter of urgency to understand how we can best support the employees and families impacted by today’s devastating announcement. [...] Read more...
January 20, 2021Altona District and Williamstown locals experiencing social disconnection due to coronavirus will benefit from over $4.44 million in the Victorian Budget 2020-21 to extend the delivery of its Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative. Jill Hennessy and Melissa Horne today confirmed that Hobsons Bay City Council will receive $40,000 to continue to connect isolated Victorians to a range of supports to reduce loneliness and social isolation. These grants will deliver more social connection activities to encourage people to re-engage with their local communities and support networks. CASI launched earlier this year and includes a coronavirus hotline (1800 675 398) run in partnership with the Australian Red Cross to provide emotional support to callers, and a community connector in each Local Government Area to create opportunities for social activities and provide practical support. So far this year, it has assisted over 15,000 callers to the coronavirus hotline and delivered practical social activities such as video chats, online book clubs or fitness groups. Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan “This initiative is all about building social connections in the community after a difficult year for many Victorians. We hope people will re-engage with their local communities and enjoy a COVIDSafe summer.” “I’m proud to announce the extension of this fantastic initiative which has already provided support to thousands of isolated Victorians this year.” Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown District Melissa Horne “We are thrilled that Hobsons Bay will receive more funding and support to deliver tailored social activities for members of our community to help them stay connected.” Quote attributable to Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy “Many people in our community had a tough year in 2020 but have shown so much strength and resilience. That’s why I’m so pleased that this funding will directly support vulnerable local people who have been affected by the isolating nature of the pandemic.” [...] Read more...
January 15, 2021Local rugby, soccer, football, netball and cricket in Williamstown and Newport now have some fantastic new sports facilities to call their own at Bayside College Paisley and Williamstown campuses. Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne today joined councillors from the Hobsons Bay City Council to officially launch the new facilities, made possible by a $2.3 million investment package from the Victorian Government. At Bayside College Paisley Campus, the 240 members of the Power House Junior Rugby Union Football Club and Gellibrand Cricket Club can enjoy access to a redeveloped sports oval complete with new synthetic cricket pitch, floodlighting, fencing, and a new female friendly sports pavilion. The Victorian Government kicked in $1.1 million towards the Paisley Campus facility upgrades from the 2018-19 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Williamstown Cricket Club, Williamstown Junior Football Club, Willi Tigers Netball Club, Williamstown Football Club and Bayside Tennis Club have also scored big with a new sports pavilion, three tennis courts with floodlights, two upgraded netball courts with floodlights and new irrigation on both of the sports grounds at the Williamstown Campus. The Victorian Government also provided $1.2 million towards the Williamstown Campus upgrades from the 2018-19 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. And it’s not just the clubs that benefit, students at both campuses now have fantastic new sports facilities at their disposal for a range of activities from casual play to school sports. From playspace upgrades to new sports pavilions, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation. Investments like these are also about creating jobs, stimulating local economies and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities. The Government has invested more than $1.05 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014. Ms Horne acknowledged the Hobsons Bay City Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the projects. For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “For too long clubs like Williamstown Cricket Club and Powerhouse Junior Rugby Union Football Club have been hamstrung by outdated facilities- they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of.” “The new facilities at both Bayside College campuses open up a range of sport opportunities for the local Hobsons Bay community to get back into sport as restrictions ease.” “Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation when it is safe to do so, and lead healthy and active lifestyles.” [...] Read more...
December 23, 2020Students in Melbourne’s inner west will start the school year in brand new facilities with the completion of Footscray High School’s $29.2 million Pilgrim Campus, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minster for Education James Merlino today announced the completion of works at the school’s Pilgrim Street site in Seddon, providing a second campus for the school’s junior years program from Term 1, 2021. The school will initially offer places to Year 7 and Year 8 students in 2021, before expanding into a Years 7 to 9 campus. It joins the Barkly Campus (Years 7-9) and the Kinnear Campus (Years 10-12) as the secondary school’s third site. Students and staff will have access to new flexible learning spaces as well as specialist classrooms for drama, music, food technology, science, environmental science, art and design. The Pilgrim Campus will have an innovative STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) while its library catalogue will be accessible 24/7 via the internet. The school is part of the Labor Government’s Footscray Learning Precinct, which brings together early childhood education providers, primary, secondary and tertiary education in one precinct. In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule for its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022. Our education construction boom is the biggest of its kind nationally – proving why we are the Education State. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “We are investing in secondary education in Melbourne’s inner west and this new site will ensure that families have access to a great new campus in 2021 to ensure their children can receive a world-class education close to home.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The completion of the Pilgrim Street campus is the culmination of years of community activism and the dedication of the Andrews Labor government to deliver outstanding education for all.” Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “The Footscray Learning Precinct will enable lifelong learning, increasing education opportunities for the Footscray community at all ages and stages of life” [...] Read more...
December 9, 2020Spotswood and Yarraville are now safer and better connected, with a new pedestrian bridge now open to the public as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel project. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today officially opened the bridge, which is the second of two new pedestrian overpasses crossing the West Gate Freeway – giving communities in the west better access to services like schools and retail on either side of the freeway. People with mobility needs will be able to cross the freeway more easily than ever before, with the bridge built with both steps and DDA-compliant accessible ramps on both sides of the freeway. The new bridge is wide enough to cater to both pedestrians and cyclists, and lighting, CCTV and higher barriers will keep users safe. The bridge truss is Australian-made, and is architecturally designed to reflect the history and character of Melbourne’s west. The local community will also be given the chance to name this vital new piece of infrastructure, as well as the second bridge further along the freeway linking Brooklyn and Altona North, with a competition to be held in the new year. Early works have started to build a third pedestrian bridge over the Williamstown Road exit ramp, linking up with the future Hyde Street Bridge and further increasing access for locals. As part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, the Labor Government is deliver over 14 kilometres of walking and cycling paths to connect communities to one another and to new open space. Quotes Attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This bridge is a crucial link that connects the inner west’s communities – and I’m proud to officially open this important piece of infrastructure that will connect locals for generations to come.” “We thank the people of Spotswood and Yarraville for their patience while the West Gate Tunnel Project has worked hard to construct this vital community link.” [...] Read more...
December 1, 2020Passengers along the Williamstown line will have access to 15 extra services a week, with a redesigned timetable to take effect from early next year as Victorians get back onto the public transport network. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced details of the Victorian Government’s new train timetable, which will give passengers more options to stagger their journeys and improve reliability – with a train on the Williamstown line every 20 minutes during the busy morning and afternoon periods from 31 January 2021. The new timetable will also see an additional 25 services a week between Newport and Williamstown, and more frequent trains on the Werribee line will provide passengers at Newport, Spotswood, Yarraville, Seddon, Footscray and South Kensington with a service every ten minutes throughout the day. Passengers at South Kensington station will have more choice in the busy peak periods as Williamstown and Laverton services will stop at the station in place of Werribee trains. To make it easier for metropolitan passengers to travel during quieter times and physically distance as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, off-peak fares will be discounted for three months. From 31 January 2021, anyone using myki money between 9.30am and 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays will receive a 30 per cent discount. Construction is also set to ramp up on the Ferguson Street level crossing removal in early 2021, delivering improvements to both train passengers and motorists when it is gone for good in 2022 – with the rail line to be lowered under the road and brand new North Williamstown station to be built with open community space. To make sure Victorians can better access their local train stations, local bus services will gradually be brought in line with the new trains in February and April next year – with new timetables for 320 bus routes across the city. To keep passengers safe, extra cleaning of all public transport facilities will continue across the network and hand sanitising facilities will stay at key stations and stops. Victorians are reminded to play their part in keeping our state safe by always wearing a mask on public transport, practising good hygiene and never travelling when unwell. The new timetables will be available at ptv.vic.gov.au from 8 January 2021. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne: “As Victorians get back out doing the things they love, extra services at stations in the inner west will give passengers more options on their travelling times and help them practise better physical distancing.” “To add to the improvements these new services will bring, we’re upgrading travel for train passengers and motorists in the west – removing six level crossings on the Werribee and Williamstown lines.” [...] Read more...
November 24, 2020When the Andrews Labor Government was elected, we promised to put people first. As our state begins its recovery from the global pandemic, people will continue to be our priority. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 delivers on the investments that will see our community recover – and come back even stronger. As kids get back into the classroom, this Budget delivers the single biggest investment ever in our schools – making sure students have the classrooms, libraries and learning spaces they deserve. This includes $6.71 million for Bayside P-12 College, with students to benefit from upgraded labs and classrooms, including the Maths and Science Block. As we recover, we also want our state to come back stronger than ever, delivering the biggest investment in inclusive education in our state’s history. This includes a $5.47 million upgrade for Yarraville Special Developmental School, supporting students and the wider community. The Government’s investment will also support local jobs, with our school infrastructure build expected to create more than 6,400 jobs across the state. A further $1.6 billion will transform support for students with disability, doubling the number of students receiving extra support to 55,000, and creating up to 1,730 jobs across the state by 2025. We’re also delivering the biggest investment in public and community housing in Australia, ever. This investment will build more than 12,000 new homes – making sure thousands of Victorians have a place to call home, and thousands more Victorians have a job. The City of Maribyrnong is a priority area for investment, with procurement starting straight away to build new homes. To help get more Victorians back into work, the Labor Government is setting itself an ambitious target – creating 400,000 new jobs by 2025, half of them by 2022. Our new Jobs for Victoria initiative will help locals find a new job – and with it, security, stability and certainty. This includes $250 million to partner with employers to cover the wages of at least 10,000 new workers. These positions will be for Victorians hardest hit by this pandemic, including women, young people, retrenched workers and people who have been long-term unemployed. A new Skills and Jobs Centre will be established at the new Footscray Hospital build, providing onsite advice for Victorians who want to be a part of the project. The Centre will connect Victorians with available opportunities, while also providing advice on training and apprenticeships. In the mighty West, funding will also go towards transforming Whitten Oval, supporting the women’s and men’s teams, while also backing the Bulldogs’ Community Foundation programs, including the highly successful Sons and Daughters of the West, which tackles emerging physical and mental health issues in the local community. We’re also getting local commuters where they need to go, with funding to continue the Westgate Punt ferry service, allowing workers to cross the Yarra. This year we’ve come to appreciate our local parks and playgrounds more than ever. As Victorians spend more time outdoors with the people they love, this Budget invests in our community spaces, including Point Gellibrand Heritage Park. This investment will deliver safer walkways – and better access to our beautiful local park – giving us more opportunity to connect outdoors together. And because we know too many Victorians are having to choose between going to work sick and losing wages, the Labor Government will invest $5 million to develop a new Secure Work Pilot Scheme. Once in place, the two-year pilot will provide up to five days of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage for casual or insecure workers in priority industries. This year’s Budget will help nearly one million families save hundreds on their power bill. Concession card holders, such as Victorians receiving JobSeeker payments, will be eligible for a one-off $250 payment to help cover the cost of their energy bills. An extra 250,000 low-income households will benefit from new more efficient heating and cooling, while heating, cooling or hot water systems will be upgraded across an extra 35,000 social housing homes – reducing bills for tenants and making winter and summer more comfortable. The Labor Government’s Solar Homes will also be expanded to an extra 42,000 rooftop solar rebates plus 14,500 solar batteries, cutting power bills for local families. And for the very first time, small businesses will also be eligible. Even with kids back at school, the balancing act that many families know all too well isn’t easy. That’s why this Budget will make kinder free in 2021 and deliver outside school hours care at up to 400 extra schools, saving parents money and giving them greater flexibility when it comes to work and care. And because Victorians have well and truly earned a holiday, the Labor Government is offering up to 120,000 $200 vouchers to encourage families to take a break in regional Victoria. The scheme is expected to be up and running by December, supporting local economies and local jobs into summer and beyond. This Budget will ensure Victorians have the mental health support they need as we get on with fixing a broken system. That includes nearly $870 million for mental health, including to implement the Royal Commission into Mental Health’s interim report findings and recommendations and deliver care for local families. We’re also investing more than $1 billion for children and families at risk, including targeted support to help families stay together. A further $235 million will build our Recovery Workforce, creating 500 new jobs across mental health, family violence, health and child protection with hundreds more new training opportunities, so Victorians have the support they need as we recover from this pandemic. This is a Budget to repair, recover and make us stronger than before. This is a Budget, and a Government, that puts people first. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “With extra training places, more support for apprentices and investments to create new jobs, we’ll help locals train, retrain and find new opportunity.” “This Budget invests in the West, making sure we recover stronger and fairer.” [...] Read more...
November 17, 2020This year, Newport families have done an incredible job in supporting students to learn from home. As kids get back into the classroom, we want to make sure they have the fantastic new learning spaces they deserve. The Andrews Labor Government has built and upgraded more schools than any government in our state’s history, and the Victorian Budget 2020/21 continues that record of investment. Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Bayside P-12 College will receive $6.714 million to upgrade and modernise the school, including the Maths and Science Block. This investment builds on the $1.18 billion as part of the Building Works Package announced earlier this year, which is creating space for more than 21,000 extra students in Victoria’s education system and creating around 1,600 local construction jobs. Across Victoria, the Labor Government is delivering 1,460 school upgrades – investing in new classrooms, fixing old buildings and delivering the learning spaces our kids deserve. The Labor Government’s unprecedented $7.2 billion investment in Victorian school infrastructure is not only creating 7,500 jobs – it is ensuring that ensuring every child has a great local school where they can achieve their best. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “This is an investment in our kids and their future. Because every child, no matter where they go to school, deserves access to state-of-the-art facilities.” “Schools are the heart of our communities, so it makes sense that we’re investing in upgrades to support local jobs to drive our economic recovery.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Families in Newport have done a phenomenal job in supporting student to learn from home. As kids return to their classrooms, we want to make Bayside P-12 College better than before.” “Not only will this make sure our kids are getting a great education – it’ll create new local jobs.” [...] Read more...
October 27, 2020Students in Williamstown will soon have access to the first-rate classrooms and facilities they deserve, with work under way upgrading Altona North Primary School. Member for Williamstown today announced Arc3 Pty Ltd had been appointed to build Altona North Primary School’s $ 3,830,000.00 million upgrade, which will help it deliver a 21st century education. The upgrade will see the demolition of termite affected areas of B Block, as well as the construction of a new building that will include classrooms, maker space, meeting spaces and an office. This upgrade will also refurbish the remaining section of B Block including student amenities, classrooms and IT spaces. Under the Andrews Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child has a great local school and a great start in life. The Andrews Labor Government has invested $7.2 billion to deliver more than 1,460 school upgrades, supporting over 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians. The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and get a quality education. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “These local upgrades are part of the school building boom that is happening right across Victoria.” “Upgrading Altona North will give local students access to great classrooms and facilities – because you can’t deliver a first-rate education in second-rate classrooms.” [...] Read more...
October 11, 2020The Victorian  Government has revealed detailed designs for a new North Williamstown Station as part of the level crossing removal project at Ferguson Street, Williamstown. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today released new artist impressions of the new station precinct that will be created by lowering the rail line under the road at Ferguson street, upgrading the station and delivering a brand-new forecourt. The new designs have been shaped by three rounds of community consultation, with more than than 1800 submissions received from across the community – and strong support and local preference for the rail-under design. Another key local priority was keeping Williamstown’s village feel, so the station will retain its original red brick building on the western side for station operations. The entire precinct will be well-lit and surrounded by new gardens and walking paths, while a currently unused space to the west of the new station will be converted into new open space. Leading through to the main entrance, a landscaped forecourt will link through to Ferguson Street, promoting free-flowing pedestrian movement. A new signalised pedestrian crossing will also be installed across Ferguson Street, making it easier and safer for locals to get to the station. The new crossing will be synchronised with the existing lights, once the level crossing is removed, to ensure traffic flows freely. Cyclists will also benefit from the upgraded design, with a new secure bike shelter to be installed near the city-bound platform along with bike hoops on both sides of the station. A new architect-designed station building will be installed on the eastern side, replacing the existing eastern building which could not retained due to the space required for a rail trench. In line with the project’s ‘rail under’ design, the station platforms will be lowered below ground level, with commuter access via stairs, ramps and lifts. This site has a tragic safety record, being the scene of a double fatality in the 1990s and five accidents or near-miss incidents between trains, cyclists and pedestrians in the past decade. More than 110 Williamstown line trains travel through the Ferguson Street level crossing each weekday, causing frustration and delay for about 22,000 motorists who cross the tracks. The Victorian Government is removing 75 level crossings by 2025, including six across the Williamstown and Werribee lines. Construction at Ferguson Street will begin in early 2021 and the level crossing will be removed in 2022. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’ve listened to the community who sent in thousands of surveys with their preferences for the new station – and we’re delivering on many local priorities, creating new open space and keeping the heritage Western building at the new North Williamstown Station.” “Together the six level crossing removals across the Werribee and Williamstown lines and the Metro Tunnel will create room for 63,000 extra passengers every week on those lines during peak periods.” [...] Read more...
May 18, 2020The Victorian Government will fix old buildings, deliver extra classrooms and build ten brand new schools in a state-wide construction blitz that will create thousands of jobs across the state and kickstart Victoria’s economy. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Williamstown High School will share in $388.8 million for 57 upgrade and modernisation projects at schools across Victoria. This includes all school upgrades the Victorian Government committed to at the 2018 election. In addition to the $137,000 received in the 2019-20 State Budget, the Victorian Government is providing $1.23 million to upgrade their Year 12 study centre and complete the school’s theatre complex. This project is part of the Victorian Government’s Building Works package, which will deliver $2.7 billion in shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work across our state. The package includes a $1.18 billion education building program will also build new schools, deliver and refurbish relocatable classrooms and make schools more accessible for students and staff with disabilities. Together, the projects will create space for more than 21,000 extra students in Victoria’s education system and create more than 1,600 local construction jobs in communities across Victoria. This $1.18 billion education building program is in addition to the $6.1 billion invested by the Victorian Government on delivering school upgrades since 2014, supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians. The Victorian Government is building the Education State so everyone can get a great education, no matter their background or where they live. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne: “These upgraded facilities will give students at Williamstown High School the modern learning environments they need to deliver the 21st-century education they deserve.”   “Making sure our students have access to quality schools and contemporary facilities is vital to ensuring kids get the most out of their education.”   “Just as we’re facing an unprecedented health challenge, we’re facing an unprecedented economic challenge too. This project will support Victorian jobs in our construction industry.” [...] Read more...
May 14, 2020The Andrews Labor Government is planning for the future of the Williamstown Maritime Precinct so it can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today announced $200,000 to create a Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework – to support future investment and development decisions along the iconic foreshore. This investment will identify potential development opportunities for the Williamstown foreshore including improving public amenity and access and making the area more accessible and useable for locals and visitors. The framework will provide long term benefits for foreshore tenants located in the Williamstown Maritime Precinct and the local community, including large numbers of commercial and recreational boaters. The framework will be run in conjunction with the Williamstown Wave Surge Study currently being undertaken by Parks Victoria and provides the opportunity for further planning to safeguard and identify development opportunities for aspects of the precinct. The framework is expected to be completed in late 2020. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “The Williamstown Maritime Precinct is an iconic part of Melbourne and we’re making sure it continues to thrive into the future.” “This is just one of the ways we are investing in Williamstown and it will help guide the future development of this important public space.” [...] Read more...
April 28, 2020The Andrews Labor Government is protecting and preserving the iconic Gem Pier with repair works to ensure the pier can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. The $650,000 worth of works are scheduled to begin this week and will see piles beneath the pier repaired and replaced. The works are expected to take approximately eight weeks, subject to weather conditions. Gem Pier stands as one of the most highly utilised piers in Port Phillip, with scenic views of the port and surrounding Melbourne cityscape. Divers have already carried out the first stage of the project, repairing several piles by wrapping them with marine grade material to strengthen and protect them from the coastal environment. This second stage will see a barge remove and replace piles from the east side of the pier. Contractors will follow advice from the Chief Health Officer to ensure they can safely continue important works during the coronavirus outbreak while protecting workers and the community. Additional measures are being put in place on work sites across Victoria to protect staff, including increased hygiene requirements, physical distancing protocols and staggered workforce arrangements. The pier will be closed to the public with fencing and signage in place, but the lower landing will continue to be open to service commercial ferries in operation between Williamstown, the city and St Kilda. The funding for this project is being provided through the Better Recreational Facilities initiative and delivers on the Labor Government’s promise to improve boating amenities around the Port Phillip. Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re securing the long-term future of Gem Pier so boaters, commercial ferries and the community can continue to use it for years to come.” “This work is part of our plan to improve port assets and boating facilities across Port Philip and Western Port.” [...] Read more...
April 2, 2020The Andrews Labor Government is helping make Newport Gardens Primary School a more inclusive school for local students and families. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced that Architecture Architecture has been appointed to design the school’s $200,000 Inclusive Schools Fund project. The funding boost will go towards an outdoor sensory area. An additional $10 million was announced in the 2019-2020 State Budget, as part of the Labor Government’s $40 million Inclusive Schools Fund. The Inclusive Schools Fund is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to inclusive education, which is ensuring that students with disabilities and additional needs get the same opportunities as other students. Since the Fund was established by the Labor Government in 2015 more than 232 creative projects to build inclusive learning spaces, outdoor sensory areas and accessible playgrounds have been announced. The Fund is ensuring that students with disabilities get the same opportunities as other students. Inclusive education is about ensuring that all students, regardless of disabilities or other differences, can fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools. The Labor Government is building the Education State to ensure every student can access a great local school and get a great education. Strengthening inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities and additional learning needs, is fundamental to an equitable and excellent school system. Quotes attributable to Melissa Horne MP “This is great news for Newport Gardens Primary School  students, who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning.”  “Disability doesn’t need to be a barrier to learning and achieving – these innovative projects are all about giving our primary schools the infrastructure they need to inspire a passion for learning in all students.” [...] Read more...
March 10, 2020The removal of Williamstown’s Ferguson Street level crossing is another step closer, with design options to be presented to the community for feedback as planning for the project continues. Options to lower or raise the rail line are under active consideration by the project team, after a preliminary design assessment which ruled out road-based options. The assessment will be provided for public consultation and outlines the benefits and impacts of each option, showing what the area may look like after the boom gates are gone. Every level crossing is unique and several factors are considered when investigating designs. At Ferguson Street, options to raise or lower the road have been ruled out because of property acquisition and the impacts to connections for pedestrians, cyclists and road users. People can view the options and provide feedback, at information sessions on Thursday 26 and Saturday 28 March at Williamstown Town Hall, or online until 5pm on Friday 3 April. The first phase of consultation for Ferguson Street took place late last year, with more than 260 online feedback forms submitted, more than 200 people consulted face-to-face at workshops and information pop-ups, and thousands more engaged through online updates, mailbox drops and trader doorknocks. This initial feedback has provided valuable information about how people travel through the area and what they value most – with priorities being more efficient and safer pedestrian/cycling connections, protecting local heritage and simplifying local road connections. Feedback from the first two phases of community engagement will continue to inform the design process as the project team considers the best way to remove the level crossing. This site has a tragic safety record, being the scene of a double fatality in the 1990s and five accidents or near-miss incidents between trains, cyclists and pedestrians in the past decade. More than 110 Williamstown line trains travel through the Ferguson Street level crossing each weekday, causing frustration and delay for about 22,000 motorists who cross the tracks. More details will be confirmed once the preferred design has been determined later this year, with the crossing to be gone for good in 2022. Visit www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au for more information and to sign up for email updates. Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan “We’ve heard loud and clear from locals that they want this level crossing gone for good – and we’ll continue to work with the community as we get on and deliver what we promised.” Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Our project experts will take the community’s feedback and engineering investigations on board and keep everyone informed as they come up with the best way to remove this level crossing.” [...] Read more...
February 18, 2020Victorian school students in Maribyrnong will enjoy healthier and brighter smiles this year as the next phase of the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark Smile Squad free dental program gets underway. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced local schools in Maribyrnong are being invited to join the program in 2020. This means families in Maribyrnong are next on the list to receive free dental care and save hundreds of dollars every year. The Smile Squad vans provide free check-ups and treatment to Victorian public school students, including teeth cleaning, fluoride application, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and any other non-cosmetic treatments – to ensure our kids have healthy teeth. The program, which started in August last year, is being expanded to include schools in Campaspe, East Gippsland, Macedon Ranges, Maribyrnong, Melton, Wangaratta and parts of Casey and Hume. That means this year we’re inviting more than 300 schools to participate and offer free dental treatment to more than 100,000 additional Victorian students. Poor dental care can lead to more serious health problems. Across Australia, a quarter of all children have untreated tooth decay and in Victoria, dental conditions are the highest single cause of preventable hospitalisations for kids under 10. The Labor Government’s landmark $321.9 million free dental care program started six months ahead of schedule in August last year – driving down big dental costs for families. Once fully rolled out in 2022, the program will provide examinations and dental treatment for more than 650,000 public school kids every year. More information about the program can be found at smilesquad.vic.gov.au   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “I encourage all local schools to take up the invitation to have Smile Squad vans visit them this year so all children can have the opportunity for free dental check-ups.” “When it comes to oral health care, early prevention is the key and the Smile Squad program is designed to set our kids up with healthy habits for the rest of their lives.” “Our kids deserve to have healthy happy smiles, but busy families can often struggle to find the time to get to the dentist. That’s why this program is so important.” [...] Read more...
February 7, 2020Victoria’s public hospitals continue to see record demand with huge numbers of patients calling ambulances, attending emergency departments and being admitted to hospital from EDs over the past three months. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos today released the hospital and ambulance performance data for the December quarter and thanked our hard-working doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical staff for their efforts caring for record numbers of patients. Victorian emergency departments saw a record 479,163 patients this quarter while maintaining high levels of care, with 100 per cent of Category 1 presentations treated immediately on arrival. Williamstown Hospital has continued to perform strongly in treating and caring for patients. In the December quarter Williamstown Hospital: Saw 4008 patients in the ED for the December quarter – up by 266 on the previous three months. Treated 87% of ED patients within the recommended time – up by 9 percentage points on the same period in 2018. Transferred 98.7% of ambulance arrivals to the ED within the benchmark 40 minutes. Provided operations to 100% of the Category 1 urgent elective surgery patients within the benchmark 30 days, half of them within 10 days – 3 days faster than a year earlier Across the State, half of all ambulance transfers to hospital were completed within 23 minutes – well below the benchmark target of 40 minutes. Victorian elective surgery patients are also being seen sooner than in anywhere else in Australia, with national data confirming our public hospitals are leading the nation when it comes to treatment time. In the December quarter, of the Category 1 elective surgery patients who require treatment within 30 days – half received their procedure within 10 days, helping them get back on their feet sooner. The Andrews Labor Government’s reforms to outpatient and specialist clinics has also led to sustained improvement in wait times, with half of all urgent first appointments seen within 16 days – matching the record achieved last quarter. Clinic visits have been boosted by the Labor Government’s $136.2 million investment in 500,000 specialist appointments in regional Victoria. Victoria’s ambulances transported a massive 78,820 emergency patients in the three months to the end of December – 4,513 more than a year earlier. Paramedics reached 82.5 per cent of Code 1 cases across the state within the benchmark 15 minutes, with an average response time of 11 minutes and 29 seconds. That’s nearly two minutes faster than the same period in 2014, when the Liberals’ war with paramedics saw just 74.1 per cent of ambulances arriving within 15 minutes. In the City of Hobsons Bay, 85.6% of Code 1 ambulances arrived on scene within 15 minutes in the December quarter, well above the State average of 82.5%. Ambulances attended 1133 call-outs, up from 1026 a year earlier. Hobsons Bay’s Code 1 ambulances arrived in an average 11 minutes – well below the benchmark 15 minutes. The 85.6% arrival rate contrasts with 83.5% under the Liberals in the same quarter in 2014, when the arrival time was an average 11:32. This year, the Labor Government delivered a $2.5 billion boost to hospitals’ operating budgets and is getting on with delivering a huge $7 billion pipeline of hospital projects to back hospitals to do what they do best. Quote attributable to Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy “I thank our dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and hospital staff who are caring for more patients than ever, with record numbers of ambulance call-outs, emergency department presentations and hospital admissions.” “These results show that even during busy times our health staff and paramedics at Williamstown Hospital and across Hobsons Bay are providing fast, high quality care.” Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Victoria’s hospitals and ambulance service have seen some great results this quarter despite increasing demand and additional pressure.” “Our incredible paramedics, doctors, nurses and other health workers in Hobsons Bay have a tough job to do and they’re doing it well – giving Victorians the very best care, close to home.” [...] Read more...
February 7, 2020The Andrews Labor Government is making it safer for children and their parents to travel to and from school in Yarraville with the installation of new pedestrian fences. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced that new pedestrian fencing will be installed at the major intersection of Francis Street and Wembley Avenue. The fencing will make it safer for children and their parents walking to and from Wembley Primary School. The pedestrian fencing is one of several initiatives put in place to reduce truck noise and improve safety across the inner west. Williamstown Road was resurfaced to reduce truck noise, and a new safer 50km/h speed limit was introduced last year on Williamstown Road, Francis Street, Moore Street and Buckley Street. Night and weekend truck curfews are in effect on Francis Street, Somerville Road and Moore Street to help reduce the impact of truck noise and emissions on residents. The Labor Government continues to work towards striking a balance between the needs of the inner west residents and the long-term viability of the freight network. The opening of the West Gate Tunnel in 2022 provides an opportunity to introduce 24-hour truck bans on roads including Blackshaws Road, Hudsons Road, Francis Street, Somerville Road, Buckley Street and Moore Street. Construction on the new fencing has begun with works expected to be completed by March. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We want children, their parents and other pedestrians to feel safe as they walk around our community and as they travel to and from school.” “These new fences will be a barrier significantly reducing the likelihood of any vehicles mounting the kerb and footpath, providing even more protection for pedestrians at these busy intersections.” [...] Read more...
December 23, 2019The iconic Williamstown Botanic Gardens in the Williamstown electorate will be rejuvenated thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government. Round One of the Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants Program will see 17 gardens across the state receive grants worth $1.4 million. Hobsons Bay City Council will receive a $53,592 grant to fund to deliver a plant collection labelling program and associated interpretation. The project will enable this historic and heritage garden, established in 1856, to fulfil its botanic role and provide a model for education and learning about the role of botanic gardens into the future. The grants program was launched this year and will provide nearly $4 million over two years. The value of the grants has been boosted by substantial local financial and in-kind co-contributions to projects. Victoria has a rich legacy of botanic gardens established in the 19th century and there are now more than 40 across the state. The gardens hold significant collections of trees and plants, offer iconic landscapes and open spaces, support research and provide for recreation, tourism and community use. The grants program also supports the objectives of Biodiversity 2037, the Labor Government’s plan to stop the decline of Victoria’s native plants and animals and improve the natural environment for a healthy, sustainable future. Round two of the Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens grants program will open in mid-2020. For more information and a full list of Round One grant recipients, visit: forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-victorias-botanic-gardens-grants-program   Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio “Victoria is blessed with beautiful gardens and these grants will help them remain healthy for future generations.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP “The Williamstown Botanic Garden is a wonderful place for our community to come together and enjoy beautiful green open space – this funding will ensure it remains that way.” “This is a great initiative that recognises the importance of these gardens to the local community.” [...] Read more...
November 22, 2019Primary school students and the community are learning how to grow their own food and maintain a garden thanks to a new edible garden funded by the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative. The Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP joined students, their families and the local community at Spotswood Primary School to experience firsthand the benefits the sustainable and productive garden will bring. Spotswood Primary School received $141,589 in funding for the establishment of the kitchen garden through the Pick My Project initiative and was one of 25 successful projects funded in the Western Metropolitan region. The kitchen garden will provide a fun, interactive outdoor learning opportunity for students, as well as a space to hold weekend gardening workshops for the community. Ongoing garden maintenance will be integrated in the school’s curriculum and community access will mean the kitchen garden will be maintained on weekends and over the school holidays. Pick My Project is a Victorian Government first – a $30 million community grants initiative empowering Victorians to generate project ideas that make their local community an even better place to live, then vote for their favourite projects to be funded. Pick My Project has awarded funding to 237 successful project ideas state-wide, with funding allocated between the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas. The Western Metropolitan region received more than $2.8 million in funding through the initiative, after a total of 22,864 votes were cast across the region. To view all the successful projects, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.   Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development, Marlene Kairouz MP “The Spotswood Kitchen Garden is another example of the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative making a real difference in the Western Metropolitan region.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP “The new kitchen garden at Spotswood Primary will inspire life skill learning and help develop a sense.” [...] Read more...
November 12, 2019Applications for the Andrews Labor Government’s $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund have now opened and community and not-for profit groups with exciting and innovative ideas are encouraged to apply. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund will support communities by providing not-for profit and community organisations in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong local council areas with the opportunity to apply for funding for projects which will help connect people and improve neighbourhoods. Grants of up to $100,000 will be available for community groups and organisations. Partnership projects above $100,000 will also be considered, with co-funded initiatives encouraged. The grants program will have three categories for funding: One-off projects that bring communities together and improve wellbeing Temporary installations or new events Improvements to community, sporting and recreation facilities and the local environment. The program will prioritise those who are most affected by the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project. The West Gate Tunnel Project will end the rat-running through the inner west, taking more than 9000 trucks off residential streets and allowing the Labor Government to deliver 24/7 truck bans on Francis Street, Buckley Street, Moore Street, Somerville Road, Hudsons Road and Blackshaws Road. The Project will also deliver more than five MCGs of new open space, providing new open space, quieter parks and sports grounds with new noise walls and 14 kilometres of new and upgraded bike paths. For more information about the program and to apply, visit http://westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/community/grants Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Community groups and organisations play a major role in promoting innovation and connectivity within our local community. This program is all about supporting these groups to implement their innovative visions for our local area.” Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “This is a great opportunity for community groups in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong to have a project funded and make a difference to the community.” [...] Read more...
November 8, 2019Work to remove the Ferguson Street level crossing in Williamstown is ramping up, with technical investigations already under way and community consultation to begin this month. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced that project team members would soon be seeking feedback from the local community about how they use the area and what improvements the project could consider, such as road and pedestrian connections. Located between two roundabouts, the Ferguson Street level crossing is in the heart of a complex and busy junction just south of North Williamstown Station. It is nearby to homes, schools and several businesses including a petrol station and a hotel. The level crossing disrupts regular bus routes and hampers those travelling from Williamstown in the east, towards Kororoit Creek Road including Bayside College, the Rifle Range development and shopping centre in the west. This site has a tragic safety record, being the scene of a double fatality in the early 1990s. Another accident caused serious injury to a cyclist in 2011 and further harm has been narrowly avoided in four near-miss incidents between trains and pedestrians in the past decade. More than 110 Williamstown line trains travel through the Ferguson Street level crossing each weekday, causing frustration and delay for about 22,000 motorists who cross the tracks. There are a number of ways people can provide feedback during this first stage of consultation, including facilitated community workshops on 23 and 25 November at Williamstown Events Centre, or online until early December. Each workshop will have numbers capped at 60 people and will be run by an external facilitator, who will lead discussions and ask relevant questions to help generate feedback. The online feedback portal will also replicate the feedback structure of the workshops. There will also be information pop-ups near the Douglas Parade shops and local train stations for people to provide feedback. There will be more opportunities next year for the local community to join the conversation around potential designs. The crossing will be gone for good in 2022. Visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au to sign up for a workshop, provide online feedback, or to sign up for email updates. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne “The Victorian Government is getting on with the job of removing the Ferguson Street level crossing.” “This is an important first stage in hearing from people what is important to them, in how they use the local area and what improvements this project could deliver.” [...] Read more...
October 18, 2019The Victorian Government is helping ensure Newport children of all abilities can get the most out of their time at kindergarten, thanks to a new upgrade. Melissa Horne MP today visited Home Road Kindergarten in Newport to open a new upgrade, which includes the replacement of existing playground equipment along with a new mud kitchen, dirt digging path, vertical planters and musical panels. The Victorian Government provided Home Road Kinder $123,192 towards the project, which aims to provide a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities or additional needs. This project is part of the Inclusive Kindergarten Facilities Program, which provides funding to upgrade buildings and playgrounds or buy equipment to provide more accessible and inclusive environments. Up to $200,000 is provided to kindergarten services to undertake buildings and playgrounds upgrades. The state’s biggest early education build will continue over the coming years, with the Government to invest more than $1.68 billion over the next decade to support the construction or expansion of almost 1,000 kindergartens across the state. This is part of the Government’s $5 billion commitment to deliver 15 hours of funded kindergarten programs for all three-year-old children in Victoria over the next decade, with the roll-out beginning in 2020. This is about ensuring Newport families have access to stronger support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “All children should get the most out of their time at kindergarten, which is why we’re making kinder buildings and playgrounds more accessible for children of all abilities.” Quotes attributable to Melissa Horne MP “I’m delighted we’re helping kindergartens such as Home Road Kindergarten upgrade their infrastructure to create more inclusive and accessible environments.” “It’s really fantastic to see children at Home Road enjoying their new inclusive play ground.” [...] Read more...
October 2, 2019The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading schools in Melbourne’s inner west and building new facilities that will transform how current and future generations of Footscray students receive a world-class education. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today turned the first sod at Footscray High School on the new $29 million Pilgrim Street campus. Hutchinson Builders have been appointed to build the upgrade, which will include new facilities to accommodate 550 students, including flexible and specialised learning spaces for a junior secondary college. The Labor Government has invested more than $80 million in the Footscray Learning Precinct to create and link educational facilities in Melbourne’s inner west, support diversity and accommodate all ages and stages of learning. This will include two junior (year 7 to 9) campuses, with one campus on Barkly Street, Footscray, and the other located at a new site in Pilgrim Street, Seddon. The new senior (year 10 to 12) campus will be located at the current Footscray City College site. Footscray Primary School and Footscray City Primary School – which has a new adjoining early learning centre – will also form part of the precinct. Under the Andrews Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open over the next eight years, ensuring every child has a great local school and a great start in life. The Labor Government has invested $3.8 billion in delivering more than 1,300 school upgrades and supporting almost 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians. The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and get a quality education. Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re ensuring every child can have a great education at their local public school.” “Seddon families are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.” [...] Read more...
September 9, 2019The West Gate Tunnel Project is set to provide a massive boost to community groups in the inner west, with the Andrews Labor Government today launching a $10 million fund to support local projects. In the coming months, local groups will be able to tap into the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund for projects that bring people together and improve neighbourhoods while work on the Tunnel continues. The West Gate Tunnel Project will end the rat-running through the inner wests, taking more than 9000 trucks off residential streets and allowing the Labor Government to deliver 24/7 truck bans on Francis Street, Buckley Street, Moore Street, Somerville Road, Hudsons Road and Blackshaws Road. The project will also deliver more than five MCGs of new open space, quieter parks and sports grounds with new noise walls and 14 kilometres of new and upgraded bike paths. The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund will ensure the benefits for the community are felt sooner rather than later, with grants of up to $100,000 available for community groups and organisations in the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong City Council areas. Funding of partnership projects above $100,000 will be considered, with co-funded initiatives encouraged. The funding builds on the package of improvements the West Gate Tunnel will deliver to make the west an even better place to live. The grants and partnerships program will be managed by the West Gate Tunnel Project team in the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority. The first round of partnerships will be open soon. People can find out more at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “We’re calling on local groups to bring their best ideas forward so that we can make sure our community is seeing the benefits of this massive project well before the Tunnel opens.” “The West Gate Tunnel will get trucks off local streets and create more than nine hectares of new, green open space in Melbourne’s west – and we’re getting it done.” Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “We’re not just building a road – we’re changing the inner west for the better.” “I encourage local organisations to find out more and get involved – to build better neighbourhoods here in the west, while we get on with building the West Gate Tunnel.” [...] Read more...
September 8, 2019The final Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan has now been released, one year on from the West Footscray industry fire which contaminated the much-loved local waterway. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne and Member for Footscray Katie Hall launched the final plan at a community event to thank those who contributed feedback for their input and support. The ten-year plan builds upon rehabilitation work already underway to clean up contamination and begin restoring the creek back to good health. The Plan sets out longer-term goals and actions to continue the recovery efforts and ensure Stony Creek is protected as a local asset into the future. The Stony Creek community have been involved in developing this plan every step of the way, providing vital local insights and helping to ensure the Plan aligns with community values and expectations. The plan has been jointly developed by Melbourne Water, the community, EPA Victoria and Maribyrnong City Council, and is in line with Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Strategy. The rehabilitation plan builds on the initial emergency and recovery works undertaken by Victorian and local Government agencies which included removing contamination caused by the fire. The Plan is also in line with the Government’s Waterways of the West initiative which aims to improve the environmental health and amenity of waterways throughout the western Melbourne region including the Maribyrnong and Werribee Rivers, Moonee Ponds Creek and tributaries. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “Waterways are central to local communities and the residents around Stony Creek have been strong advocates for its future.” “Their views have been heard loud and clear and this feedback has been incorporated into the Rehabilitation Plan to make sure any actions align with the community’s values, aspirations and expectations.” Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “We know how valued Stony Creek is to the local community, and how passionate people are about its recovery and rehabilitation.” “The support and input from the Stony Creek community into this process has been phenomenal and I thank everyone involved for their continued advocacy.” [...] Read more...
September 4, 2019Students at the current Footscray City College are a step closer to getting the state-of-the-art science facilities they need for a great start in life, with an architect appointed to design the school’s exciting upgrade. Minister for Education James Merlino, Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne and Member for Footscray Katie Hall today announced the appointment of Jackson Clement Burrows to design the school’s new science facility. The project will upgrade the facilities at the current Footscray City College to ensure that students are equipped for 20th century learning. The Labor Government has invested $5.6 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades and support over 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians, including more than $80 million for the Footscray Learning Precinct. They also announced that, following extensive consultation with the community, the new secondary school in the Footscray Learning Precinct would be officially named Footscray High School. With three new campuses set to open in 2021, the Precinct will link educational facilities in Melbourne’s inner west, supporting diversity and accommodating all stages of learning. The Precinct will create a new secondary school made up of: A junior secondary campus (years 7-9) at Pilgrim Street, Seddon A junior secondary campus (years 7-9) at Barkly Street, Footscray (currently Gilmore College for Girls) A senior secondary campus (years 10-12) at Kinnear St, Footscray (to be located at the current Footscray City College site). The Precinct will also include Footscray City Primary School, including a new integrated Early Learning Centre, and Footscray Primary School.​ Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school where students can achieve their best. Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “The new Footscray High School will be so much more than walls and a roof. It will be a cleverly designed hub which will inspire and encourage local students to reach their full potential.” Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “We want to make sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given the best possible chance to succeed.” Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This exciting appointment means families in Melbourne’s inner west are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.” [...] Read more...
August 22, 2019Today Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP visited Altona North Primary School to announce the appointment of Workshop Architecture to design the school’s $3.8 million upgrade. The upgrade will transform learning areas and will provide students with the environment they need to achieve their best learning outcomes. To date, the Andrews Labor Government has invested $5.6 billion into Victoria’s school infrastructure to roll out 100 new schools and also 1400 school upgrades across the state. The most recent Budget included major upgrades at 109 schools, of which Altona North Primary School is one. Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child has a great local school and a great start in life. This building boom will continue over the coming years, with the Government having appointed builders to start delivering 11 schools across the state that will open in 2020 and 14 schools that will open in 2021. The Labor Government is building the Education State is investing in local schools to ensure every student gets a good quality education, regardless of their postcode.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown “The Andrews Government knows that schools like Altona North Primary deserve better and that’s why I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering on its promises by investing in our local schools to ensure every Victorian child gets the education they deserve.” “It’s been a year since I first visited Altona North Primary School and I was so pleased to be back to celebrate the appointment of an architect to design the school’s upgrade.” [...] Read more...
August 16, 2019Students at Williamstown High School are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, with an architect appointed to design the school’s exciting upgrade. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne MP today announced that Y2 Architecture has been appointed to design the school’s $1.37 million upgrade to their study centre and to complete the next stage of the school’s theatre complex. The 2019-20 Budget included $137,000 to fund this planning process. The Andrews Labor Government has invested $5.6 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting over 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians. Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child has a great local school and a great start in life. This building boom will continue over the coming years, with the Government having appointed builders to start delivering 11 schools across the state that will open in 2020 and 14 schools that will open in 2021. The Labor Government is building the Education State to ensure that every student can access a great local school and get a quality education. Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown, the Hon. Melissa Horne MP “We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed.” “Williamstown families are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.”   [...] Read more...
July 10, 2019Families in Melbourne’s inner west are a step closer to having a world-class education precinct after a site has been secured to build a new co-educational junior secondary campus in Seddon, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne and Member for Footscray Katie Hall today announced land at Pilgrim Street, Seddon has been acquired for the new junior secondary campus (years 7-9), to be built as part of a new secondary school that will be at the centre of the new Footscray Learning Precinct. The Labor Government has invested more than $80 million in the Footscray Learning Precinct to create and link educational facilities in Melbourne’s inner west, support diversity and accommodate all ages and stages of learning, including $29 million for construction of the new Seddon junior secondary campus. The Precinct will include two junior secondary campuses (years 7 to 9) as well as one senior secondary campus (year 10 to 12) as part of the new secondary school, while two primary schools – Footscray City Primary School and Footscray Primary School – will form part of the precinct. The co-educational junior secondary campuses will be located on Pilgrim Street, Seddon and one at Gilmore College for Girls (which will become a co-educational campus), while the senior secondary campus will be located at the existing Footscray City College. Construction on the Seddon junior secondary campus is expected to start in coming months. The three-storey, vertical building will include science, food technology and art facilities. The Labor Government is building the Education State with an unprecedented $5.6 billion investment in improving, upgrading and building schools to ensure that every community can access a great local school where students are supported to achieve their best. The Footscray Learning Precinct is part of the Labor Government’s school building boom that will see 100 new government schools open by 2026.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “I’m excited to see families in the Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville area will have the opportunity to send their children to a local high school. Having been the President of SKY High for a number of years, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the government working with the local community for better education opportunities.”  Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “The way education is delivered in the inner-west is being transformed through the creation of the Footscray Learning Precinct. This is a landmark investment and there’s exciting times ahead as we prepare for the first intake of year 7 high school students in 2020.     [...] Read more...
July 4, 2019Local communities are encouraged to get involved with the development of the Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan, with consultation now open on the draft rehabilitation plan. This consultation will help shape how the final plan will restore, enhance and protect Stony Creek in the aftermath of the West Footscray fire on 30 August 2018, which devastated a 5km section of the creek. The draft plan has been developed through significant community input and consultation activities from February and March – and includes actions that were developed and prioritised during collaborative workshops. The local community will continue to be instrumental to finalising the proposed approach and developing long-term actions around recovery and rehabilitation of the Stony Creek and its surrounds to achieve a ‘healthy and clean natural community asset that consistently supports a thriving ecosystem’. Melbourne Water is leading the development of the plan, in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council, EPA Victoria and the community. The plan also identifies key actions for delivery over the next ten years and complements Maribyrnong City Council’s ‘Stony Creek Future Directions Plan’. Consultation will be open until from 3 July to 31 July with feedback used in the preparation of the final plan later this year, to ensure it aligns with community expectations, values and aspirations. The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1 million to restore Stony Creek, including pumping 70 million litres of contaminated water out of the waterway, installing equipment to contain the contaminants and removing impacted wildlife. This includes $700,000 for removal, disposal and remediation works at Cruickshank Park, Golf Course to Hyde Street, Paramount Road to Geelong Road and Francis Street to Golf Course, and $350,000 for water sampling, testing and monitoring by the EPA to determine the impact of the fire on the waterway. These findings will inform the final recovery plan. For more information or to have your say, visit: yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/stony-creek-rehabilitation Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown the Hon. Melissa Horne MP “Stony Creek is the lifeblood of local communities, which is why we’re putting the locals at the forefront of planning for the rehabilitation for this site.” Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP “This plan is a crucial step in helping to restore Stony Creek to good health, while also planning how we manage and protect this beloved local area over the next 10 years.”   Media contacts: Claire Rowe (9399 9022) and Hannah Brown (9689 4283)               [...] Read more...
June 13, 2019Construction is well underway on two new pedestrian bridges across the West Gate Freeway, as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. The new bridges – one linking Rosala Avenue in Altona North to Richards Court in Brooklyn and the other linking Fogarty Avenue in Yarraville to Muir Street in Spotswood – will replace the vital, but outdated existing bridges for pedestrians and cyclists that connect communities on either side of the West Gate Freeway. Hundreds of people use the bridges every week to access Spotswood, Yarraville, Altona North, Brooklyn and beyond. The new pedestrian bridges will have wider paths so pedestrians and cyclists can comfortably share the space, and improved safety features including CCTV, lighting and higher barriers. Access will also be improved with the pedestrian bridges having both steps and accessible ramps on both sides of the West Gate Freeway. Construction is well underway at both sites with the slabs and bases being built ready for the first bridge at Muir Street to be craned into place in the coming months. Both bridges will be open at the end of the year. The two new bridges over the West Gate Freeway are part of the nine new pedestrian and cycling bridges being built over busy roads and intersections to connect communities and make travelling safer. The existing pedestrian bridges will remain in use until the new ones are built, unless they need to be closed for as short period of time for safety reasons while construction is happening nearby. Both of the existing bridges need to be rebuilt to make way for the four extra lanes on the West Gate Freeway, which are part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. The Andrews Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver more than 14 kilometres of upgraded walking and cycling paths making travel easier and safer. New paths and links will better connect communities north and south of the West Gate Freeway, with better bridges over the freeway.   Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “These pedestrian bridges are more than just infrastructure, they connect communities and are a vital link for people who live, work, walk and cycle in Melbourne’s west.” “The West Gate Tunnel Project will make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle throughout Melbourne’s west.” [...] Read more...
April 30, 2019An inaugural executive principal has been appointed to lead Footscray Learning Precinct’s secondary school in Melbourne’s inner west. Member for Footscray Katie Hall and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today announced Frank Vetere will be the principal of the new secondary school. The precinct will link education facilities from early childhood through to university, including a new secondary school with three campuses – two junior and one senior – with a campus in Seddon to open in 2021. Mr Vetere is currently the principal of Point Cook P-9 College and has been in the role for four years after acting in the position since the school’s opening in 2010. He also comes to the new post as a graduate of the Department of Education’s Principal Leadership Program. The Andrews Labor Government has already invested more than $50 million to build the new precinct, giving local kids the state of the art classrooms and facilities they need to achieve their best. This includes planning for the entire precinct, land and construction of the new Seddon Junior Secondary Campus, the first stage of works at Gilmore College for Girls and the first stage of works at Footscray City Primary School, including a new integrated early learning centre to be built adjacent to the school. The Government has also committed a further $20.2 million for a new three-storey building at Gilmore College for Girls and a major upgrade to Footscray City College, including science, technology, engineering and maths facilities. Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall “Mr Vetere is one of Victoria’s brightest and best leaders in education and his appointment as executive principal of the new secondary school ensures the entire Footscray Learning Precinct gets off to a fantastic start.” Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne “This appointment is an exciting development because it means we’re a step closer to having a new learning precinct for local families.” Quotes attributable to Executive Principal of Footscray Learning Centre secondary school Frank Vetere “I’m over the moon about this opportunity. What’s exciting is the prospect of delivering a vision which is about developing a multitude of pathways for students in a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment.” “A key feature of the precinct model is the seamless transitions it offers at various stages of learning so that students and families don’t need to retell their story and teachers can easily access learning profiles.” [...] Read more...