MEDIA RELEASE DANNY DA NNY PEARSON MP Building a Be tter...

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OFFICE of DANNY PEARSON MP, STATE MEMBER for ESSENDON Suite 1/28 Shuter Street, Moonee Ponds 3039 P (03) 9370 7777 F (03) 9326 0483 E [email protected] DANNY PEARSON MP Building a Better Community ESSENDON COMMUNITY NEWS – Annual Report NOVEMBER 2015 Sunday 29 November marks 12 months since my election as the State Member for Essendon. It has been a great honour to represent our electorate during this time. Our community is diverse, vibrant and resilient. I see these attributes each time I meet with constituents, visit community groups and talk with community leaders. We are all united by our desire to build a better community, and I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to this pursuit. I am delighted to present this report to my community. In its first year in office, the Andrews Government has invested over $7.9 million throughout the electorate. I am proud of the progress that has been made in delivering on the Government’s promises to our electorate. However, the work has just begun and there is so much more to accomplish over the coming months and years. I will continue to be strong and steadfast in my advocacy on behalf of our community. KEEPING OUR PROMISES Keeping promises is important, and I am committed to honouring my word to you. Strathmore Schools During this first year of government, we have honoured our commitment to education in Strathmore. We have restored the Strathmore Secondary College boundary. Families are entitled to certainty, and the new boundaries mean that from 2016, Year Seven students from Strathmore Heights and the Bulla Road strip can now enrol to attend Strathmore Secondary College. We will rebuild Strathmore Primary School. In May, the State Budget allocated $5.7 million for Strathmore Primary School to rebuild administration facilities and to refurbish classrooms and staff areas. This funding is vital for improvements that will ensure that children in the electorate have access to high-quality schools regardless of their background and where they live. As part of this commitment, the Government has announced the appointment of an architectural firm to rebuild the school. Rezoning Strathmore Secondary Rebuilding Strathmore Primary

Transcript of MEDIA RELEASE DANNY DA NNY PEARSON MP Building a Be tter...

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MEDIA RELEASE

OFFICE of DANNY PEARSON MP, STATE MEMBER for ESSENDON

Suite 1/28 Shuter Street, Moonee Ponds 3039P (03) 9370 7777 F (03) 9326 0483 E [email protected]

BODY OF TEXT

DANNY PEARSON MP Bui ld ing a Bet ter Communi ty

DANNY PEARSON MP Bui ld ing a Bet ter Communi ty

ESSENDON COMMUNITY NEWS – Annual Report N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Sunday 29 November marks 12 months since my election as the State Member for Essendon. It has been a great honour to represent our electorate during this time. Our community is diverse, vibrant and resilient. I see these attributes each time I meet with constituents, visit community groups and talk with community leaders. We are all united by our desire to build a better community, and I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to this pursuit.

I am delighted to present this report to my community. In its first year in office, the Andrews Government has invested over $7.9 million throughout the electorate. I am proud of the progress that has been made in delivering on the Government’s promises to our electorate. However, the work has just begun and there is so much more to accomplish over the coming months and years. I will continue to be strong and steadfast in my advocacy on behalf of our community.

KEEPING OUR PROMISESKeeping promises is important, and I am committed to honouring my word to you.

Strathmore SchoolsDuring this first year of government, we have honoured our commitment to education in Strathmore.

• We have restored the Strathmore Secondary College boundary. Families areentitled to certainty, and the new boundaries mean that from 2016, YearSeven students from Strathmore Heights and the Bulla Road strip can nowenrol to attend Strathmore Secondary College.

• We will rebuild Strathmore Primary School. In May, the State Budgetallocated $5.7 million for Strathmore Primary School to rebuildadministration facilities and to refurbish classrooms and staff areas.This funding is vital for improvements that will ensure that childrenin the electorate have access to high-quality schools regardless oftheir background and where they live. As part of this commitment, theGovernment has announced the appointment of an architectural firm torebuild the school.

Rezoning Strathmore Secondary

Rebuilding Strathmore Primary

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Moonee Valley RacecourseThe State Government has introduced planning controls that restrict the inappropriate redevelopment of the Moonee Valley Racecourse.

• Mandatory heights have been imposed - the only mandatory heights in theCity of Moonee Valley.

• Third-party appeal rights have been restored.

• The development will be guided by the Integrated Transport Plan that theMoonee Valley Racecourse will be required to produce in conjunction withthe City of Moonee Valley, Public Transport Victoria and VicRoads.

• The development will also need to provide community facilities includingat least 5,000 square meters of open space, child care, kindergarten andmaternal and child health rooms.

Under the former Government there were few checks and balances in place to prevent the overdevelopment of the racecourse. The intervention of the Andrews Government has now prevented this from happening.

Stopping the East West LinkThe Andrews Government negotiated to stop the East-West Link. This is a great result for our community and means that more money will now be available to proceed with Melbourne Metro.

Buckley Street Level CrossingThe Buckley Street level crossing is one of the 50 most dangerous level crossings identified to be removed over the course of the next seven years. I have met with the Minister for Public Transport, her office and the Level Crossing Removal Authority in order to ensure that the Buckley Street level crossing is removed as soon as possible. I will provide further updates about this project in early 2016.

EASING THE COST OF LIVING IN ESSENDON

Fair Go Rates CapThe Andrews Government is committed to ensuring that communities are not burdened by unsustainable rate rises. In Moonee Valley, rates have increased at an average of 6.59% over the past decade. To this end, the Andrews Government has introduced into Parliament the Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Rates) Bill 2015 which aims to ensure local councils are more accountable and transparent in their spending.

Back to Work BoostThe Andrews Government is expanding assistance to employers under the Back to Work Scheme. Getting people into permanent employment is one of the best ways that we can address social inequality and disadvantage.

Half Price Rego for ApprenticesThe Andrews Government has kept its commitment to provide Victorian apprentices with half price car registration. From 1 January, eligible apprentices paying standard registration on a light vehicle in metropolitan Melbourne will save $385.90 per year. The first round of registration renewal notices will be issued from 16 November outlining the steps for eligible trade apprentices to take advantage of the Government’s discount for apprentices.

Moonee Valley Racecourse Redevelopment

Stopping the East West Link

Buckley Street Level Crossing

Easing the Cost of Living

Helping Job Seekers and Apprentices

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BUILDING THE EDUCATION STATE IN ESSENDON

Primary and Secondary SchoolsA quality education provides our children with the best foundation for a productive life. It is also one of the key ingredients for a more just and equitable society. That’s why I am proud that the Andrews Government has invested close to $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system. This is the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.

I am proud of the Government’s investment in our electorate including:

• $250,000 to renovate the exterior of the main building at Mount Alexander College;

• $5.7 million to rebuild and refurbish Strathmore Primary School;

• $488,912 extra in needs-based funding for schools in Essendon in 2016; and

• Providing recurrent funding for non-Government schools and passing legislation that would ensure this funding must not be less than 25% of the government school recurrent funding.

Investing in the Education State will improve the educational outcomes for all students in Essendon. This means that every parent can be confident that local schools are providing the best chance for every child to achieve their potential.

KindergartensFive local kindergartens have been awarded over $30,000 in minor infrastructure grants and IT grants. The minor infrastructure grants will allow kindergartens in Essendon to upgrade playgrounds and undertake refurbishments. The IT grants will enable kindergartens to implement digital learning programs and support administrative functions. The successful kindergartens were:

• Ascot Kindergarten; • Ascot Vale Progress Kindergarten; • Goodstart Early Learning Flemington; • Showgrounds Children’s Centre; and • Wingate Avenue Children’s Cooperative.

SkillsThe Andrews Government is committed to funding Learn Local organisations such as Wingate Avenue Community Centre and Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre. Learn Locals provide accessible courses that help people develop the skills they need to gain employment or engage in further education and training. Wingate Avenue Community Centre received $50,000 to fund a careers adviser for the ‘Bridge to Successful Employment’ program. This program will enable students to find work in the local community.

BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY

Caroline Chisholm SocietyThe Andrews Government provided Caroline Chisholm Society with $950,000 to build a community services hub in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council. The Society provides vital support for vulnerable pregnant women, and parents with young children in our electorate. The funding will ensure that the Caroline Chisholm Society can continue to provide their quality services to our community.

Strathmore Secondary College

Mount Alexander College

With Progress Kindergarten President Amy Moloney

Announcing Learn Local Grant with Minister Steve Herbert

Caroline Chisholm Society Community Hub

Lowther Hall

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NDISOn 16 September, Premier Andrews signed a historic bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth outlining the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Essendon. The NDIS will be rolled out in Moonee Valley from 1 October 2018. This is a victory for the many residents and families who will benefit from the scheme.

Noise from Air Ambulance HelicoptersResidents of Strathmore and Strathmore Heights have raised with me their concerns about the noise from the helicopter fleet used by Air Ambulance Victoria. I spoke about residents’ concerns in Parliament and was very pleased when the Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy invited me to attend the unveiling of the new fleet of helicopters that will enter into service on January 1, 2016. These helicopters are bigger, quieter and have a greater range than the existing fleet. This is great news for the people of Essendon and the people of Victoria.

Improving Public Housing

Flemington residents will benefit from local initiatives including the final tranche of funding from the Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal program which comprises $230,000 aimed at connecting residents with education, training and employment. An additional $9,900 grant was awarded to Moonee Valley City Council for the Stamp Out Crime Community Action and Reporting program that aims to promote community safety and prevent crime in the local area.

Moonee Valley Legal ServiceI am very proud to support the work of the Moonee Valley Legal Service. I am particularly pleased that the Andrews Government has recognised the vital work that the Service provides to people experiencing family violence. The Safe from Harm project, developed to provide family violence support and education, has been awarded $200,000 to expand outreach services to more schools and community centres in the electorate.

Essendon Youth CouncilIt is important for Members of Parliament to engage with all members of the community. This is why I convened the Essendon Youth Council (EYC). The EYC has provided young people in our electorate with an opportunity to advise me directly about their concerns and provide their ideas for improving the lives of young Victorians. I commend our inaugural members: Jack, Laura, Reagan, Amy, Finley, Declan, Jett, James, Nathan and Abdirahman for their intelligent and enthusiastic contributions to the Essendon Youth Council.

Please contact my office if you are interested in participating in the Essendon Youth Council in 2016.

Supporting Charities and Local OrganisationsA connected community is a better community. This is why I have been enthusiastic in supporting local organisations, bringing people together to raise funds or collect material aid for the most disadvantaged members of our community. In my first term I have been proud to support the following organisations:

• International Women’s Day Evening raised $1,248.50 for UN Women National Committee Australia.

New Air Ambulance Helicopters

With Celeste from Milparinka

Flemington Housing Estate

With Lauren Hills from MVLS

Essendon Youth Council

McAuley Services for Women

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• McAuley Services for Women morning tea raised $928 to support women and children fleeing family violence.

• Collection of food, toys and other essential items for asylum seekers living in the western suburbs on behalf of local student Ella Nunan and West Welcome Wagon.

• Collection of books to help boost indigenous literacy on behalf of Books4All.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these local initiatives.

I would like to encourage local community organisations to contact me to discuss how we can work together to promote local community campaigns and to build a better community.

COMMUNITY GRANTSCommunity groups and sports clubs are the lifeblood of strong, connected communities. Many organisations are volunteer run and rely on grants to operate. I am pleased that community groups in Essendon have been successful in obtaining grants for various projects. I would like to congratulate the following organisations for their successful applications:

• Strathmore North Primary School Playgroup, Essendon Playgroup and Ascot Vale Uniting Church Playgroup received a total of $2,500 to establish a new playgroup or playgroup session.

• Maribyrnong Park Sports Club received $1,000 from the Sporting Uniform Grants Program to replace old kits.

• Strathmore Sports Club, Aberfeldie St Johns Uniting Cricket Club and Western Leadbeaters Cricket Club received a total of $6,990 as part of VicHealth’s Active Club Grants program.

• The Avenue Arts and Events program, which services all of Moonee Valley received $72,000 under the 2016-18 FReeZA Program to run fully supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free events.

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE ELECTORATE

Community ForumsCommunity consultations are very important and I would like to thank everyone that participated in our forums throughout the year. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with residents to discuss ambulance response times, building the Education State, and early childhood education. All contributions have been appreciated and importantly, have formed part of submissions that I have made to the Andrews Government on behalf of our electorate.

Spotlight on Local BusinessI have been delighted to meet with representatives from the local chambers of commerce and to visit many small businesses throughout the electorate. The vibrant mix of retail stores and cafes contributes substantially to our local economy but importantly, these also help us to maintain a stronger sense of community by providing places to congregate, to share coffee with friends and to purchase goods from traders we know and trust.

Books4All

With Ella for West Welcome Wagon

Education State Consultations

Funding New Playgroups

Sporting Grants

Book Bonding Independent Bookstore

The Reverend Cafe

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Cathy Connop

Street StallsI understand that not every constituent can visit my electorate office during office hours. This is why you might see me out and about at a street stall on the weekends talking with local constituents. I am committed to representing all members of our community, so next time you see me, please don’t hesitate to say hello and discuss any matters that may be of interest or concern to you.

Official DutiesIt is a great honour to represent our community at official events. I’ve been privileged to attend the unveiling of a plaque at Queen’s Park, to honour the centenary of the attack on Lone Pine as well as the unveiling of “Rosemary”, a statue dedicated to the carers of war veterans, at Victory Park in Ascot Vale.

In addition to these duties, I have also been delighted to welcome school tours to Parliament House. I have been impressed by the insightful questions that students have asked, and I have no doubt that this is in large part due to the commitment that our local schools have to instil in our students a strong sense of the rights and responsibilities that belong to all citizens.

Government VisitsThroughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of hosting Andrews Government ministers as they visit various parts of our electorate. The highlight of the year was the visit from Premier Daniel Andrews, who attended the 30th Birthday celebrations at Wingate Avenue Community Centre in October.

Most recently, I hosted an evening with Rowena Allen, Victoria’s first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner. I am pleased that Rowena was able to visit our electorate to speak with constituents about the work of her office. I look forward to continuing the conversation with the local community about how we can advance the status of LGBTI people in our community.

LOCAL HEROESDuring my first year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet the local heroes of our community. Our local heroes come from all walks of life and have improved our community in various ways. It has been my privilege, as your local member, to place on the public record our gratitude for the exceptional contributions that people such as Laurie Larmer, Cathy Connop and Olga Kenny have made to our community.

KEEPING IN TOUCHAs your local Member of Parliament, my role is to represent you and advocate on your behalf. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office to discuss your concerns or ideas so that I can be an effective and strong voice for you in Spring Street.

For news about government initiatives, grants, media releases and speeches:

Website: dannypearson.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/Pearson4essendon/ Twitter: twitter.com/dannypearsonmp Instagram: instagram.com/dannypearsonmp

If you would prefer to receive email updates contact me at [email protected]

At Union Road, Ascot Vale

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School

Commemorating Lone Pine

With Premier Daniel Andrews

Laurie Larmer, John Eren and Judy Maddigan

Olga Kenny

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MEDIA RELEASE

OFFICE of DANNY PEARSON MP, STATE MEMBER for ESSENDON

Suite 1/28 Shuter Street, Moonee Ponds 3039P (03) 9370 7777 F (03) 9326 0483 E [email protected]

BODY OF TEXT

DANNY PEARSON MP Bui ld ing a Bet ter Communi ty