The Sebastopol community and visitors will now come together to play, socialise and be active in a new accessible park, made possible by the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today represented Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing to officially open Sebastopol’s transformed MR Power Park.
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting education, skills and innovation in the heart of Victoria’s second biggest regional city, with the launch of Federation University’s Co-operative Centre of Excellence. Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today opened the new centre for industry and education in Ballarat’s CBD – made possible by a $9.5 million Labor Government investment.
Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat will be safer and more accessible for all theatre goers thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the theatre to mark the start of Stage 3 restoration work on the nearly 150-year-old landmark, supported by a $10 million Labor Government investment through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
Primary school students in Wendouree can look forward to brand new learning facilities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today announced Forest Street Primary School will be improved, with local builder Nicholson Construction appointed to carry out the works.
Geotechnical testing will begin at Eureka Stadium’s playing field this weekend as the Andrews Labor Government gets the ball rolling on works for the home of athletics at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Andrews Labor Government is improving accessibility at more than 80 priority bus stops across the state to increase access to public transport, including in Ballarat. Works are now underway in Ballarat on the first six stops to be upgraded under the project and at least 80 bus stops are planned for upgrading across the state by June 2024 under the project.
The Andrews Labor Government is getting to work on upgrading a major interchange in Ballarat which will improve traffic flow and cater to the demands of the growing residential community. The $5.6 million upgrade will build a new roundabout at the Western Freeway and Ballarat-Maryborough Road interchange, as well as install shared user path facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Andrews Labor Government’s half-a-billion-dollar redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital is a step closer, with a builder appointed to deliver the next stage of the major project. Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today announced John Holland has been appointed to deliver stage two of the $541 million redevelopment, which includes the new power supply building and support services building on Drummond Street.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver a major upgrade to the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for more families to enjoy. We’ll invest up to $8.4 million towards new facilities at the popular Marty Busch Reserve, delivering new sporting spaces that the whole community can be proud of.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will support the Continuous Voices Survivors Memorial in Ballarat. We’ll provide a $500,000 grant to help build the first Australian memorial to acknowledge all survivors of sexual violence.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will support Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre with an $80,000 grant, ensuring our hardworking volunteers can continue to provide the services that our community needs.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver new PET scanners for better patient care at eight hospitals across the state – ensuring Victorian patients have the care and compassion they deserve.
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver cheaper public transport fares, more VLocity trains and extra weekend services on our regional rail network, as part of a $1 billion package to give regional commuters a better ride.
The Andrews Labor Government is more than doubling the capacity of Victoria’s Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) network, giving more young Victorians access to the mental health care and support they need. Acting Minister for Mental Health Colin Brooks today announced the sites for new YPARC centres in Heidelberg, Traralgon, Shepparton, Ballarat and Geelong.
The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative with the infrastructure it needs to grow and thrive. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced three separate grants for BADAC to support the organisation’s work with local Aboriginal artists and community.
Victoria’s strong economy is continuing to drive a dynamic labour market with the regional unemployment rate at a near all-time record low – and the lowest of all the states. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released this week show that the regional unemployment rate is 2.9 per cent, while the national rate sits at 3.1 per cent.
Ballarat will welcome visitors from near and far in 2023 for the 10th anniversary of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale with new support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced that the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a successful funding recipient from the Andrews Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.
Works will begin on lighting up Ballarat’s iconic Lake Wendouree so locals can enjoy the precinct for more hours of the day, all year round thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.