Media Releases

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced a $2 million plan to help charities in response to calls from across the state, including in Echuca, of illegal dumping at their outlets.

The Nationals local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced the funding to support charity organisations to reduce dumping and to cover the cost of disposing of waste. 

“It is pleasing that the Echuca community responded to calls from local charities to stop dumping items such as old televisions at outlets in the area that had caused additional work for volunteers and increased unwanted costs for appropriate disposal,” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller said charities do a fantastic job in supporting the community and staff and volunteers should not have to spend their precious time or charitable funds acting as waste disposal outlets. 

“These funds will assist charities in the future with the problem of unwanted rubbish as they must also pay for rubbish to be sent to landfill,” he said.

Mr Weller said the message was clear that broken, old, stained or out-dated items such as televisions, computers, fridges, beds, mattresses and sofas and even building waste or chemicals should not be dumped at charity outlets and should go to an official recycling and waste facility. 

The State Government package for charity organisations includes $500,000 for efforts to help stem the flow of illegally dumped waste and $1.5 million in landfill levy relief to help pay for rubbish sent to landfill.

“We will work with the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) on the best ways to effectively solve this problem – including community education, signage, lighting, fencing and security,” Mr Weller said. 

“We want to end the practice of people dumping waste on charities so they can devote their precious time and resources to help families in need,” he said.

Mr Weller said the community needed to be aware that illegal dumping at any charity outlet is classified as littering and can attract fines as well as a potential report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

The EPA hotline for illegal dumping is 1300 372 842 and if you see someone dumping waste you can report it by recording the offender’s vehicle registration number.

Mr Weller also encouraged local residents to use their regional official recycling and waste facility and to find out more information for their town to contact their local council.

Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has spoken in the Victorian Parliament about the importance of volunteers in our Electorate and how they are the heart and soul of our communities.

May 14^th - 20^th is National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme, Volunteers – Every One Counts, is aimed at acknowledging the efforts of every single volunteer in our community. 

“Volunteers make an important contribution to the broader community and there are many groups, organisations and services that would simply not exist if not for the hard work of our countless volunteers,” Mr Weller said.

“Across the Rodney Electorate volunteers give their time on our sporting fields, in our schools, at our festivals and events, in our hospitals and importantly, offer important support to our State Emergency Service and the Country Fire Authority during emergencies and natural disaster recovery efforts,” he said.

It is estimated that 6 million Australians volunteer every year and to support this volunteer effort, the Victorian Coalition Government has released a Volunteering Portal. 

The Portal has been set up to help attract, recruit, retain and manage volunteers across the state and since the free online community resource was launched in September 2010 there have been 510,000 searches by potential volunteers.

The resource aims to support volunteering by informing, supporting and inspiring people to volunteer, as well as provide tools and resources for volunteer-involving organisations in all sectors.

In addition, the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has established an Emergency Volunteer Register as a resource for local councils in the event of an emergency.

This Emergency Volunteer Register is available on the Volunteering Portal and has been implemented to manage the registration of spontaneous volunteers who want to help with disaster recovery and clean up.

The Register aims to help reduce the number of well-intentioned spontaneous volunteers coming to areas affect by an emergency, which can potentially add to the pressure on local councils and those managing a disaster.

Members of the public who wish to help in emergency recovery efforts are encouraged to register their details with the Register on the Volunteering Portal instead of contacting local councils or travelling straight to affected areas.

Members of the community can visit www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au to learn more about activities and events for this year’s National Volunteer Week and for information about the Volunteer Portal and Emergency Volunteer Register. 

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller is pleased to announce $6,500 in State Government funding for the McIvor Neighbourhood House Learner Marketing and Promotional Project.

The McIvor Neighbourhood House was one of more than 60 Learn Local organisations across the state to receive grants totaling $2.3 million.

The Heathcote-based organisation hopes to better serve the needs of adult learners in the local region.

Mr Weller said the grants will help adult community education Learn Local organisations like the McIvor Neighbourhood House to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses, increase participation and retain learners.

"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills and these funds will help further enhance education and training,” Mr Weller said.

“I pass on my congratulations to all successful applicants from this third round of funding” he said.

The funds for the Heathcote-based group were provided through round three of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.

"The ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs and to boost participation and learning," Mr Weller said.

"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners,” he said.

Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.

In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped thousands of people to new education and employment pathways.

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has invited members of the local community to nominate a local hero to be profiled on his website.

Mr Weller said the Local Hero initiative provides a platform for individuals to be recognised in the community for their outstanding contribution.

“Local heroes can be recognised for their volunteer work of for their efforts on the job,” Mr Weller said.

“The initiative also allows for the hard work of many groups and organisation to be profiled and for them to gain exposure they might not usually receive,” he said.

“Through my work I meet many amazing individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes and many who do not expect recognition or accolades for the outstanding work they do throughout the Rodney Electorate,” Mr Weller said.

“The Local Hero initiative is a great way to profile those individuals who deserves acknowledgment for their commitment to put something back into our communities,” he said.

“And this acknowledgement is an important tribute to all those individuals who inspire us to give our time and energy for the benefit of others.”

Any member of the community can nominate a local hero and the website is updated regularly to profile people from all corners of the Rodney Electorate.

Anyone who would like to nominate someone can do so by completing the form under the Local Hero tab on the website at www.paulweller.com.au.

For additional information you can contact Paul Weller’s office in Echuca on 03 5482 2039.

Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has described his attendance at Anzac Day services across the Rodney Electorate year as an honour and a privilege.

Mr Weller attended commemorative ceremonies in Stanhope, Echuca, Torrumbarry and Nathalia and described Anzac Day as a day for all Australians to acknowledge.

“It is a day that gives us a reason to pause and remember the sacrifice, courage and mateship of all men and women who have served this country during times of war, armed conflicts and in peacekeeping operations,” Mr Weller said.

“As time marches on it is appropriate for all members of the community to consider how we continue to remember the fallen and how best to commemorate the sacrifices our armed service men and women have made, and are still making today, for the freedom of our great nation,” he said.

“In visiting Anzac Day services across my Electorate I have witnessed the Anzac Spirit both in the faces of those who remember all too well the sacrifices made and in the faces of the young who can only begin to understand the reasons for the freedom they enjoy today,” he said.

Mr Weller said there are many ways in which we can help bridge the gap between those who have experienced, first-hand, the horrors of war and the younger generations.

A new publication, Kokoda: Exploring the Second World War Campaign in Papua New Guinea was released as a secondary school education resource by the Department of Veteran Affairs in March this year.

This resource was developed to mark the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and contains 12 units of teaching and learning activities for secondary school students.

“Through this book, students can learn about the significance and strategic importance of Kokoda and about modern day pilgrimages to the site,” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller has also encouraged local schools to consider the annual Anzac Day Schools' Awards - designed to encourage initiative and creativity in the way that schools commemorate Anzac Day.

“The awards have an emphasis on inventiveness balanced with tradition and help educate our school children about the sacrifices of our armed services,” Mr Weller said.

The closing date for Anzac Day Schools’ Award for 2012 is Friday 25th May 2012.

For more information about the Anzac Day Schools' Awards Information Pack, please call a Commemorations Officer on 133 254 or email commemorations@dva.gov.au.

To find out more about the Kokoda resource or any other resources relating to our armed services visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au.

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has attended a bi-partisan Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries consultation session in Shepparton before visiting the Echuca Public Library where there was a hive of activity from school holiday visitors and regular users.

In this ‘National Year of Reading’, Mr Weller has also announced the Victorian State Government’s ‘Victorians Love Libraries’ campaign, launched to boost the profile and membership of local libraries.

“Our local libraries are an icon community service provided by councils and supported by the State Government and are a highly valued and important community resource,” Mr Weller said.

The consultation session in Shepparton conducted by the State Government was an opportunity for Mr Weller to be involved in a comprehensive review of the future role and functions of public libraries in Victoria.

“Public Libraries roles are changing and evolving in this digital age. However one thing remains the same and that is that our public libraries are an important community service allowing members of the public to access information”, Mr Weller said.

Echuca’s brand new library is set for completion in September with work on the $5.1 million project on schedule, with funding of $500,000 coming from the Victorian State Government.

Meanwhile the existing Echuca Public Library continues to offer an array of services including the ‘yourtutor’ homework help resource, genealogical resources, author visits and children’s programs.

A $240,000 upgrade to the Cohuna Memorial Hall has been completed and officially opened by Member for Rodney, Paul Weller.

Representing the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan Mr Weller said the Cohuna Memorial Hall, deemed as the hub of the town, is used regularly by the local community.

“The Cohuna Memorial Hall is an important asset to the local community of Cohuna as it is constantly used for community meetings, training sessions, conferences and exhibitions,” Mr Weller said.

The upgrade works on the Cohuna Memorial Hall included the provision of a new air-conditioner and double servery kitchen in the hall centre.

Mr Weller said after the previous kitchen had been demolished, footings under the supper room has been stabilised and the timber floor replaced.

“The Hall will now better suit the needs of the many local community groups who use this popular facility,” he said.

The kitchen has also been fitted with a commercial oven, boil unit, a cool room and dishwasher and safety standards were also applied, including a power supply conforming to the relevant Australian standards.

Mr Weller said the Victorian Coalition Government had provided $180,000 towards the project, with the Gannawarra Shire Council contributing $60,000.

“The State Government is committed to supporting community projects that make a difference, such as the Cohuna Memorial Hall upgrade,” he said.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said ultimately projects such as these will increase the capacity of regional communities to drive development in their regions and assist with the growth of the local service industry.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is an example of the government’s commitment towards the continued economic development of regional Victoria, by investing in services and infrastructure,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Victorian Government has a commitment to drive regional development across the state and to ensure regional Victoria remains a key contributor to our future growth and prosperity,” he said.

Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller is urging members of the community to vote for their town and get ready to tidy up for this year’s Tidy Town – Sustainable Communities Awards.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tidy Town – Sustainable Communities Awards that now incorporates a major sustainable-communities component.

“The awards have grown over the years to encompass sustainability activities as diverse as reducing waste, preserving heritage and culture, saving energy, improving biodiversity and conserving water,” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller said the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards were a great way to recognise those who made a real difference in their community and to help create a healthier and more sustainable Victoria.

“The Awards recognise and celebrate the many different ways that regional Victorian communities have taken action to keep their community tidy and to improve their environment,” he said.

The Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards’ judges will be looking for: 

• Instigation and Innovation - how the initiative has come about and what makes it different.  
• Community Action - how the organisers have excited and engaged the local community and how the community has participated.  
• Commitment and Management - how the initiative has been managed, whether it's still active and what the community's perception is.  
• Public Awareness and Education - how the local community has been kept informed of the initiative and what the community has learned.  
• Overall Result - what the community and environmental benefit is and the overall result of the initiative.  
• Ongoing Maintenance and Development - what the future plans are for the initiative.  

The Tidy Town - Sustainable Communities Awards are for communities in regional Victoria and last year 95 entrants from across the state competed for the awards.

Mr Weller encourages communities across the Rodney Electorate to become involved and wishes all those entering the awards the best of luck.

Entries close on May 11^th 2012 and to enter online visit www.sustainabity.vic.gov.au/kabv.

The Committee for Echuca-Moama (C4EM) has secured a $20,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant to assist with the development of its inaugural strategic plan.

Funding for the strategic plan was announced in State Parliament this week by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan.

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has commended the Government’s decision to support C4EM - a group that focuses on identifying priority projects, initiatives and issues that are crucial to the future economic and social prosperity of Echuca-Moama.

“I congratulate the Committee for Echuca-Moama, as an innovative, strategic and independent not-for-profit organisation for an initiative that places importance on local community interests and getting results,” Mr Weller said.

The C4EM was established in July 2011 with an aim to address local issues in a unified way, to grow and nurture district leaders, foster investment and develop both public and private partnerships within the community.

Chief Executive Officer of C4EM, Hayden Cock said the development of the strategic plan was a critical next step for the organisation.

“The plan will be developed by C4EM members to reflect their vision and aspirations for the future growth and prosperity of Echuca-Moama,” Mr Cock said.

“It will act as the blueprint for seeking action from the relevant levels of government and other stakeholders and for the advancement and delivery of the identified priority projects and initiatives,” he said.

“C4EM is extremely grateful to local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller for his support of the committee’s application for funding, to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan and the Victorian Government for making the grant available,” he said.

The strategic plan funding has been made available through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program, a $100 million initiative that enables regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities.

Mr Weller said the Coalition Government initiative aims to support stronger and more sustainable regional communities and to build their capacity to drive economic and social development in their regions.

“Groups like the C4EM play an important role in advocating for regional interests and priorities and build capacity for the community to develop local solutions,” Mr Weller said.

The strategic plan is expected to be finalised in May following an extensive member engagement process over the next six weeks.