With planning work underway for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, lots of wonderful local events in the calendar, and projects underway across the Casey-Cardinia region, there’s a lot to be optimistic about as we break free of Winter and head into Spring!
More than one million households have signed up for the latest round of the Victorian Government $250 Power Saving Bonus, which is helping people to find a better energy plan for their needs. My office have been helping lots of people across Eastern Victoria to apply, so please get in touch or head to https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au if you haven’t already received your payment.
Even though this year’s winter season has been and gone, it’s still important to stay up to date with your vaccinations. If you haven’t booked your booster shot or your flu vaccination, head to your local pharmacy, GP, or local vaccination site, and tick it off your to-do list. Getting vaccinated can be stressful, but it means that your body will be healthier and better prepared to deal with whatever comes its way.
With October just around the corner it’s also important to remember that grass pollen season is fast approaching, and with it comes increases in asthma and hay fever symptoms, as well as an increased risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma, a unique weather event where grass pollen grains are swept up in thunderstorm winds and release particles small enough to be breathed deep into our lungs. While thunderstorm asthma events are rare, they can seriously affect people who suffer from asthma or hay fever, so it’s important to be aware of the risk and take precautions. The VicEmergency website and app provide a daily risk forecast throughout grass pollen season and is an invaluable resource to help you avoid potential triggers and manage your asthma or hay fever.
I would also encourage people to wear a mask in settings where physical distancing isn’t possible, to reduce the risk of getting Covid or the flu, as well as to help manage your asthma and hay fever symptoms. Wearing a mask is a simple way to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases in our communities, and mask-wearing is an effective way for people with asthma or hay fever to manage their symptoms and avoid triggers. In either case, it’s an effective tool to keep your community healthier.
If you’re a casual or contract worker, you may be eligible for the government-funded Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee. This provides up to five days’ pay so that workers don’t have to choose between going to work while they’re sick or losing a day’s pay. It’s worth your time to find out if you’re eligible, so please contact my office if you’d like to find out more.
Finally, thank you so much to the many people who have reached out with well wishes since I began in my new roles as Minister for Regional Development, Water, and Equality. I’m so proud to represent the Eastern Victoria Region and now to take on these new responsibilities, and the local support I’ve received has been so wonderful.
As always, please reach out if I or my office can help with any issues in your local community.
