Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh is calling on businesses throughout the electorate to register their interest in supporting the new Carer Card.
“The Carer Card is a small way in which the community can recognise those family members, friends and other carers who spend so much of their time supporting people with disabilities, chronic or mental illness, children needing foster care and the increasing number of frail aged who need care,” Mr Walsh said
“The Carer Card offers holders discounts at businesses, entry to a variety of venues such as zoos, museums, etc and travel vouchers on public transport.
“The Card is aimed at acknowledging the incredible work that these carers do and I hope that all Carers take up the opportunity to obtain one.
“However, to show that you care I ask all local businesses to get on board the program and register their support for the card by accessing the Carer Card website or contacting my office for more information,” Mr Walsh said.
“Because of what they do most carers suffer isolation from many of the social activities that the rest of the community have access to.
“This new Carer Card, and the offers that go with it, go a small way towards recognising the tireless efforts that these carers throughout the community do,” Mr Walsh said.
The only businesses already registered for the program at this stage in the Swan Hill electorate are the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, At Home Furniture and Bedding, Swan Hill’s Red Rooster and Swintons Homemakers.
For carers seeking more information about the card or businesses wishing to register to be included in its offers, access the website www.carercard.vic.gov.au or contact Peter Walsh’s office at 274 Campbell St Swan Hill, phone 50323154.

Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh is encouraging residents between the ages of 16 to 30 to apply the Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards.
“The Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards are now open and are designed to recognise, support, encourage and link young people who are making a contribution to reducing poverty,” Mr Walsh said.
The awards also increase public awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty with our local communities.
Mr Walsh said the Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards, established in 2004, recognise young Australians between the ages of 16-30 who are making a contribution to the eradication of poverty at a local, national or international level.
“The Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards are a great way for young people to receive recognition for the work they are doing to battle poverty.
“We have wonderful young people throughout our region, and many of them work very hard to help and assist fellow community members in a variety of ways. It would be great to see their efforts recognised,” he said.
The winner will receive a $4000 grant to continue their work and encouragement awards up to $1000 are also offered.
For more information, go to www.connections.org.au/anti-poverty.

John Brumby has ignored rural Victorians by again excluding them from the government’s latest water saving scheme, Shadow Minister for Country Water Resources and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said today.
Mr Walsh said a large proportion of rural water users were being denied access to rebates for rainwater tanks, dual flush toilets and low-flow showerheads.
“Under the Brumby Government’s guidelines households must be connected to a potable water supply to be eligible for any rebate,” Mr Walsh said.
“Many families, while not directly connected to town water, regularly access these supplies to supplement their existing storage.
“The rebate guidelines show the Brumby Government has lost touch with the realities of living in regional Victoria.”
Mr Walsh said John Brumby had forgotten Labor’s promise to govern for all Victorians.
“Efforts to preserve our water supplies should be encouraged regardless of where people live,” Mr Walsh said.
“Victorians living in rural areas are just as conscious as their urban counterparts about the need to save water.
“Regional Victorians are being penalised for the proactive measures many have taken to install tanks to capture rainwater.
“Tim Holding claims that the rebates are designed to reduce the pressure on potable water supplies.
“The Minister evidently doesn’t understand that most regional Victorians need to access town supplies, regardless of whether they are directly connected to a system or have to cart water.
“Regional Victorians have been trying to get this message across to the Brumby Government for the past four years but it is still not being heard,” Mr Walsh said.