Responding, Recovering, Rebuilding

The last six months have tested our community in ways that we never thought possible.

Our suburbs are known for our creative industries, our live music, our quirky stores, our vibrant eateries. And we are home to many front line workers, casuals, migrant communities and students. The pandemic has hit us hard.

Yet every day I’ve seen and worked with residents reaching out to support each other, businesses pivoting and locals rallying around them, small acts of kindness and generosity. I know we will get through this.

As we take on the challenge of responding, recovering and rebuilding from the pandemic – I will keep working to make sure local residents and businesses get the support, investment and jobs creation we need to thrive into the future.

Investing in our local recovery

Since day one I have been working to make sure our community has access to supports where they’re needed most. Our $3 billion statewide Business Resilience Package is helping businesses get through this tough time and there has also been some significant targeted funding to our area.
Here are just some of these initiatives:

LIVE MUSIC VENUE FUNDING

Earlier in the year I stood up in Parliament to call on the Minister for Creative Industries to protect our live music scene in the inner north - so I was pleased to announce that seven venues in Northcote including the Northcote Social Club will receive a share of $650,000 as part of the Victorian Government’s live music recovery program. You can see a list of recipients here.

WORKING FOR VICTORIA

The state government’s 'Working for Victoria' program is helping get Victorian's back on their feet. We've already created over 200 jobs in Darebin, and there's more than 50 jobs advertised right now. Register here - www.vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria

SUPPORTING LOCAL CLUBS

It’s been the longest off-season of all but I’ve reached out to all our sports clubs to make sure they’re supported to return to play when it’s safe. Dozens of local sporting clubs have already benefitted directly from direct grants as part of our $40 million Community Sport Relief package. Find out more here.

FUNDING FOR VITAL SERVICES

Our community organisations have been doing an enormous amount supporting locals with everything from food relief to family violence support. Key organisations, like Women’s Health in the North, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association and Fitzroy Legal Service, have received significant grants to boost operations.

SHOPPING STRIP REVITALISATIONS

The State Government has awarded $100,000 to Darebin Council as part of the our Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund. The funding will go towards a make-over for shopping strips in Thornbury and Preston to drive more trade. Read more here.

Building our Suburbs

SCHOOLS

I will always work hard to deliver for our local schools.

I’m proud to have secured Preston South Primary School a $14.63 million upgrade to transform the school, create local jobs and build more classrooms for these growing suburbs.

We didn’t get to have an announcement like we normally would, but Principal Leon Bell did have a heart-warming response when I told him the news!

Stay tuned - NORTHSIDER NEWS - SCHOOLS SPECIAL - coming soon!

TRANSPORT

The Preston Level Crossing Removal Project is underway with new designs released for the brand new premium stations at Bell and Preston.

This incredible rail project has so many benefits for our community.

• New modern stations at Bell and Preston.

• Remove Four Level Crossings.

• A shared pathway to connect our suburbs.

• New open spaces for greenery and recreation.

• More local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

• Brand new open space.

Stay tuned for more detail as we get on with this remarkable upgrade!

MORE SOCIAL HOUSING

Being confined to our homes for weeks has been tough – but imagine if you didn’t have a safe place to call home. Increasing housing supply is an economic gain, not a burden. When we lift people up, we create opportunity and hope - the whole community benefits.

We’ve announced half a billion dollars to improve and build social housing, we’re extending hotel accommodation for Victorians facing homelessness and investing $150 million to get people into their own long-term homes.

Locally, we have over 400 new homes being built for our most vulnerable residents across sites in Alphington, Fairfield, Northcote and Preston.

I’m passionate about ending homelessness and housing insecurity and will keep working to increase social housing for those who need it.

Connecting our community

MENTAL HEALTH Q&A

It’s so important to take time out for our mental wellbeing.

Dr Stephen Carbone from Prevention United joined me for a virtual Mental Health Q&A, answering questions from locals (watch the full video).

We covered topics like parental guilt and the role of employers. Stephen had great advice and practical tips – including challenging your inner critic.

NATIONAL SCHOOL STRIKE 4 CLIMATE DAY

September 25th was National School Strike 4 Climate day and I was joined by Ged Kearney and Robin Scott MP for a virtual forum.

We heard from local students Lumina, Rosie, Zai, Edie, Elikya, Nellie and Lucy about their concerns for climate change and our future. We committed to keep working together on our shared goals to build a sustainable future.

Standing up for you in Parliament

I’ll keep raising the issues that matter.

This week in Parliament I contributed to the Bill that strengthens the Government’s response to Social Housing and gives greater certainty and protections to residents.

I rose in support of local businesses. I also rose on behalf of local breweries to make sure they can access the Government’s licensed venues package.

I also called on the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change to review the regulations around solar water heaters so residents aren't locked into having them connected to gas.

Check out my website for more on this week in Parliament.

I previously spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community and businesses that have been supported during this time.

I called on the Planning Minister for an update on Heidelberg Road planning controls and asked the Housing Minister for action on the DHHS land near the corner of Grange and Heidelberg Road.

I spoke about the saddening closure of the Darebin City Bowls Club in Thornbury as a result of their ongoing dispute with Darebin Council.

And, of course, put a spotlight on our local schools.

I also spoke in support of nurse to patient ratios, our live music industry, cracking down on wage theft, advancing Treaty, supporting Northcote’s small businesses and sole traders and reforming our energy market.

Upcoming Events

LOCAL BUSINESS DISCUSSION

Monday 26th October, 7pm

Join me and Assistant Treasurer, Danny Pearson MP for a discussion on the roadmap to opening Metro Melbourne. If you are a business owner, I encourage you to register for this event.

COMMUNITY SPORT ROUNDTABLE

Wednesday November 4, 10:30am

Join me and other local clubs, to provide your feedback and insight into the experiences of community sports club - discuss the grants that have been made available and what support you might need going into the future.

COFFEE WITH KAT

The first three were hugely popular and locals discussed everything from homelessness, to aged care, Council rates, VCE assessments, the environment and how we can stay connected to our communities.

Join me for a virtual ‘Coffee with Kat’ session with other local residents. A chance to ask questions, raise concerns, meet new people, share ideas and have a laugh!

Thursday 5 Nov - 11:00am
Wednesday 11 Nov - 11:00am

Reach out

Whether you’re a business owner wanting information on available grants, a tenant looking for support with your rent, or you need some help with mental health services - my office is here to help. Please, reach out.

Stay safe and keep well, Northcote.

Kat Theophanous MP

Phone: (03) 9481 5777 Office: 4/404 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070 PO Box 680, Northcote VIC 3070 Web: www.kattheophanous.com.au Email: kat.theophanous@parliament.vic.gov.au

My electorate office is open 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday, currently answering your concerns via phone and email.