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CANCER STATISTICS SHOW NEED FOR SERVICE AT GVH

October 26, 2016/0 Comments/in Media Releases /by Suzanna Sheed

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the Federal Government to immediately invest in radiotherapy treatment for Goulburn Valley Health

This call comes as the Garvan Research Foundation study released today, shows cancer mortality rates increased the further away a patient resides from a major capital city.

“The Shepparton District was found to be in the “inner regional” area – an area with the highest rates of prostate cancer, breast cancer in women, colorectal cancer, skin melanomas, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and kidney cancer.

“The study found, the further a cancer patient lives from a major city, the more likely they are to die within five years of diagnosis.  This is not a statistic on which we should be happy to settle,” Ms Sheed said.

“It also found the chemotherapy drop-out rate for rural public hospitals is more than half, and the rates for those who access radiotherapy treatment are much worse,” she said.

Ms Sheed said now is the opportune time for the Federal Government to invest in Goulburn Valley Health.

It follows the Pink Ribbon Breakfast on Sunday, with guest speaker Dr Kerryn Phelps.

“In her address, Dr Phelps said how surprised she was Shepparton does not have radiotherapy unit.

“With Albury joining Bendigo in opening its Cancer Centre this year, Shepparton must follow suit.

“We have a local oncology facility, and a major rebuild of our hospital on the horizon with the $169mill announced by the State Government in April.

“Patients should not have to suffer hours of travel to Albury, Bendigo or Melbourne for radiotherapy treatment when they are so often feeling so unwell,” Ms Sheed said.

“I intend to raise this matter with the Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy, requesting that she advocate for such a service in Shepparton with her Federal counterpart.

Cancer is the greatest burden of disease in Australia, but it does not have to be the burden for patients and their families where more efficient service delivery on a local level can help to lighten the load,” Ms Sheed said.

Ends

Media contact

Sueanne McCumstie 0428 743 880│sueanne.mccumstie@parliament.vic.gov.au

 

Click here for 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 Sheed2016-10-26 05:24:152020-02-07 02:45:39CANCER STATISTICS SHOW NEED FOR SERVICE AT GVH

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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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 Sheed2016-10-20 01:14:062020-02-07 02:46:53October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Minister for Housing comes to Shepparton

October 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

Minister Foley Announcements

I was pleased to join Minister for Housing Martin Foley in Shepparton last week for three special announcements.

First was the official opening of the city’s Youth Foyer.  This is a particularly special place, which will be an asset to the young community, as they strive to finish their education. 

The Minister and I also stopped at Rural Housing, where met with a victim of domestic violence.  She discussed the importance to her of stable housing when attempting to leave a violent relationship.  Meanwhile, six properties for Shepparton have been funded under the Rapid Housing Program, as part of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

We were greeted by plenty of smiling happy faces, as we saw the youngest of Shepparton’s Black Eagles basketball team in action.  The club, along with the Greater Shepparton City Council, and Moira Shire have received Ice Action grants to deliver workshops, forums, local campaigns, training and engagement with young people.

GV Health update

I have now met with both the Chief Psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer regarding the respective inquiries into the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and Goulburn Valley Health.

Both acknowledged the concerns which have been raised, and I am pleased with the immediate government response after I raised it in Parliament on August 30.

Action has already been taken at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service to ensure there is adequate staffing, and that all staff are aware of patient and community concerns.

Meanwhile, I had a productive discussion with the Chief Medical Officer regarding a number the issues raised with me by constituents about many aspects of the operations at Goulburn Valley Health.

Basin Plan study tabled

The draft socio economic study into the impact of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has been tabled at the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Leadership Forum this week.

It’s a strong document which will help in a campaign for fairer water policy.

The draft will be launched at the group’s second Water Summit in coming weeks.

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 Sheed2016-10-20 00:41:392020-02-07 02:46:53Minister for Housing comes to Shepparton

Minister for Emergency Services visits

October 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

Emergency Services funding

I believe it was valuable for Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino to meet with members at the Shepparton CFA Integrated Station during his visit to the area on Wednesday.

While the EBA agreement has been signed, there is still significant debate which is consuming Parliament, and it’s time this dispute comes to an end, for the betterment of our volunteer and career firefighters.

I’m looking forward to attending the Tatura Fire Brigade Presentation Dinner on Saturday night.

I was with Minister Merlino yesterday as he handed over a new joint trailer to the Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad.  It’s another great emergency service, run by volunteers, which we are so fortunate to have in our region.

Breakfast Club Partnership

A great boost to our region, as Foodbank Victoria signs with two Goulburn Valley companies to deliver its Breakfast Club program.

Pactum Dairy will be delivering its UHT milk to schools, while baked beans will be sourced from SPC from Term 1 next year.

Affordable Housing Boost

I look forward to attending the Mooroopna West Affordable Housing Project today.

Twelve three-bedroom homes, and eight four-bedroom homes have been built with environmentally friendly features under this program, where the State Government invested $2.6mill, partnering with the Commonwealth.

With such long waiting lists for affordable housing in the community, this is a welcome development.

Community Visit

I will be visiting Wunghnu on Tuesday, September 6.

Community members living in and around the township who wish to speak to me can feel free to drop into the 1U Café on the Goulburn Valley Highway from 3pm.

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 Sheed2016-10-20 00:34:182020-02-07 02:46:52Minister for Emergency Services visits

SPC Insight

October 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

SPC site visit  

I was fortunate to have been invited to tour Shepparton’s SPC factory this week, particularly to have a look at its latest tomato processing line, launched earlier this year.

This was the result of a $100million investment from its parent company Coca Cola Amatil, and the State Government.

Looking back on where the company was at that point, it’s a great reminder on the importance of buying locally made produce.

We do make the cleanest, greenest product in Australia.  We should be proud of that, and look for our Goulburn Valley products on the shelves.

Dairy business assistance

Workshops and small business mentoring sessions are being made available in Strathmerton next week for those affected by the dairy crisis.

Hosted by Small Business Victoria, and Regional Development Victoria, together with local Councils, the free initiative aims to provide support for businesses in our dairy communities.

There are two options:

  • A two hour Small Business Resilience Workshop, focussed on creating business resilience, and looks at how to conduct a financial health check.
  • An Individual Small Business Mentoring session, which gives access to individual and confidential mentoring from an experienced mentor in a private session, following the workshops.

For further information, visit www.business.vic.gov.au

CFA dispute continues

I am arranging to meet with the new Minister for Emergency Services Minister, to go over the finer details of the latest version of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, and raise the concerns relayed to me by my constituents.

I remain supportive of our dedicated CFA volunteers, and I’m sad some have come out stating they are looking for options to stand alone as an independent organisation, as a result of this bitter dispute.

It’s another example of why this dispute must be brought to an end, now.

Queen’s Birthday honours

I congratulate all those who received Queen’s Birthday honours this week, particularly those in the Shepparton district.

The posthumous honour for former deputy mayor, Alan Sutherland was well deserved for his tireless efforts in the community, while Azem Elmaz is a familiar face for his tremendous effort in operating the People Supporting People soup kitchen.  There are very few people like Azem, who will also close their own business, to feed emergency service volunteers in times of crisis.

I also commend Mark Rumble, for his remarkable efforts both locally and overseas, where he set up a state-of-the-art hospital in Kenya, and Ross Wilkinson who received an Emergency Services Medal after 20 years of service to the vital Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad.

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 Sheed2016-10-20 00:02:502020-02-07 02:46:52SPC Insight

Dairy Crisis

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

Rally at Parliament House

 Dairy farmers united in great numbers to rally on the steps of the Parliament last Wednesday. The rally organised by Farmer Power was successful in gaining national media attention to the dairy crisis. I used my Members Statement in parliament to draw attention to the current situation and what I have been hearing from dairy farmers in my electorate over the past few weeks. It has been pleasing to see the responses from both the State and Federal Governments so far.

Livestock Disease Control

Last week in Parliament I spoke in support of the Livestock Disease Control Amendment Bill 2016. Biosecurity cannot be compromised on and this bill was designed to strengthen processes within Victoria to ensure that animal movements are tracked and diseases such as anthrax and bovine Johnnes controlled. A dairy cow in Tatura died from anthrax in February of 2015. 

We are most anxious in this country not to allow foot-and-mouth disease to be introduced. Many would remember the devastation it has caused in other countries. The Hendra virus, a disease of horses has been contained in Queensland so far and efforts are being made to ensure that it does not spread further. This is a great challenge because it is transmitted by flying foxes of a particular variety.

Politics in Parliament

Political party shenanigans were at an all-time high resulting with the Legislative Council suspending Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings MP because of his refusal to produce certain documents to the House which he claimed were confidential.

 I urged Parliament to move on from the political manoeuvring and said that the people of Victoria would, in my opinion, be very unimpressed with how much parliamentary time had been spent on the issue instead of getting on with the important job of debating the five Bills before Parliament. I decided to abstain from voting on these issues brought about by political party infighting.

Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services

I have been a member of the Family and Community Development Committee and throughout the past year it has examined abuse in disability services in our State. The committee heard often challenging evidence from parents and families, service providers, advocacy groups and the Department of Health and Human Services. Some 49 recommendations have been made to the government to address what is clearly widespread abuse in disability services within this state. The recommendations include mandatory reporting of abuse, up skilling of the disability workforce and a broader range of powers for the Disability Commissioner to investigate and deal with complaints.

Follow link for a full copy of the Report http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/1851

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 Sheed2016-10-19 23:49:202020-02-07 02:46:53Dairy Crisis

Suzanna’s Blog

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

Dairy Industry Crisis

Since the current price adjustments were announced by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra in early May I have had numerous briefings and discussions with various stakeholders.  Our local dairy farmers and associated industries have been delivered some very shocking news and the ramifications continue to unfold.  I have spoken to farmers, Murray Goulburn, Agri-business branches, G M Water, Murray Diary, VFF, UDV and Rural Financial Counselling Service, along with other affected individuals and organisations. At this stage it is impossible to quantify the impact on our farmers and our region but we know without a doubt there will be life changing decisions being made by some business and families in our district.

I urge all community members to be conscious and mindful of the challenges being faced and offer support to friends and family where possible. Our district was built on a love and respect of the land, farming and our rural industries and we must continue to work together to ensure we pull through the very difficult times ahead. One of the biggest challenges we face is recognising when we or our neighbours aren’t coping and inevitably will require assistance from professionals, government agencies and others. I encourage farmers to seek assistance and remain engaged in open and constructive discussions with friends, family business associates and government through this challenging period.

Celebrating Volunteers        

Last week I had the pleasure of presenting three Awards to Vision Australia volunteers in Shepparton, during volunteer week.  Maria Presti, Geraldine Humphrey and Teresa Manno have all contributed 20 years of service volunteering with Vision Australia Shepparton. It is astonishing to consider the aggregated amount of time, knowledge and skills that are provided to community organisations annually. I congratulate all award recipients during volunteer week in the District of Shepparton who received acknowledgement. I also wish to make mention of the unsung volunteers in our region that continue to selflessly give back to our community. It is the enthusiasm and service of these individuals that makes our district a wonderful place to live.

 

Minister Allan visit     

The budget announcement of an extra train service to Shepparton and improvements to our Railway Station and bus shelters was welcomed news. The Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan visited Shepparton last week to discuss the planned improvements that were announced in the Victorian Budget 2016/17. While this announcement is a positive step forward, there is still much work to do in improving the quality and frequency of the rail services to our region and I will keep advocating strongly for more and better services.

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 Sheed2016-10-19 23:25:172020-02-07 02:46:51Suzanna’s Blog

Great News!

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

GV Health $168.5 million Redevelopment

Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jill Hennessy recently visited GV Health to announce the $168.5 million funding commitment for the long awaited redevelopment of our Shepparton Hospital. Work will begin in 2018 and will be completed by late 2020. The new state of the art facility will include; a brand new four-storey building, three new operating theatres, two new wards, an extended Emergency Department doubling its capacity, a modernised and refurbished Maternity Unit including and a new Special Care Nursery.

We will also see an expansion and upgrade of the Dialysis Unit, including 16 new chairs and an expansion and modernisation of medical imaging services.  This significant investment in our health service will ensure GV Health is able to treat more patients, reduce wait times in both the Emergency Department and elective surgery and provide state of the art infrastructure and facilities for current and future generations. Some of the economic benefits of the redevelopment will be; more than 140 jobs created during peak construction, our new hospital will require significantly more staff, recurrent funding has been allocated to increase staff levels. Congratulations to the community in working together to achieve this magnificent outcome. The Shepparton District can now have the hospital and health services it requires and deserves.

CFA

During my adjournment debate in parliament last week I called on the Minister for Emergency Services to visit my electorate and meet with some of our local CFA Rural Fire Brigades to hear some of their concerns about proposed changes to their structure. This followed upon me having received many letters from CFA volunteers. Our CFA units play a very important part in our local community. Not only are they readily available to attend to small incidents but when major disasters such as the Black Saturday fires occur, they provide a surge capacity that allows the deployment of thousands of personnel. In addition to this, volunteering is essential to the well-being of our community and CFA’s have a history of intergenerational contribution from families in regional areas.

Click here for a PDF of my speech given in Parliament

Primary School Visits

The Victorian State Budget was released on Wednesday 27 April.  Three of our local Primary schools received a share of the School Pride and Sports Fund, Zeerust Primary School will receive $60K, WaaiaYalca South Primary School $65K and Congupna Primary School $225K. I think it is important for schools in the Shepparton District electorate that may need capital works to start planning and let me know of their needs. I am hoping to visit as many schools as I possibly can in the next 2 ½ years and want to hear of your needs and concerns-as well as the good stories!

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 Sheed2016-10-19 23:07:152020-02-07 02:46:52Great News!

Minister for Roads and Road Safety visits Shepparton

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

120 hours x 200 = a great effort

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan was in town this week to recognise the fantastic achievement of the Berry Street program L2P in Northern Victoria to celebrate its 200th licenced driver. I feel proud to represent a community that values its young people by fundraising and volunteering all these hours to drive with learner drivers under 21 years of age so they reach their 120 hours of mandatory training, which through personal circumstances they might not otherwise be able to do. A big “well done” to all involved.

Education explored

The inequity in the educational outcomes for rural and regional students when compared with the results achieved by those who live in metropolitan Melbourne needs to be addressed. We all understand a good education starts at home with great parental support, but not all children are lucky enough to have that. In Parliament I called on Education Minister James Merlino for a commitment to fund two of the excellent projects that our local educators have developed: the Better Together Alliance and the Neighbourhood Schools Project . I was heartened by Minister Merlino’s response and will meet him soon to discuss the projects’ needs.

Rail  Strain

I continue to hammer home the state of Shepparton rail services. Recently the All Aboard Campaign committee met at my office to talk tactics while in Parliament  I asked the Transport Minister whether Public Transport Victoria can research registered Myki cards to analyse where people travel from to board the train at Seymour. I think this would be a very useful bit of information in our All Aboard campaign where we’re lobbying for better and faster services between Shepparton and Melbourne. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from constituents to suggest many people drive from Shepparton and towns far beyond including Nathalia, Barmah, Numurkah, Strathmerton and Cobram to Seymour to access a more regular train service to Melbourne. I often do this myself.  I would be interested to hear your experiences!

Budget waiting game

The Victorian State Budget will be handed down by Treasurer Tim Pallas on April 27, less than three weeks away.  Minister Pallas toured Goulburn Valley Health’s Shepparton campus with me on his recent visit and gave the impression he will give serious consideration to my budget “wish list”, headed by the much-needed first stage of the GV Health redevelopment. Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo have enjoyed the benefits of the big-ticket budget items that Shepparton District has missed out on. It’s our turn.

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 Sheed2016-10-19 22:54:352020-02-07 02:46:51Minister for Roads and Road Safety visits Shepparton

Meeting with Premier

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

Recently I had a pre-budget meeting with the Premier in his Parliament House office to deliver a “wish
list” of projects that require urgent State Government attention. There were no surprises for Mr Andrews in what I had to say because I have prosecuted the case in Parliament since I was elected. I pressed the need for the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health, the upgrading of the Shepparton rail line with more services and 21st century rolling stock, and action on the Shepparton by-pass project.

Water Forum Update

The Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Water Leadership Forum, which I chair, last week had a presentation from Murray-Darling Basin Authority reps on socio-economic impact studies now being done by the authority in the northern basin. They stressed they are conducting one-on-one interviews with irrigators and will take into account the “lived experience” in the feedback they receive – themes identified already, unsurprisingly, include the water market and high water prices. The MDBA is also looking at non-irrigation benefits from the Basin Plan such as tourism and fishing. When it comes to the study being commissioned by our group specifically for this area, the MDBA staff indicated the authority was willing to share and receive information. The Water Leadership Forum canvasses the issues in a frank and robust way between Basin Plan participants that include water managers, environmental managers, irrigators and businesses; it is this sharing of ideas that I believe will generate concrete recommendations for ways in which Northern Victoria can retain and use water productively.

Fruit Picking a Hot Topic

The Contract Labour Hire Inquiry held in Shepparton was important for our region. My staff encouraged people who came to my office with grievances over wages and conditions to give evidence. The Shepparton hearing generated publicity that has helped put unethical labour hire contractors on notice right across the state. There are itinerant workers in the Goulburn Valley from December right until red apple picking finishes in April and the larger farms employ more than 100 at a time. Fruit Growers Victoria chairman Gary Godwill said very few growers are aware that if they employ contract workers who get “ripped off” by being paid below award rates they are putting themselves in a very vulnerable position. I’d like to hope all the young people who come here backpacking and take on orchard or packing shed work are treated well, enjoy their experiences and spread the word that the GV is a great place to visit and to work.

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 Sheed2016-10-19 22:38:062020-02-07 02:46:50Meeting with Premier
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