A select committee of nine members from the Legislative Council has been formed to conduct the review and report to parliament by August 31.
“This inquiry is looking at the operation of annual native bird hunting seasons here in Victoria, as well as arrangements in other Australian jurisdictions,” committee chair Ryan Batchelor said.
“We’ll also examine the environmental sustainability of the practice, its impact on amenity and the social and economic consequences.”
Relevant stakeholders can make a public submission by May 8.
For more information, visit: https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/
Scholarship applications open
Applications for the 2023 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships are now open, providing an opportunity for young farmers across the state to gain valuable new skills and invest in their future.
The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient initially receiving up to $5000 to support their training and study, and up to $5000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.
Successful applicants can receive training in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management, digital agriculture or adapting to climate change.
When they complete their studies, they can invest in professional development and business planning, on-farm practices or equipment and technology.
Applications are open to farmers aged 35 and under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.
Applications will close on May 8.
To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Landcare grants up for grabs
More than $4 million in grants is on offer to help volunteers caring for Victoria’s environment and biodiversity.
Through the Victorian Landcare grants, environmental volunteer groups can apply for up to $20,000 for on-ground works and community education projects that protect or improve the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.
Grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group and network administration and running costs.
The Victorian Landcare grants are open to environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare groups and networks, friends groups, conservation management networks, committees of management, Coastcare groups and First Nations groups, to support their work in helping protect the health of the state’s natural environment.
Victorian childcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups can apply for grants of up to $5000.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants
Deniliquin agent recognised
For the second year in a row, Deniliquin real estate agent Matt Horne has been recognised with a national award.
Mr Horne was recently presented with the Number 1 National Rural Salesperson at the annual awards ceremony for Victoria, Riverina and Tasmania.
He was also recognised as the Number 1 Salesperson for Elders Victoria/Riverina/Tasmania Zone, and for reaching the Masters Club status.
The Elders awards were held on Saturday, March 4 in Melbourne.
Masters Club status recognises agents who have demonstrated outstanding client service, relentless commitment to training and innovation, and a desire to consistently be the best in their respective local area.
When asked what drives him, Mr Horne said “being able to assist clients to achieve maximum results is the best reward I could ask for”.
“These awards are not possible without the support of our clients, work colleagues, family and friends,” he said.
“My family and I are very fortunate to live and work here in Deniliquin and I look forward to providing a quality service to our customers into the future.”
Have your say on driver behaviour
Victorians can have their say on road users’ behaviour as part of a new parliamentary inquiry.
The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee is welcoming public submissions for its investigation into the impact of road safety behaviours on vulnerable road users.
The inquiry will specifically look at how road users’ behaviour changed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and how this affected the safety of people most at risk on the road.
Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, are less protected in the event of a road crash.
The inquiry will consider the impact of road users’ behaviour on these groups as well as on the safety of children, older people and people using mobility devices.
Public submissions to the inquiry are open until May 19.
For more information on the inquiry, visit: https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/
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