Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

It was another purposeful week.

The All Aboard Shepparton campaign members are at work again with a new event planned. We want everyone to get on board and bake a “train cake” to enter in the novelty cake section of the Shepparton Agricultural Show (Shepp Show) on 9 & 10 October.   Entry forms are due by 18 September 2015.   They can be found here:  http://www.sheppshow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Novelty.pdf

In Parliament this week:

• I congratulated Kerrilyn Bassett who won the award for Victorian trainee of the year.  Ms Bassett is a student at GOTAFE at Shepparton and is studying a Certificate IV in Agriculture (Dairy Production).
• Recognised the University of Melbourne’s new Bachelor of Agriculture degree during my Member’s Statement.   Next year the University of Melbourne will have 75 enrolments in its bachelor of agriculture course, a big increase. Around 90 per cent of graduates gain full-time employment within four months of graduation. Great that the University of Melbourne will again use Dookie College and that students will again become a part of the landscape of the college.
• Questioned the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety highlighting the need to get to work on the Shepparton Bypass, a project vital to the electorate.
• Called on the government to take steps to relieve the pressure in our emergency department at GV Health.
• Met with the Girl Guides of Victoria on the steps of parliament. Girl Guides received state funding of $457,000 to assist with engaging disadvantaged youth.
• Also met with local staff from Berry St about the work they do in the Shepparton District. More information on their website:  http://www.berrystreet.org.au/HumeRegion
• Many local schools visit parliament and I was delighted to welcome students from G V Grammar, St. Brendan’s and Shepparton Christian College.  
• Met with crossbenchers, ministerial and departmental staff for briefings on issues like perinatal care, local government reforms, water and the GV Health Community Advisory Group. Nomination forms for this Group are due in by 18 September 2015.   You can find information by visiting this website: http://www.capital.health.vic.gov.au/Community_advisory_groups/Goulburn_Valley_Health/
• I attended the Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) function at Parliament House where Shepparton was represented by the Mayor and CEO. 
• My office heard from constituents on a wide range of issues including City Link, proposed changes to firearms laws, improving kinship care for children in care in Victoria and the lack of mental health resources.

 

I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  I think we can all agree that we are happy Spring has arrived!

 
Suzanna.