5/7/2024

The Allan Labor Government's first Budget is dedicated to helping families in Bellarine.

Whether it's helping with the cost of living, making sure our kids can be their best, record funding for our healthcare system or continuing to invest in more of the services families rely on - the Victorian Budget 2024/25 invests in our community.

With the current cost of living, covering supplies and extracurricular activities can be hard on families doing it tough. Uniforms, camps and excursions - it all adds up.

That's why we are providing a one-off School Saving Bonus to help cover the costs. This 6 million to extend our Get Active Kids vouchers - providing up to 2,500 in fees, helping with the cost of living and ensuring cost was not a barrier to participation. This year's Budget continues this investment with an additional 19 million will deliver new Building Blocks grants - enabling kinders to renovate and upgrade early learning facilities. From expanding classrooms to funding native gardens, upgrading technology or transforming outdoor play spaces, these projects are an investment in our youngest learners.

We know that regional public transport is vital in connecting our communities. That's why this Budget also invests 28.8 million for those important checkups for all young families.

We also know that for too long, women's health issues have been overlooked and underdiagnosed. This Budget invests 3.5 million to support organisations and neighborhood houses to provide food relief, as well as continuing the work of our six regional food relief hubs - including in Geelong.

And we know just how important community-based food security organisations are. That's why this Budget provides 258,000 for the Strong Brother Strong Sister program to continue delivering important suicide prevention services.

Every young Victorian deserves a great education - and that's why this Budget also provides funding to expand the Geelong Chances pilot program, run by Western Chances. This program will deliver an extra 40 scholarships for education-related costs, making sure money isn't a barrier to a student's success.

Earlier this year, the Labor Government delivered a historic apology to victims of harrowing historical abuse and neglect in institutional care before 1990. This Budget will also invest 400 School Saving Bonus will help cover the costs of kids' uniforms and activities - giving families one less thing to worry about."

"This Budget backs regional tourism and local jobs by investing in better transport links to the Bellarine Peninsula - including the Portarlington ferry service."

"The Farm My School project is an investment in our students and our future. This funding will help young people at Bellarine Secondary College gain vital skills, all while nourishing and connecting our community."