Media Releases

With Macular Degeneration Awareness Week coming up from May 26 to June 1 Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is encouraging everyone to have their eyes checked.
“Macular Degeneration (MD) causes central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in Australia,” Mr Walsh said.
“Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is aimed at developing awareness of MD by encouraging people to have the health of their eyes checked.
“With one in seven Australians over the age of 50 affected it is important that the health of your eyes is monitored regularly,” he said.
“MD central vision loss affects the ability to see fine detail, read and recognise faces but, while there is no cure, there are treatments that can slow the progression of this disease.
“The earlier the problem is detected, the better chance there is of retaining more vision.”
For more information contact the Macular Degeneration Foundation on 1800 111 709 or visit the website www.mdfoundation.com.au

The theme of this year’s National Volunteers Week is Thanks A Million and how apt is that.
Volunteers are the backbone of our communities and with over 6,000,000 Australians volunteering in some fashion, this week’s celebrations are a timely recognition of all these wonderful community members.
“This week is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism,” Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said today.
“With volunteering recognised as being vital to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Victoria the most recent figures indicate that the value of volunteering is equivalent to almost eight per cent of gross state product or around $10 billion.
“We find our volunteers working in an enormous range of roles and responsibilities from sporting clubs, service groups, Committees of Management, through to charity work and in our schools and pre-schools.
“These volunteers are essential to our community but research also shows that people who volunteer report better physical and mental health, live longer and have lower rates of depression, less incidence of heart disease and higher functional ability,” Mr Walsh said.
“Although many of us are time poor due to work, study, family and other commitments, even occasional volunteering can make a big difference.
“So, as well as saying thanks to our many wonderful volunteers, National Volunteer Week provides a great opportunity to consider giving volunteering a go.
“It is a great way to get involved in your community.
“There are a million reasons to say thank you to all those volunteers out there but also a million reasons to get involved yourself,” he said.
“Why not give volunteering a go.”

Dear Sir,
I wish to extend my congratulations to all associated with the Charlton Basketball Association.
This is a community sporting group that continues to go from strength to strength and this was amply demonstrated by the accolades received at the recent Basketball Victoria Awards.
The commitment by a number of individuals to the continued importance of this Association is outstanding and the recognition of the large number of long service awards is testament to this.
May I extend my congratulations to the 35 year Service Award recipients Peter Gretgrix and Tony Burton, the 25 year Service Awardees Andy Thompson, Barry McKenzie, Chris Livingston, Joe Thompson and John Cossar, and the 15 year Service Awardees Kaye Cossar and Kim Thompson.
May I also congratulate Robyn Letts from the Buloke Times on being awarded the Regional Coverage of the Year Award on what is a great commitment to local sport.
Well done to all.

Nominations are open for the 19th Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is encouraging local business women to nominate for the Awards.
“The awards celebrate successful local business women whose inspiration, determination and innovation is worth celebrating,” Mr Walsh said.
“They are open to business owners, women in the private and corporate sector and the government and community sectors with specific awards that recognise business innovation and young business women.
“I’m encouraging nominations and entries from local business women because the awards are an opportunity to recognise the passion, creativity and achievements they have demonstrated and which inspire other women to reach their own goals,” Mr Walsh said.
Benefits for finalists and winners also include increased business profile, networking and mentoring opportunities plus a share in more than $250,000 in cash and prizes.
For more information go to www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, has teamed up with VicHealth to unveil a new free smartphone app, TeamUp, designed to make physical activity more accessible.
TeamUp offers residents a diverse list of sporting activities, seven days a week, right at their fingertips. It’s free to list an activity, browse and get in touch with event organisers.
“TeamUp offers people a huge variety of participation opportunities to suit their lifestyles, interests, schedules and budgets,” Mr Walsh said.
“It offers ways to get active when and where it suits you, whether you prefer highly charged competitive sport or more relaxed activities for fun and enjoyment plus it’s a great way to meet others who share your interests.
“And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can create your own activities and find new people to join in.”
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said that Victorians take part in physical activity in a range of ways, from joining traditional sports clubs to casually kicking the footy with mates.
“Seven out of 10 Victorian adults don’t get enough physical activity, so TeamUp is a new and convenient way to get out there and have fun while getting the daily exercise needed for good health.
“This app supports the VicHealth philosophy that getting active should be the highlight of your day, not a chore.
“Some of Victoria’s finest sportspeople are on board to support TeamUp and there are a few surprises in store. Who knows who might turn up to kick the footy or shoot some hoops at your next TeamUp activity”
Anyone with TeamUp on their smart phone or tablet, or registered on facebook, is in the running for a ‘money can’t buy’ experience. Lucky TeamUp-ers will go on a behind the scenes tour of their favourite sport, take part in a training session or perhaps go on field in front of their heroes to do the coin toss and so much more.
Team Up is an initiative of VicHealth and partners include the YMCA, Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Heart, Melbourne Tigers and Surfing Victoria. Get the app or find out more at www.teamup.com.au

VicHealth grants of up to $2500 have been awarded to twenty eight sporting groups from throughout the Swan Hill electorate.
These grants are to enable the groups to train volunteers, purchase essential sports equipment, and to acquire injury prevention and management equipment.
In announcing the grants, Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said the aim was to get more people in the community physically active and to support smaller regional and rural clubs that sometimes need that extra support.
“In Victoria more than half of all adults don’t get enough exercise,” Mr Walsh said.
“Regular physical activity not only helps us to maintain our physical health but is also very important in helping us maintain our mental health.
“The stresses of our modern lifestyles mean that it is vital we utilise our leisure time productively and participation in activities with others is a very important component of this.
“These VicHealth grants have been prioritised to support clubs that cater for older people, people living in rural or low-socio economic areas, those with disabilities, Aboriginal Victorians and people from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds,” Mr Walsh said.
VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter, said it was vital to continue to support local sporting organisations.
“We hope these grants will encourage people to join a club, renew their membership or continue their involvement,” she said.
The 28 clubs receiving grants include:
1st Barham Scouts - $2280     1st Warracknabeal Scouts - $1150
Birchip Watchem Hockey Club - $2200     Buloke Equestrian Club - $2305
Charlton Netball Club - $1900     Donald Angling Club - $1899
Donald Golf Club - $2500     Lake Boga Bowling Club - $2500
1st Lake Boga Scouts - $1500     Lalbert Golf Club - $ 2500
Loddon Pony Club - $ 2480     Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club - $2500
Murtoa Angling Club - $2500     Nyah District Bowling Club - $2483
Nyah District Cricket Club - $2400     Nyah West Tennis Club - $2240
Pioneer Country Harness Club - $2418     Pyramid Hill Football Club - $1800
Pyramid Hill Golf Club - $2450     Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Football Club - $2500
St Arnaud Rifle Club - $1960     Swan Hill Basketball Association - $2025
Swan Hill Boxing Club - $2500     Swan Hill Canoe Club - $750
Swan Hill RSL Cricket Club - $2500     Swan Hill Racecourse Bowls Club - $2500
Tyntynder Football Club - $2065     Ultima Tyntynder United Cricket Club - $2500
For more information on VicHealth Active Club Grants go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub

Small businesses in the Birchip and Warracknabeal areas will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on marketing thanks to an upcoming workshop announced today by the Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government supported Marketing for Growth workshops would be held at the Birchip Cropping Group, 73 Cumming Avenue, Birchip, on Thursday April 18 at 6:30pm and at the Yarriambiack Shire Council, 34 Lyle Street, Warracknabeal at 6:00pm on Monday April 15.
“The opportunity to access the type of information provided through these seminars is essential to all new and existing businesses,” Mr Walsh said.
“Whether the business is located in a small community or a larger one, the basic core of being successful doesn’t change.
“I encourage all interested in the growth of their business to attend one of these workshops and pick the brains of these experienced specialists who have a lot to offer,” he said.
Last year more than 3,000 businesses and prospective business owners throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars providing them with facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.
Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.
All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 533,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.
“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.
For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available go to www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops

The Victorian Government is continuing to improve amenities for CFA firefighters in northern Victoria with the opening of a new station in the Mallee town of Piangil.
The station was opened today by the Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh, representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells.
A week ago, Mr Walsh opened two new stations in Natya and Boundary Bend.
“These new stations are welcome additions to the local communities and provide local firefighters with modern amenities as well as enhancing their training and meeting facilities,” said Mr Walsh.
“The stations are a vast improvement on the premises all three brigades had been operating from. They were really nothing more than old tin sheds that didn’t have toilet or kitchen facilities.
“The new stations, however, have well-appointed kitchens, a meeting room, a brigade office, toilet facilities and plenty of room for storage.
“They will also cater for the brigades’ future needs with room for an extra appliance if the need arises.”
The Piangil Fire Brigade was formed 67 years ago and currently has 38 members. The brigade has a great working relationship with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and is regularly called on to assist brigades across the border.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government had provided $455,000 for the construction of the stations through the Rural Fire Station Replacement Program.
He said 60 CFA stations were either completed or refurbished in the financial year ending June 2012, and another 48 would be built or refurbished by June this year.
Minister Wells said the Victorian Government was proud of the vital work performed by the CFA, one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations with more than 60,000 members – 98 per cent volunteers.
“We are proud to support our emergency services volunteers by providing them with the facilities and equipment they need to save lives and property,” he said.
“The Victorian Government has committed almost $57 million in this financial year alone to provide infrastructure improvements, including $22.9 million to deliver new and improved firefighting facilities.”

Local sporting clubs are reminded that many will be operating under new rules following changes to Victoria’s incorporated associations law late last year.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said that as many sporting clubs were finishing up their season and others are about to commence theirs, club administrators needed to be aware of the new operating and reporting rules.
“Season’s end spells celebrations for many sporting clubs – but this year incorporated associations will also be following new reporting requirements,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh reminded clubs that:
• Whilst reporting requirements have not changed for clubs earning less than $250,000, associations earning $250,000 to $1 million must now have their accounts reviewed by an independent accountant before the AGM and those earning more than $1 million must have them audited by an independent auditor.
• Clubs planning to change their rules at their AGM must do so by a ‘special resolution’ and inform Consumer Affairs Victoria of the agreed changes. Until November this year, incorporated associations can adopt new model rules for free or change their rules for a reduced fee.
• Clubs whose end of financial year is before 30 June 2013 can opt to submit this year’s financial statements under the previous laws.
To find out more about the new rules go to www.consumer.vic.gov.au/associations

The region’s youth will be among many thousands of young Victorians celebrating this year’s National Youth Week thanks to Victorian Government grants supporting a variety of events Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, announced today.
With this year’s National Youth Week running from April 5-14, Mr Walsh said four organisations in the electorate each received $2000 to run local events celebrating the region’s young people.
“Young people play a very important role in our community and this funding ensures that our youth are able to access programs they would not otherwise be able to,” Mr Walsh said.
Local organisations and programs to be funded include:
• Swan Hill Rural City Council – a Freestyle Skate and BMX competition with coaching and instruction from BMX Pro riders and the YMCA skate team
• Northern District Community Health Service – a music based program aimed at reducing social isolation
• Gannawarra Shire Council – an outdoor mini-festival at the Kerang Skate Park featuring Skateboarding Australia workshops, live music and other activities
• Northern Grampians Shire – an Anxiety and Depression Awareness Walk including a breakfast, guest speaker and access to resources and counsellors
With this year’s theme Be active. Be Happy. Be You, focused around youth mental health, many of the funded activities will enable young people to work with an organisation to deliver a local community-based project or event that raises awareness of depression and anxiety.
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said in addition to Victorian Coalition Government funding, support was also being provided by the Commonwealth Government and beyondblue.
“I congratulate this year’s successful grant recipients and look forward to the many exciting National Youth Week events organised by young people, for young people,” Mr Smith said.
To see a list of National Youth Week events, go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au or the national website www.youthweek.com.