January, 2022 - Suzanna Sheed

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has again called on the Victorian Government to support Shepparton’s medical supplies manufacturer Med-Con, following the Federal Government’s five-year medical mask contract with the company.

“I commend the Federal Government for supporting our local medical supplies manufacturer and it is time the Victorian Government also purchased their personal protective equipment from this Victorian-run business,” Ms Sheed said.

In August last year, Ms Sheed called on the Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley, the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, and every other state and territory minister, to support the local manufacturer.

Minister Foley said he had asked the state health department and health agencies (including those engaged with the Federal Government) to support purchasing personal protective equipment from Med-Con.

Ms Sheed called on Mr Foley to revisit his request to the health department and health agencies to secure a deal like that of the Federal Government.

“When the pandemic started in early 2020, Med-Con was the only Australian medical mask manufacturer,” Ms Sheed said.

“They stepped up to the demand when our community and medical staff needed supplies and when the cheaper supplies from overseas returned to our market, Med-Con was forced to reduce its output.

“We must remember that supporting such vital local suppliers is important to our sovereignty as a state and a nation.

“Victorians need to support one another during this pandemic and into the future. “A contract for medical masks with both the Federal and State Governments would bolster Med-Con and increase job opportunities in our district.”

ENDS

Media contact
Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed the Victorian Government’s funding announcement for two prominent arts organisations, totalling more than $1.4 million.

Kaiela Arts received a Creative Enterprise Grant of $1million as well as a $44,000 Covid-19 recovery payment, while the Shepparton Arts Festival was granted $400,000. Kaiela Arts will receive $250,000 per year for the next four years, instead of the Victorian Government’s previous $75,000 annual investment and Shepparton Festival’s allocation of funds was boosted from $75,000 annually to $100,000 for the next four years.

Ms Sheed was pleased with the funding allocation and said it showed the Victorian Government saw the hard work and dedication of the Shepparton arts community.

“While one-off grants are always welcome, recurrent funding of these organisations is important to ensure their ongoing viability and continuity within our community,” Ms Sheed said. “To have the assurance of funding for several years in advance is welcome and particularly in the environment that has been extremely challenging over the course of the last two years.

“We have some of the most spectacular arts initiatives right on our doorstep and every year they are gaining more popularity with our residents and visitors.

“These organisations each offer ways to showcase our strong cultural history, our friendly and diverse community, and the talents of our local artists.

“The injection of $1 million to Kaiela Arts will strengthen the gallery’s position in the new Shepparton Arts Museum, making it a drawcard for visitors from far and wide to see our stunning Indigenous art and heritage on display.

“It will not only attract art enthusiasts as well as those interested in our rich Indigenous history, but also give First Nations people further opportunity to express their creativity through traditional artwork and teach the community about their culture.

“I was pleased to be able to arrange a meeting for the Minister for Creative Arts Danny Pearson with representatives of the Shepparton Arts Festival when he was in Shepparton in early December, and he was able to see firsthand the new home of Kaiela Arts at the Shepparton Art Museum opening event.

“This funding represents a generous increase in recurrent funding enabling both organisations to continue and expand their offerings to the Goulburn Valley community.”

ENDS
Media contact
Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au

Sheed calls on Victorian Government to support Med-Con

Sheed welcomes Shepparton arts funding

Get in touch with Suzanna

Get in touch with Suzanna