Free Dental in Public Schools is BACK!
The Smile Squads (dental vans), which started in Knox in 2023, are delivering free oral health promotion, dental check-ups, and treatment to Victorian government school students at school. The landmark free dental care program is driving down big dental costs for families, with bills expected to be slashed by $400 each year for each kid. It will also free up more than 100,000 places for adults in the public dental system each year, reducing wait times.
Priority Primary Care Centre
Bayswater Priority Care Clinic is open at the Mountain High Centre in Bayswater. We’ve opened 27 free primary care clinics so Victorians can get the care they need, when they need it. They’ll support you if you need urgent care but not with the lights and sirens. These GP-led centres can treat patients suffering from mild cuts, burns and infections. And they’re staffed by trained GPs – operating seven days a week, 16 hours a day. Not only do you get the care you need, but it also frees up valuable resources in our emergency departments. It’ll mean that our EDs can focus on the most urgent care to the people who need it most – and people with less serious conditions get care faster.
Backing in Local Schools
Here’s the latest on some big projects which are quickly taking shape: Boronia West Primary, (over $4 million), the frames are up on the new central learning hub – due for completion later this year. Fairhills High, (over $8 million), major works have started on the new science and tech facilities – due for completion later this year. Bayswater Secondary College (over $12 million) the frames are up on the new middle and senior school buildings – due for completion later this year. Wantirna College, (over $11 million) architect released concept images of what the new double court competition grade gym and performing arts space could look like – I’ll update you on timeline once works start. Templeton Primary, (over $9 million) construction is well underway on the new senior school buildings – due for completion 2024. I’ll keep you updated on these and other projects over the course of the journey.
Supporting our Local Environment
Construction on the first stages of the Blind Creek reimagining between Scoresby Road and Lewis Park is now well underway with works spanning three suburbs. And excitingly – lots of waterways have already been naturalised with water flowing on the surface for the first time in decades. We’re also giving the Liverpool Road Retarding Basin a new lease on life. We’re delivering: 11,700 new native plants will be planted, new signage at the site with some around picking up after the doggo’s and about the site’s values, enhanced Swamp Skink habitat, controlling weeds and new infrastructure to improve conservation zones. Works on this revegetation project began recently and we’ll see signs installed soon, with all the plants to be out by the end of 2023 planting season.
Local Shout-Out
A shout out this edition goes to pet owners locally! Our pets are our best mates and I thought you’d like to know that Victoria is holding Australia’s very first pet census to help shape the future of animal welfare in Victoria. To fill out the pet census go here – https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/animal-welfare/victorian-pet-census
