Melbourne City Loop historical footage Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2026-09-18 | Melbourne City Loop historical footage
Tatura sports shining bright Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-10-01 | New oval lighting at Tatura Park gives the growing ranks of the Tatura Bulldogs Football Netball Club the chance to participate in more night training, night matches, and expand development programs, giving locals the opportunity to kit up and get involved in local sport, particularly women and girls.
Creating modular homes for Hopetoun Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-09-17 | New worker accommodation will help Rural Northwest Health’s service delivery in the Wimmera.
The Digital Jobs program is supporting Integra’s digital journey Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-09-16 | The Digital Jobs program is a Victorian Government Economic Growth Statement initiative that provides Victorian businesses in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with access to free training to upskill leaders and workers with digital skills that are critical for innovation and technology adoption. Here what Integra Systems have to say about their experience in the Digital Jobs program. The program is open to businesses operating in the construction or advanced manufacturing sectors that are looking to apply digital technology to their operations. Visit business.vic.gov.au/djp for more information and to apply.
Nyaal Banyul – creating hundreds of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-09-09 | Rising rapidly on Geelong’s waterfront, the Nyaal Banyul development is also setting the pace for work opportunities for people who have experienced barriers to employment. Through a joint Victorian Government, industry and community program called ‘GEESP’, 43 apprenticeships have now been created and more than 37,000 hours of training delivered in mechanical, carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. It’s a number expected to reach 45,000 hours by time Nyaal Banyul is completed, showcasing the skills and jobs-creation power of the project. Nyaal Banyul is funded through the Geelong City Deal, a $676 million investment from the Australian and Victorian governments and City of Greater Geelong.Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as a sponsor, investor and hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facilities manager. The centre will be operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.
BMX upgrades cross the finish line Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-09-02 | BMX riders and cyclists across northern Victoria are now enjoying world-class facilities at the Shepparton BMX Track and Cycling Precinct, with a new two-storey multi-use events pavilion, enhancements to the BMX track and 8 metre and 5 metre start hills, and upgraded lighting at the cycling velodrome.
iBuild assembles new digital skills thanks to the Digital Jobs program Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-21 | The Digital Jobs program is a Victorian Government Economic Growth Statement initiative that provides Victorian businesses in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with access to free training to upskill leaders and workers with digital skills that are critical for innovation and technology adoption. In 2023, iBuild upskilled six staff through the program, supporting the award-winning kit home business to digitally transform its capabilities across production, design and manufacturing, allowing them to take on more work and staff. Here what iBuild have to say about their experience in the Digital Jobs program.The program is open to businesses operating in the construction or advanced manufacturing sectors that are looking to apply digital technology to their operations. Visit business.vic.gov.au/djp for more information and to apply.
Dunetown the new port for Sailors Grave Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-14 | Dunetown is already proving a hit with locals and visitors alike. Opening last summer, the farmhouse-style destination brewery is providing a social and economic boost to the East Gippsland town of Marlo.A long-held dream of Sailors Grave Brewery founders Chris and Gab Moore, Dunetown became a reality thanks to a $2.35 million investment under the Victorian Government's Local Economic Recovery Fund, which supports bushfire-affected areas of Victoria.
Whats the best thing about being on Team Victoria? Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-12 | ...
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Alisa (Lisa) Higgins Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Alisa (Lisa) HigginsWinner, Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research Excellence and Clinical Researcher AwardProject title: Long-term (180-Day) Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 in the REMAP-CAP Randomised Clinical Trial.The REMAP CAP trial is an innovative trial that was established in 2015 to evaluate treatment for critically ill patients with community acquired pneumonia and was designed to be able to adapt in the event of a pandemic. In 2020, the REMAP CAP trial began evaluating numerous treatments for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19.REMAP-CAP uses a short-term outcome which combines mortality and the need for organ support (such as mechanical ventilation). Dr Higgins conceived and led the analysis to evaluate the long-term outcomes in the trial. Interventions are delivered in critically ill patients with the goal of increasing long-term survival as well as improving health-related quality of life and reducing disability in survivors. However, most trials in critically ill patients only evaluate shorter-term outcomes. Patients who initially survive face later mortality and morbidity that may offset potential benefits of treatment. When Dr Higgins conceived the analysis, the longer-term effects of therapies for the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 were unknown.Dr Higgins’ analysis evaluated the effect of 9 treatments on longer-term mortality, quality of life and disability in 4,869 critically ill patients with COVID-19. It found that that the improvement in short-term outcomes (including survival) with interleukin-6 inhibitors was not occurring at the expense of poor-quality survival. The analysis also showed that convalescent plasma did not improve long-term outcomes and some interventions (such as hydroxychloroquine) were harmful. The analysis was also the first to show an association between shorter-term clinical outcomes and longer-term patient-centred outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The results impacted the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 globally.
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Asha Bonney Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Asha BonneyWinner, Health Services Researcher AwardProject title: Preparations for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program; Developing a comprehensive local support and referral network for lung nodules and associated findings in Melbourne’s Northwest.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death not just in Australia but also globally. A significant contributor to the poor prognosis of lung cancer is related to when it is diagnosed, with cancers detected at an earlier stage having better long-term outcomes. More recently lung cancer screening with computed tomography (or CT) has been shown to reduce deaths from lung cancer in people who are high-risk of lung cancer with a significant history of active tobacco smoking.Dr Bonney’s PhD focused on lung cancer screening with CT evaluating the evidence for screening, as well as potential harms and additional benefits. One key challenge for lung cancer screening seen overseas is the initial entry into screening programs, in part due to lack of awareness and support.Dr Bonney’s current project is focused on supporting Australia’s commencement of a new targeted lung cancer screening program. Her team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are working with colleagues at the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Care Network to provide relevant education and assistance to primary health care colleagues. This project has also set up dedicated lung nodule and lung cancer screening clinics at the Royal Melbourne Hospital to ensure patients are seen in a timely way and receiving the best evidenced based care available.
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Charles Bayly-Jones Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Charles Bayly-JonesWinner, Basic Science Researcher AwardProject title: Deciphering the pathways and molecular machinery that govern cell growth.Our cells constantly monitor their environment for nutrients and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Cell growth is activated when nutrients are abundant, while austere conditions trigger energy conservation and rationing. Maintaining this balance is paramount to our well-being, as excessive cell growth is linked to cancer, while insufficient growth prevents processes such as healing. For example, cholesterol is an essential component of our cells, but too much cholesterol is known to drive poor cardiovascular health, as well as certain cancers. Therefore, our cells contain hundreds of microscopic machines that specialise in detecting nutrients from our diet. On average, these molecules are roughly one million times smaller than a person.In our cells, the molecular machine responsible for detecting cholesterol is called LYCHOS, which is known to activate programs that drive cell growth. Yet, until recently, the mechanism behind this critical process remained unknown.Using an advanced form of microscopy, Dr Bayly-Jones and colleagues were able to visualise the machinery of LYCHOS and understand how our cells monitor cholesterol levels – this is akin to visualising the hidden clockwork of a microscopic invisible watch.Using these snapshots, Dr Bayly-Jones and colleagues explained how LYCHOS works to detect and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. Importantly, for the first time, these Victorian scientists discovered an entirely new branch of molecules in humans – fundamentally changing our view of human cell biology. This new knowledge provides valuable targets for drug development, opening new avenues to treat diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cancer, which are linked to problems with metabolism. Ultimately this discovery helps researchers and clinicians better understand how our cells manage nutrients.
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Brooke Conley Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Brooke ConleyWinner, Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research AwardProject title: Staying Strong with Arthritis – Education Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Dr Conley’s research focused on educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are living with arthritis conditions, through providing clear, practical and culturally appropriate videos and brochures. "Arthritis" refers to more than 100 different conditions that often cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. However, arthritis is more than joint pain – it’s a daily challenge that impacts overall health and quality of life. These conditions are more common for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, affecting 17% of the population (over 85,600 individuals), compared to 13% of non-Indigenous peoples.Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have shared that after being diagnosed with an arthritis condition, they are left “In the dark” without the information and support they need. Understanding their condition and learning how to manage it is important to support people to live well, but as a Community member put it: “There’s nothing out there for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”Recognising this gap, Dr Conley and her research team sat down with Aboriginal people to listen, learn, and create arthritis education resources that meet their needs. The project produced four brochures, six videos and a webpage (https://www.stayingstrongwitharthritis.org.au/). These resources have been shared widely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members, health services, and health professionals and have been reported to be relatable, accessible and useful; not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but for anyone who is living with arthritis.
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Louisa Picco Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Louisa PiccoWinner, Public Health Researcher AwardProject title: Addressing a Global Public Health Crisis: A Multifaceted Approach to Reducing Opioid-Related Harms.Opioid-related harms are a global public health concern, with Australia having one of the highest opioid prescribing rates in the world. Opioid use is associated with a range of harms, including overdose and death. To address and reduce these harms, we need to adopt and implement a range of approaches while trying to avoid possible unintended consequences. Dr Louisa Picco's research has explored the implementation of opioid policies such as prescription drug monitoring programs and harm reduction strategies, including access to naloxone, which is an opioid overdose reversal drug, to determine their impacts on opioid related harms. She has also validated and implemented prescription opioid clinical screening tools, designed to identify opioid related risks, and these have been used in a range of clinical settings and embedded into multiple consumer resources, including the co-designed Opioid Safety Toolkit, a digital and interactive resource to support safer prescription opioid use. Collectively, Dr Picco's research has been used to inform national and international strategies to reduce opioid-related harms, providing evidence-informed data to improve patient safety and healthcare decision-making.
2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Rachel Joyce Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-08-04 | 2024-25 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Rachel JoyceWinner, Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research AwardProject title: Interrogating the cells-of-origin of BRCA2 mutant breast cancer to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer prevention.Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Indigenous and non-Indigenous women in Australia, and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. For women born with a hereditary mutation in the BRCA2 gene, their lifetime risk of breast cancer is drastically elevated, often striking at a younger age. Currently, the primary prevention option for these individuals involves highly invasive surgeries, including the irreversible removal of breasts and reproductive organs—procedures that may have profound consequences for reproductive health, social and emotional wellbeing. Dr Joyce’s PhD research aimed to uncover a non-invasive, targeted alternative for preventing breast cancer in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Using generously donated breast tissue samples from women with BRCA2 mutations, Dr Joyce identified a unique population of cells in pre-cancerous breast tissue characterised by elevated activity of a pathway known as mTORC1. These cells are likely precursors to aggressive breast cancers. Building on this critical discovery, Dr Joyce’s research tested a targeted drug designed to block mTORC1 activity in a preclinical mouse model that closely mirrors BRCA2-mutant breast cancer in humans. Remarkably, short-term treatment with this drug significantly delayed breast cancer onset. This groundbreaking work provides strong biological evidence supporting mTORC1- inhibition as a promising, non-invasive strategy for preventing breast cancer in women with BRCA2 mutations.
Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee Chair Leonie Burrows on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee Chair Leonie Burrows talks about leveraging AI for business.
AFS & Associates Communications and Engagement Manager Melissa Little on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | AFS & Associates Communications and Engagement Manager Melissa Little talks about leveraging AI for business.
Mount Alexander Shire Council Economic Development Manager Daniel Bone on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Mount Alexander Shire Council Economic Development Manager Daniel Bone talks about leveraging AI for business.
Campaspe Shire Council Business & Economy Manager Austin Ley on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Campaspe Shire Council Business & Economy Manager Austin Ley talks about leveraging AI for business.
ARM Hub Industry Programs Manager Jannat Maqbool on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | ARM Hub Industry Programs Manager Jannat Maqbool talks about leveraging AI for business.
Startup Central Victoria Manager Kerry Anderson on Leveraging AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Startup Central Victoria Manager Kerry Anderson talks about leveraging AI for business.
Leveraging AI for Business - Explore, Showcase, Inspire Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities.Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI.People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Keynote Address: Rita Arrigo on National Perspectives on the Opportunities and Adoption of AI Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Supporting Safe & Effective Uptake: Practical Advice for Business: Simon Wilson Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Case Studies: AI in Action: Orchard Mate Founder Michael Brown Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Case Studies: AI in Action: Ligantic Co-founder Stef Cola Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Keynote Address: Professor Wei Xiang Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Powerpoint slides are not available for this presentation.Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Panel Discussion: Tempering the Hype: the Challenges and Realities of AI for Business Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
RDA Melbourne Committee Member Jurgen Schneider Opening Address Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Case Studies: AI in Action: Mingle Media owner Briana Cowan Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-05-27 | Over 130 people gathered in Bendigo in late 2024 to better understand AI and its capabilities. Areas of interest included building business productivity, keeping up with AI’s maturity, AI resource requirements in Australia and seeking practical applications for AI. People were keen to understand how other businesses, companies and entrepreneurs are using the technology to enhance their operations, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
Making a more welcoming hall in Laharum Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-03-05 | Heating and cooling systems and a new acoustic ceiling have transformed the public hall in Laharum, one of Victoria’s tiniest towns.
Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-03-04 | The Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair made its debut in February with a showcase exhibition at the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair. An initiative of the Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy, the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair is driven by the First Peoples Directions Circle – a group of esteemed First Peoples creative leaders who guide the work of Creative Victoria and aims to promote and build the market for Victoria’s First People creatives across Australia and overseas.Led by Co-Curators Janina Harding (Meriam Mir) and Dr Jessica Clark (palawa/pallawah) from the Creative Victoria First Peoples team, the showcase featured the work of 37 Victorian First Peoples artists and designers, collectively representing 20 language groups from across the state. Alongside the exhibition, there was a program of tours, talks and weaving workshops. You can learn more about the initiative at creative.vic.gov.au/first-peoples/
Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025-01-29 | Internationally renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is known for her striking, colourful contemporary artwork. Delve into the artist’s phenomenal eight-decade career in one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of the artist ever presented, exclusively at the NGV.With 200 works from polka-dotted pumpkins to the famous infinity mirror rooms, the immersive exhibition has been specifically curated for Australian audiences.See Yayoi Kusama now at NGV International until 21 April 2025.
Cats & Dogs exhibition at NGV Australia Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-11-27 | Cats & Dogs features over 250 artworks spanning the globe and all periods – from international historical artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Pierre Bonnard and Eileen Mayo to current Australian artists, including Claudia Moodoonuthi and Atong Atem.The exhibition is derived from the NGV Collection and explores cats and dogs in art and design, showcasing humankind’s deep connection to these animals.On at NGV Australia, Fed Square, until 20 July 2025.
Illuminating the Way – Lighting up the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-10-22 | Beautiful lights have helped to create an unforgettable visitor destination just outside of Bendigo.
Experience Victoria 2033 - Our Plan for a Vibrant Visitor Economy Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-09-26 | Experience Victoria 2033 is the Victorian Government's strategic plan for a vibrant visitor economy.The plan capitalises on Victoria's unique strengths as a state and brings together priorities for industry and government, so we can continue to deliver exceptional, diverse and connected experiences for our visitors.More information: tourism.vic.gov.au/about/experience-victoria-2033General tourism vision supplied by Visit Victoria.
Find the talent your business needs to thrive with Digital Jobs Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-09-19 | Faced with a shortage of skilled digital professionals to meet demand, Carsales.com Ltd turned to the Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program. John had decades of experience in the tech industry but was struggling to find ongoing work in his area of specilisation. After studying cyber security through Digital Jobs, John was recruited by Carsales.com Ltd, who realised that his newly acquired digital skills and previous work experience would make him a valuable employee. Digital Jobs is building Victoria’s digital workforce by helping mid-career workers reskill and transition into digital careers. Hosting a Digital Jobs participant is a great way to fast-track recruitment for digital roles and increase diversity. With newly acquired digital skills, demonstrated aptitude, and transferable skills from their previous careers participants can make a valuable and immediate contribution to businesses. Eligible employers also receive a wage subsidy for each 12-week work placement or entry level job offered to a program participant, making Digital Jobs an inexpensive and low-risk way to build your business’s digital capability. Visit vic.gov.au/digitaljobs to learn how your business can tap into this unique talent pool.
Tackling Victoria’s IT worker shortage with Digital Jobs Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-09-19 | In 2022, the Victorian Skills Authority predicted that Victoria would need an extra 38,000 technology workers by 2025. The Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program is building Victoria’s digital workforce by helping mid-career workers reskill and transition into digital careers. Like many businesses, PwC Australia turned to the Digital Jobs program to source the digital talent they need. PwC Australia was looking to build their cloud computing team and took on Digital Jobs participant Ghada for a 12-week work placement. With her background in telecommunications engineering combined with her newly acquired digital skills and life experience, Ghada was able to make an immediate contribution to her team. Hosting a Digital Jobs participant is a great way to fast-track recruitment for digital roles and increase diversity. With newly acquired digital skills, demonstrated aptitude, and transferable skills from their previous careers Digital Jobs participants can make a valuable and immediate contribution to businesses. Eligible employers also receive a wage subsidy for each 12-week work placement or entry level job offered to a program participant, making Digital Jobs an inexpensive and low-risk way to build your business’s digital capability. Visit vic.gov.au/digitaljobs to learn how your business can tap into this unique talent pool.
Completion of Whitten Oval Redevelopment huge for Western Bulldogs and the local community Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-08-23 | The elite redevelopment of the iconic Whitten Oval and home of the Western Bulldogs is now complete – with the unveiling of the final stage which will support the club for generations to come.
Upgrades putting The Bellarine Railway on track for the future Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-08-20 | Infrastructure upgrades funded by Regional Development Victoria have secured the 145-year-old railway’s future, helping volunteers create an unforgettable visitor experience.
Beings exhibition springs to life at ACMI Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-06-19 | Bringing together cutting-edge visual effects, digital games technology, algorithms, art and a whole lot of fun, the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to move, dance and interact with a series of curious digital characters and learn the process of how skilled artists and designers have brought them to life.ACMI’s world premiere exhibition 'Beings', by international art and design collective Universal Everything, is on now until 29 September 2024.
Gippsland Performing Arts Centre sets the stage Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-27 | Since opening in 2022, the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre has been a mainstay in the Latrobe Creative Precinct. The centre is paving the way for new and exciting creative events that support Gippsland’s local creative industries year-round! Video credit: Latrobe City Council (@Latrobe City Council).
2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Rob Mitchell Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-14 | 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Rob Mitchell Winner, Health Services Researcher Award PhD Project: Implementation and evaluation of the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool: Lessons from Pacific emergency departments and the COVID-19 pandemic. Triage is widely regarded as a core function of hospital emergency departments. This is reflected in the World Health Organization Emergency Care Systems Framework, and in resolutions from the World Health Assembly. A small number of triage scales have been purpose-designed for application in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Among these is the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT), a three-tier triage instrument recently released by the World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières. This mixed methods research program evaluated the acceptability and performance of the IITT in the Pacific region both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined the value of triage as a component of Pacific pandemic responses, and the impact of triage implementation on clinical outcomes in LMIC EDs. Overall, it found that the tool can be reliably and efficiently applied by healthcare workers, and its predictive validity is within the performance range of other triage instruments. It identified that the system is highly regarded by emergency care clinicians. The research program also evaluated two different implementation models, the first utilising in-person training, and the second, a digital learning strategy coupled with peer mentoring. Both were effective as well as highly acceptable. This project has generated new knowledge regarding the IITT, but also resulted in the introduction of novel triage, patient flow and data management processes in several Pacific hospitals. In the wake of this research, the IITT is being adopted by emergency departments across Papua New Guinea and the broader region.
2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Laura Ross Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-14 | 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research Dr Laura Ross Winner, Clinical Researcher Award PhD Project: Addressing knowledge gaps in the assessment of disease status in systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is a devastating autoimmune disease that causes scarring of skin, blood vessels and internal organs. It most commonly affects women in middle age and drastically reduces life expectancy, with few effective treatments available. Discovery of new and effective treatment requires the accurate identification of disease manifestations and specific assessment of disease activity in clinical trials. To address this knowledge gap, Dr Laura Ross assembled an international group of scleroderma experts to develop a disease activity index; a new instrument for measuring treatment response in clinical trials. It has been hailed as ‘an important milestone’ by the international rheumatology community and implemented in international interventional and observational studies to improve the treatment and understanding of scleroderma. Dr Ross has led pioneering work establishing the importance of patient-reported symptoms in scleroderma assessment leading to the establishment of a world-first Scleroderma Palliative Care Clinic. Additionally, Dr Ross has established the clinical importance of scleroderma heart involvement. In a series of seminal studies, Dr Ross documented the profound burden of physical disability suffered by scleroderma patients as a result of scarring and inflammation of both heart and skeletal muscle. These studies identified novel mechanisms of physical disability in scleroderma, forcing a paradigm shift in our understanding of the importance of heart and skeletal muscle involvement. Dr Ross’ research has directly improved the care of scleroderma patients, understanding of specific disease manifestations and design of international research trials to investigate scleroderma treatments.
2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Ms Joanne Luke Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-14 | 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research Ms Joanne Luke Winner, Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research Award PhD Project: Public health ‘evidence’ in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social settings: past, present, and future. Joanne’s thesis explored the topic of ‘evidence’ construction and the use of evidence-based practice methodologies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social settings.In recent years Australian governments and universities have increasingly promoted evidence-based practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings. This practice theorises that evaluation and research ‘evidence’ should be applied to decision making in this setting. In her research, Joanne applied a critical Indigenous research methodology and worked with researchers at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency to better understand the existing evidence-base (research and evaluation) and consider existing evidence-based practice methods for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings. Drawing on the critical thinkings of Indigenous scholars and communities this research found that there are real concerns with past and present research, evaluation, and evidence-based practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings. Firstly, there are serious issues with the quality, ethical strength, and safety of existing research and evaluation ‘evidence’. Secondly, there are also issues with existing evidence-based practice methods (including evidence hierarchies), as these methods assume the positional superiority of Western knowledge without considering the constructed nature of ‘evidence’, which can marginalise the expert perspectives, experiences and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations. In considering the future of ‘evidence’ construction and evidence-based practice, this thesis finds the need to build a culturally informed evidence base and the enaction of culturally informed evidence-based practice where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations have greater control.
2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Rongbin Xu Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-14 | 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research Dr Rongbin Xu Winner, Premier’s Excellence Award and Public Health Researcher Award PhD Project: Health and epigenetic impacts of climate change. Climate change is a major public health issue. Dr Rongbin Xu's PhD project focused on the health and epigenetic (alterations to the way genes are switched on/off without a change in the DNA sequence) impacts of climate change-related environmental factors (CCREF), including landscape fires (mainly bushfires), heat, and residential greenspace. The primary health impacts he studied include mortality and major morbidity (e.g., hospitalization). His work showed that each year over 2 billion people worldwide are exposed to substantial landscape fire air pollution (LFAP), and the global population exposure to LFAP is increasing along with the warming climate. His project also provided new robust evidence on the health impacts of LFAP by showing that exposure to the 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire smoke can increase respiratory hospitalisations in the following 5 years. Heat affects even more people than landscape fires, and his work confirmed the well-known evidence that heat can increase cardiorespiratory and mental illness. Additionally, he identified many under recognized heat-related consequences like undernutrition, diabetes, kidney diseases, and interpersonal violence. Residential greenspace can reduce the health impacts of heat and air pollution, and his study strengthened this point by finding that greater areas of greenspace within 2km surrounding residential addresses can slow down the pace of biological aging. His work identified many novel human genes with epigenetic changes related to temperature, LFAP, and greenspace. Those genes are potential targets for interventions. Overall, Dr Xu's PhD research provided essential evidence and data to prevent and reduce various health impacts of CCREF.
2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research – Dr Sarah Garnish Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-14 | 2023-24 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical ResearchDr Sarah Garnish Winner, Basic Science Researcher Award PhD Project: Profiling a killer: MLKL-mediated death and it's role in human disease. Inflammation is an important component of your body’s immune system; however, excessive, or ongoing inflammation can lead to the development of disease. As a result, approximately one in three Australians suffer from a chronic inflammatory disorder. One of the main drivers of inflammation is cell death, a fundamental process that occurs in our body every second, which is designed to protect us against disease or infection. An explosive and inflammatory form of cell death, called necroptosis, has been shown to contribute to the progression of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis. However, no therapeutics targeting necroptosis have reached the clinic. Dr Sarah Garnish recognised the need to increase our understanding of the mechanisms that control necroptosis to enable the design of much needed new therapeutics. Her research uncovered new signalling checkpoints that turn necroptotic cell death ‘on’ and ‘off’. Dr Garnish’s research revealed that 2-3 per cent of the population carry a gene variant that makes them less responsive to the body’s stop signals for necroptosis. This research suggests that this common genetic change, in combination with a person’s lifestyle, infection history, and broader genetic makeup may increase their risk of developing inflammatory disease. Through her research, Dr Garnish has advanced our understanding of the underlying events that occur during cell death and how when these go wrong, they can contribute to the development of disease. Her work can be strategically leveraged in the design of new drugs to help the thousands of Australians living with inflammatory disorders.
Laying a foundation for the future at Mirboo North Op Shop Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-08 | Upgrades to the foundations of the Mirboo North Op Shop have secured the longevity of the building and community fundraising activities.
Experience Joy at the Immigration Museum Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-05-07 | Joy is now on at the Immigration Museum. A vibrant exhibition that brings the Immigration Museum to life and takes you on a journey through the works of Elyas Alavi with Sher Ali, Spencer Harrison, Nadia Hernández, Nixi Killick, Jazz Money, Beci Orpin and Callum Preston as they explore what Joy means to them. Visit to discover what sparks your own. On until 29 August 2025.
Fresh Select speaks their employees’ language Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2024-03-28 | For most staff at Fresh Select, English is their second language. Many are humanitarian migrants from Myanmar starting new lives in Australia. Wyndham Community and Education Centre, a Jobs Victoria partner, supports Fresh Select in their recruitment. Together, they’re finding innovative ways to help staff understand their roles. Using hand signals and colour coding assists communication around the pack house. Inviting bilingual workers into staff meetings and producing in-language documents helps employees gain confidence. Fresh Select also provides English language classes onsite during work hours. As a result, employees like Sheh Paw, originally from Myanmar, have stayed at Fresh Select for years. She enjoys working in a supportive environment, and a sustainable income has meant she could buy a house. “It makes me happy because the work here is everyone helping each other, and also the employers support me all the time.” Elisa Walerys, Fresh Select Chief Human Resources Officer, says the recruitment support from Jobs Victoria is highly valued. “We couldn’t do it without the Wyndham Community and Education Centre.”
