Suzanna Sheed
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Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

August 30, 2015/in Blog, Latest News

""

 

It was an eventful week that included constituent meetings, discussions with organisations and events:

  • attended the Character Parade at Sirius College for Book  Week- great costumes.
  • Spoke to teachers at St. Mel’s on “The Challenge to Lead” followed by good discussion.
  • attended a fundraiser for GV Health sponsored by Nixon & Maude.   Jo and Alex showed off their spring/summer range with all proceeds donated directly to the hospital.   Many local businesses donated equipment, food and products to this event.  It is so wonderful to see the community and local businesses get together to fundraise for the hospital.
  • I met with reps of the Fairley Leadership program to discuss ideas around the leadership needs of the region.       If you are interested in applying for the Fairley Leadership program, applications are open and can be found here: http://www.fairleyleadership.com.au/
  • Had a tour of The Bridge facility.  The day started with morning tea that included a round table discussion with the staff and then ended with a visit to the pregnant/parent program.  To find out more about The Bridge and their programs, you can visit their website here:  http://www.thebridge.org.au/ or call 5831 2390.
  • I attended the Shepparton Festival’s Winter Event and AGM at the GV Hotel.   We were given a sneak preview of the events planned for the 20th Shepparton Festival in 2016. 
  • On Friday, I attended “Shaping the future of the Loddon Mallee Region for the 21st Century- Prosperity Conference” hosted by the Murray River Group of Councils of which Moira Shire Council is a member.   Parts of Moira are in my electorate and I felt it was important that I attend the conference.
  • Attended the Winter Festival in the mall on Saturday and a presentation of the GV Concert Orchestra’s Chamber Series on Sunday. 
  • Throughout the week I met with constituents as well as with Goulburn Murray Water, Yorta Yorta Traditional Owner Management Board, Kaiela Institute, AFL Goulburn Murray, Shepparton Junior Soccer Association, Tatura Fire Brigade, Researchers from LaTrobe University and the Committee for Greater Shepparton.
  • Also busy reviewing the Report from Commission for Children and Young People being an inquiry into the adequacy of the provision of residential care services to Victorian children and young people who have been subject to sexual abuse or sexual exploitation whilst residing in residential care.
  • Some of the significant issues arising this week were water trading, Numurkah Flood Study, presumptive legislation for firefighters and future business investments and opportunities to create employment in the region.

    I hope you all have a great week! It’s back to Parliament for me this week.  

Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-30 09:50:022020-02-07 02:46:47Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Shepparton youth to benefit from Victorian government funding

August 26, 2015/in Media Releases

State Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed the funding from the State Government for young people who are at risk of entering the state’s youth justice system.

Annual funding of $106,600 has been made available to local support agency Primary Care Connect to run the Government’s innovative Youth Support Service.

The money will help local young people aged 10 to 18 years, who have had contact with Victoria Police and need support to stay out of the criminal and youth justice systems.

“I’m delighted that this funding of 106,600 has been allocated to our local Primary Care Connect, to run this vital service.” Ms. Sheed said.

“Victoria has Australia’s only ‘dual-track’ youth justice system, which can give magistrates the option of sentencing younger offenders to youth detention, if they think there is a good prospect of rehabilitation.”    

“Any program that aims to divert young people out of the youth justice system makes sense.”

I am looking forward to reviewing the good work being done by agencies like Primary Care Connect and Rumbalara in the Shepparton District.

Both organisations will work closely with Victoria Police.

The Youth Support Service can provide a rapid intervention to assess a young person’s needs and prevent escalation of unsafe behaviours, with the intention of keeping them out of the criminal or youth justice system.

These interventions also help young people strengthen their relationships with their families and engage more effectively with school, training or employment and with their community.

The Youth Support Service is estimated to assist over 1,000 young people annually across Victoria, with around 70 in the Shepparton area.

Primary Care Connect will deliver this important service in partnership with the existing Youth Support Service provided by Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative. This partnership ensures both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people can access a high quality and timely service response.

Kim Scott, Manager Regional Health and Community Services at Primary Care Connect said “We are thrilled to be provided with the opportunity to deliver this essential service to young people in Shepparton. We look forward to working with Victoria Police, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative and the Department of Health and Human Services to achieve great outcomes for this target group and the community.”

The new Youth Support Service is expected to start operations in the Shepparton District in October this year.

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-26 04:00:402020-02-07 02:45:08Shepparton youth to benefit from Victorian government funding

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

August 21, 2015/in Blog, Latest News

""

It was another busy week in parliament.
Members statement’s give me an opportunity to highlight the fantastic events, organisations and individuals of the Shepparton District.
This week I paid tribute to the people behind the Unity Cup at Rumbalara.
You can read my full speech here http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/67c329a1-1f07-45f5-9655-4ea180a3244e/5/doc/
I also told MPs about my recent visit to Horses for Hope and thanked Kildonan Uniting Care for their innovative work with troubles horses and people.

On Monday I attended the Family and Community Development Committee meeting.
We delivered our interim report on the inquiry into abuse in disability services last week, and I had the opportunity to speak about it in parliament on Wednesday.
The report recommends that Victoria advise the Disability Reform Council of eight recommendations based on the work undertaken by the committee in stage 1 of its inquiry.
Two recommendations I highlighted were:
• Victoria recommends that a single, independent oversight body with powers and responsibility for handling complaints and managing and investigating reportable serious incidents, as well as oversight of restricted practices and other regulatory matters, be established.
• A national quality assurance agency with responsibility for screening and clearance checks, administering a working with vulnerable persons check, provider registration and individual registration of disability workers be created.
You can read my full speech here http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/67c329a1-1f07-45f5-9655-4ea180a3244e/2/doc/
During the week I met with Police Association secretary Ron Iddles and Deputy Sec Bruce McKenzie to hear about issues in the police force and particularly in our region.
I also met with crossbenchers, ministerial and departmental staff for briefings on infrastructure and water. My office heard from constituents on a wide range of issues including respite services, problems with The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target rebates, concerns around unpaved roads in Bearii, travel industry deregulation in Victoria and poor facilities on V/Line services.
We’re following up these problems, and if you want us to help you with any state government responsibilities please get in touch.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend, it was glorious to see the sun again!
Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-21 01:57:422020-02-07 02:46:47Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Sheed urges residents to have their say on supporting students with special needs

August 19, 2015/in Media Releases

Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has urged residents to contribute their ideas to the review into the Program for Students with Disabilities.

The state government review – which started in July – is investigating:

• the needs of children with a disability, in particular, children with autism and dyslexia

• how to improve the way the PSD supports students with disabilities

• the needs of children with a disability in the transition from primary to secondary schooling

 

• how the PSD can be more inclusive

“This is the most comprehensive review of the Program for Students with Disabilities in our state’s history,” Ms Sheed said.

“Many parents have contacted me about the PSD’s shortcomings and this is an opportunity for them to share their views and ideas with experts and the state government.”

Victorians can submit their ideas in writing and additionally have their say through an online survey which will be available in September.

Online contributions will be open for four weeks and will close on Friday 11 September.

Contributions can be emailed to psd.review@edumail.vic.gov.au and more information is available at  http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/needs/Pages/psdreview.aspx

The PSD Review will deliver its recommendations to the Government in November.

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-19 05:31:562020-02-07 02:45:07Sheed urges residents to have their say on supporting students with special needs

VicHealth’s Funding for Local Sport and Active Recreation Clubs now open

August 18, 2015/in Media Releases

Sports and active recreation clubs in the Shepparton District are encouraged to apply for VicHealth Grants to increase the number of people participating at their clubs, contributing to healthy Victorian communities.

Applications for the first round of Active Club Grants can be submitted now until 18 September 2015.

“Each year, Active Club Grants support more Victorians to become active,” Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said.

 

“Regular physical activity is a key factor in promoting good health and preventing chronic disease. These grants give clubs the opportunity to apply for funding to help purchase much needed core equipment and injury prevention items.

“I urge all clubs in the Shepparton District to consider what equipment they need to improve their club and to make a submission.”

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said VicHealth had provided small grants to more than 10,000 community sport and active recreation clubs and organisations across Victoria for over 27 years.

“These grants help people in some of our most disadvantaged communities join their local sporting clubs. They also provide critical equipment to help those who would otherwise not be able to participate in sport; for instance, clubs can apply for funding for modified equipment for people with disabilities such as bell balls, bowling arms or portable ramps.

”This year’s Active Club Grants have two grant types clubs can apply for. We are offering clubs the option to apply for the traditional grant of up to $3,000 or a larger grant of up to $10,000 for core equipment that will help increase or maintain participation through their club,” Ms Rechter said. 

“We are offering up to 10 of these larger grants per round for clubs that can make a big impact and enable a greater number of Victorians to start or continue being physically active.”

“This may include large clubs with a high number of teams, clubs that are seeking to implement new programs and activities to increase participation, clubs trying to reach new community members, or clubs in areas experiencing significant population growth,” she said. 

For further information or to apply for this grant online, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub.

Round 1 – opens Monday 17 August 2015 and closes Friday 18 September 2015

Round 2 – opens Monday 1 February 2016 and closes Friday 4 March 2016

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-18 04:29:452020-02-07 02:45:07VicHealth’s Funding for Local Sport and Active Recreation Clubs now open

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

August 17, 2015/in Blog, Latest News

 

""

A full week in the electorate, starting in Tatura.
I visited Sacred Heart Primary School, which has an amazing new facility, to learn about their innovative approach to teaching.
I also met with Murray Dairy reps for a briefing on the dairy industry.
On Tuesday I attended the Shepparton and District Parkinson’s Support Group meeting, it was great to meet the group and hear about their work.

Later I addressed staff undertaking the Aedificare Programme at Notre Dame College.
I spoke about leadership and the challenges associated with it.
Wednesday we welcomed Education Minister James Merlino to the district.
The Minister heard from the Better Together Alliance School principals and from the members of the Neighbourhood Schools therapeutic program, both of which are seeking funding.
On Thursday I was privileged to visit Horses for Hope, an equine-assisted narrative practice program based near Shepparton, using troubled horses to help troubled people.
That night I attended the launch of the Numurkah Flood Study presented by Moira Shire Council, the GBCMA and consultants.
On Friday I attended a lunch at Greater Shepparton City Council with key stake holders from the education sector.
Throughout the week I also met with local councillors and constituents.
My office helped residents with questions surrounding Myki retail outlets, out of service amenities on trains, kinship care for children in out of home care and the potential for improvements to freight transport.
Back in parliament tomorrow, Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-17 01:13:102020-02-07 02:46:46Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

August 10, 2015/in Blog, Latest News

 ""

After a bumper week in parliament it was fantastic to get out in the electorate and attend the Unity Cup at Rumbalara on Saturday.
The Unity Cup aims to promote social inclusion and celebrates women’s role in creating strong communities.
This was a wonderful event with the Governor, aboriginal elders and many women walking across the oval with the men forming a guard of honour.
In parliament I had the opportunity to raise several matters of concern for Goulburn Valley residents.
I used my question without notice to ask the Minister for Water to protect northern Victorian irrigators from untargeted water buybacks by the federal government.
Our region has sacrificed over one third of its water from productive use because of the Basin Plan, with further uncertainty surrounding the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing an additional 450 GL of water for the
environment.

This could further reduce irrigation deliveries in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District by, in the order of, 200 GL.
This would be a major blow for the regions jobs and productivity.
I’ve asked the state government to commission an independent study into the socio-economic impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan to date.
I also raised an issue that’s close to my heart, the lack of autism services in our region.
I am told that many children in our region are not receiving enough specialised care whilst at school, resulting in them missing out or falling behind.
I have asked the Minister to investigate what is being done to address this dearth in services.
The Road Safety Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced this week.
I spoke in support of the bill, which will allow Victoria Police to require a blood test from a driver or other person in charge of a motor vehicle where the vehicle is involved in a fatality or serious injury collision, to enable that blood test to be analysed for the presence of drugs.
You can read my speech here http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/2eda220f-ccfb-4183-ab8e-180e9ce9f1d4/1/doc/
During the sitting week I also caught up with crossbenchers, had briefings on parliamentary procedures and upcoming bills.
This week I will be out and about in the electorate, please come and say hi if we cross paths.
Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-10 00:31:052020-02-07 02:46:46Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Shepparton District Public Transport forgotten, again

August 9, 2015/in Media Releases

Shepparton District has again been forgotten by the Andrews Labor Government, missing out on the Homesafe trial announced yesterday.

Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said she was disappointed the Homesafe trial, which includes late night V/Line bus services bound for Bendigo, Ballarat, Traralgon and Geelong, does not make mention of the fifth largest region in the state.

It comes after more than 110 Shepparton District residents called for more frequent, fast and direct services at a Public Transport Victoria (PTV) consultation in the city last week.

“It’s very disappointing that yet again Shepparton has not been included in a state-wide public transport initiative,” Ms Sheed said.

“We’ve demonstrated how important investment in rail services is again and again, by travelling to Melbourne en masse to meet with the Minister for Transport and coming together in large numbers again last week to lobby PTV for more services.

“But we’re still being ignored, which has been the case for years under both parties.”

In announcing the trial the Minister for Public Transport said “people who live in the outer suburbs and regional areas shouldn’t have to miss out on Melbourne’s vibrant night life. This trial is about giving them a safe and affordable way to get home.”

But Ms Sheed said that was not the case for Shepparton District residents.

“The last train to Shepparton on a Saturday night departs at 6.32pm, which doesn’t allow people to attend the football, theatre or any of the other great events people living in large regional cities can enjoy, in the knowledge they can catch public transport home into the early hours of the morning,” she said.

“It’s not fair and I again call on the Minister for Public Transport to invest in extra Shepparton District rail services.”

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-09 23:17:272020-02-07 02:45:14Shepparton District Public Transport forgotten, again

Sheed calls on state government to address underinvestment in Autism Services

August 7, 2015/in Media Releases

Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the Minister for Education to detail what is being done to address the chronic underinvestment in services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ms Sheed said she had been contacted by parents and stakeholders frustrated with the lack of services for children in the Goulburn Valley.

“I am very concerned about the lack of services in rural and regional Victoria for young people on the Autism Spectrum,” Ms Sheed said.

“While there have been a number of services established in Melbourne, and some regional areas, they have not been rolled out in the Shepparton District.”

 

Ms Sheed raised the matter in parliament on Tuesday, after being contacted by the coordinator of the Shepparton Resource, Information, Support and Education Centre.

The service provides assistance to families of children with additional needs and currently supports 210 families, the majority of which have at least one child on the autism spectrum disorder.

“The coordinator says her working week involves phone calls from parents saying that they have serious issues with the schools their children attend in terms of lack of services and lack of funding,” Ms Sheed said.

“This leads to children being able to attend school on only a part-time basis, which has a detrimental effect on their education and their future.”

Ms Sheed said she was pleased the government was reviewing the Program for Students with Disabilities, with an advisory panel including representatives from principals’ groups, Australian Association of Special Education, Parents Victoria, AMAZE (Autism Victoria), the Specific Learning Difficulties (SPELD) Victoria, the Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne to be consulted on how schools can best support students with special needs, including those with autism and dyslexia.

“It is my hope the review will identify the need for more assistance for children on the Autism Spectrum in the Shepparton District, and that it will result in real investment so all children in the region can reach their full potential.”

ENDS

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-07 05:26:402020-02-07 02:45:16Sheed calls on state government to address underinvestment in Autism Services

Sheed calls on state government to protect Australia’s food bowl

August 6, 2015/in Media Releases

Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the state government to protect northern Victorian irrigators from potential future untargeted water buybacks by the federal government.

Ms Sheed said untargeted water buybacks hurt the rural and regional communities that rely on irrigated agriculture.

She also called on the state government to commission an independent study into the socio-economic impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan to date.

 

 

“The Commonwealth Government’s Agricultural White Paper commits to developing irrigation in northern Australia and funding dams,” she said.

“At the same time the Commonwealth is drying off Victorian irrigation areas that have productive land, existing modernised irrigation infrastructure and a capable food processing industry.

“This makes no sense.”

Ms Sheed said the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District already had a $1.8 billion irrigation modernisation project underway to save water and strengthen agricultural productivity in the region.

She said the region had sacrificed over one third of its water from productive use because of the Basin Plan, with further uncertainty surrounding the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing an additional 450 GL of water for the environment.

“This could further reduce irrigation deliveries in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District by, in the order of, 200 GL. This would be a major blow for the regions jobs and productivity,” she said.

“At a time when we are being told that there are great opportunities for growing our food exports this is being put at risk because further water could be taken from productive use.”

Ms Sheed said there was a great deal of concern in the Goulburn Murray about the adverse socio-economic impact water reform has had.
“Indeed a meeting of over 1000 people at Barham on the Murray River last month provided an opportunity for those in attendance to articulate their particular concerns in relation to losses of population, services, jobs and productivity in their local communities,” she said.

“Given that the Commonwealth has said it will not take more water where an adverse socio-economic outcome will occur it is essential that Victoria gathers the necessary evidence and information now to fight off any further incursions.”

The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water responded to Ms Sheed’s call for protection for northern irrigators in question time.
The Minister said she had asked the Commonwealth to provide assurances that they would not buy any more water in northern Victoria.

“We believe that through the system of modernisation, through efficiencies and through irrigation upgrades, we can deliver the savings that we promised and committed to under the Murray Darling Basin Plan,” she said.

“I reemphasize that Victoria has done the heavy lifting in this case. We do need New South Wales to come on board and we do need the Commonwealth to come on board, and that is the message that we will be delivering when we attend the Murray-Darling Basin meeting on 14 August.”

Ms Sheed also sought assurances from the Minister that the state government will work with stakeholders in northern Victoria to ensure they are not adversely affected by any potential demands of further water savings out of Victoria.

“After our 14 August meeting I will be in a position to come and talk further with the local community about where we are heading and what the issues are,” the Minister said.

“I think we will need to work very closely with the local community so we can continue to get that balance right around the healthy environment for our Murray River and also the irrigators in the area.”

ENDS

Click here for a pdf

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-08-06 23:38:002020-02-07 02:45:16Sheed calls on state government to protect Australia’s food bowl
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5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
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