Harriet Shing

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring the Latrobe Valley community has access to the health services they need thanks to a major expansion of Latrobe...

A brand-new childcare and family centre is on its way to Officer South, providing more kindergarten places for children in the fast-growing suburb.

A Latrobe Valley woman will be among the first to benefit from a new Victorian Government program to boost gender equality and support the local...

A Yarra Ranges woman will be among the first to benefit from a new Victorian Government program to boost gender equality and support the local...

Thursday, 17 December 2020 Construction is now complete on the new Orchard Park Primary School giving families access to a great local school close to home, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that works have finished at the new school in Officer ahead of students attending in Term 1, 2021. Students and staff at Orchard Park Primary School will be able to share in two new learning neighbourhoods, an administration building, outdoor play courts, sports field, a performing arts and physical education building and a science and food technology building. ​​Nathan Jagoe has been appointed as the first principal and enrolments are open for Prep to Grade 6. This new school is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026 – which is now ahead of schedule, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022. Plans are also underway for Timbertop Integrated Child and Family Centre to be constructed next to the school to aid the smooth transition from kindergarten into school, while allowing parents to ditch the dreaded double drop-off. Every new Victorian primary school being built from 2021 will have a kindergarten on-site or next door, to reduce the burden on parents and carers while continuing to build the Education State. In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs. Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “Families in Officer deserve access to a great local school close to home, ensuring their children can receive a world-class education. This is a prime example of the school building boom that is happening right now across Victoria.” Quote attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “We know our community is growing rapidly and that is why we need to open new schools and upgrade our existing schools. The completion of Orchard Park Primary School means that our students will have access to the first-rate facilities they deserve.”  

One of Victoria’s largest energy suppliers will call the Latrobe Valley home thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government, creating hundreds of new jobs...

Monday 11th January 2021 Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council will receive funding to get ready for emergencies thanks to the Victorian Government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program. Budget 2020 has provided an extra $1 million for the program, which helps Victoria’s 64 rural, regional and outer-metropolitan councils with the costs of emergency planning, bringing the total funding available to $5.6 million. Member for Eastern Victoria says Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council will each receive $73,200 to make sure their communities are as well-prepared and resilient as they can possibly be should the worst happen. Program funding can be used for a wide variety of different emergency planning work, ranging from education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas, to fire suppression. Councils often use the funding to appoint an emergency management position, with some councils collaborating with their neighbours to fund a shared specialist position. In 2021, it can also be used for planning recovery from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and emergency work in a COVIDSafe environment. Councils’ extensive local knowledge and close connection to communities makes them a vital part of Victoria’s response to emergency events. Before, during and after emergencies council responsibilities include support for vulnerable people, running relief centres and enabling economic and social recovery, while continuing important services. Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “It’s great the Government is supporting Baw Baw Shire Council and Latrobe City Council to keep communities in at-risk areas safe in an emergency. This funding helps to make sure we have the skills and resources they need for their vital role.” “Last summer really brought home how important councils are when the worst happens. It’s really encouraging and reassuring to know that local councils have this vital support from the State Government.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane “During last summer’s devastating bushfires, councils did amazing things to support their communities and keep people safe. Through this funding increase we are making sure they have additional access to the resources and tools they need.” “Councils can and do make a huge difference to community resilience and recovery in the face of an emergency. The Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program is one of the best ways we can support that work.”  

Cardinia Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Shire Council will receive funding to get ready for emergencies thanks to the Victorian Government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program.