Firstly, it’s wonderful to have some warmer weather for the year (finally) and of course a big congrats to all the Pies fans out there. As a Richmond supporter I didn’t have any skin in the game, but I am glad that the Vic team took home the flag. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to write directly to you about a few things happening locally and across the State that I hope you find useful.
McMahons Road Construction
The biggest construction site in Knox is right here in Knox along Burwood Hwy (pictured). And I took a tour of the site recently – there’s so much happening! The Victorian Government is delivering a new intersection at McMahons Road and adding more lanes along Burwood Highway to get you home safer and sooner. It was exciting to meet some of the hard-working team. The project is due for completion in early 2024.
We’re making it Free to Study Secondary Teaching
We’ve recently announced that we will make studying to become a teacher in secondary schools in Victoria free, with scholarships covering the cost of degrees to help boost our school workforce and support hardworking teachers. The scholarships will be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, with final payments if they then work in Victorian government schools for two years after they graduate – supporting around 4,000 future teachers each year.
The Sick Pay Guarantee
Last year, we introduced an Australian first. The Sick Pay Guarantee. It means eligible casual and contract workers can sign up to claim up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay at the minimum wage. And we’ve recently added over 400 jobs to the list. It’s funded by the Victorian Government and all the paperwork is covered by us, too. The pilot has been extended to 2025 and it’s ensuring working Victorians don’t have to make difficult choices. For more call 1800 979 641.
Home Buyers Fund and Savings Finder
In some other ways we are helping to put money back in your pocket, I’d encourage locals to check out the Victorian Government’s Savings Finder online tool, if you go to service.vic.gov.au/services/savings-finder/ there is a wide range of rebates, discounts or even unclaimed money you may be eligible for. For people looking to enter home ownership we also have the Victorian Homebuyer Fund which is a shared equity scheme, making it easier to get into the market. If you have a 5 per cent deposit, the Victorian Government could contribute up to 25 per cent of the purchase price in exchange for an equivalent share in the property. This will save you money by reducing your mortgage and removing the need for LMI. For more info you can call 7020 1549.
Local Shout-Out
A big thanks to all the volunteers and organisers involved in the Boronia Mall’s 50th Anniversary. It was a great event to celebrate the old gem! I enjoyed taking part in some of the celebrations.
That’s all for this time, but for my last word, can I provide a gentle reminder to everyone to check out the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrade program which has already helped thousands of households reduce their energy bills. Go to https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-households/victorian-energy-upgrades-for-households
