Melbourne to host artificial intelligence research centre

Melbourne will be home to an international-standard artificial intelligence (AI) centre, pending a formal agreement with the next federal government.

The effort is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to attract AI talent from around the country and the world, boosting employment opportunities in new and emerging tech sectors such as the healthcare industry, biomedicine, and robotics.

The Labor Government will contribute $1 million toward establishing the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Melbourne, funds that would be combined with the $3 million committed to reviewing AI technology announced by Labor last year.

“This centre will help turbo-charge Victoria’s innovation ecosystem – it will be great to have it in Melbourne,” Minister for Innovation Martin Pakula said in a statement.  “Artificial intelligence is becoming the defining technology that is changing the way business is done, from autonomous vehicles and healthcare robots to the latest agriculture technology.”

The state’s $1 million investment to the proposed centre would help identify and establish a location for the new national centre, bringing together a mix of established businesses, startups and tertiary institutions.

“The big philosophy behind the centre is to start getting the national consciousness around AI, both its benefits and also some of the potential drawbacks, being considered in a central point – to think ahead about maximising the benefit and sidestepping some of the problems that might emerge, specifically in the labour market area,” shadow digital economy minister Ed Husic told the publication InnovationAus.

He explained the centre would be the common ground to bring together businesses, governments, unions and the community to see how Victoria can put AI to work and do it in a much better way than what the state has got at the moment.

The new centre will build on Victoria’s technology talent pool and established successes – Victorian universities are already producing about 37 per cent of Australia’s tech graduates, more than any other state.

“The government is ready to partner with the next Federal Government because Melbourne is the natural home to a national centre for artificial intelligence, Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas said in a statement. “We are already attracting significant tech investment and we want to make Melbourne the drawcard for the best and brightest talent in the world.”

In an effort to deliver on safety for patients through the establishment of protocols around AI, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) created a working group earlier this year to determine how the technology fits into the world of radiology and healthcare.

The University of Melbourne already has an A.I. and Autonomy Lab to develop innovative approaches to high-level cognitive reasoning, such as performing collaborative tasks, assessing the cognitive states of other agents, and human-agent interaction.

Project Echo

Project ECHO is a highly effective and scalable model of education, used globally to expand access to specialist care and reduce health disparities. Through use of videoconference technology and a structured case-presentation format, healthcare providers in underserved communities learn from peers in similar settings, and from experts in metropolitan centres, and over time become empowered to deliver specialist-level care. ECHO began in the United States in 2003 as a model to address lack of access to hepatitis C care in rural communities. It is now used in over 30 countries to reduce health disparities across more than 100 complex disease areas. Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQ) is Australia’s largest ECHO hub and has been using the model since 2017 to address complex child health problems including behavioural and mental health problems, obesity and persistent pain. Other ECHO hubs in Australia include Liverpool Hospital and St Vincent’s Melbourne, using the model for hepatitis C and opioid use disorder respectively. Teams who wish to replicate and implement ECHO need to complete a 3-day training course called Immersion, at either the University of New Mexico, or one of 12 global superhub training sites. CHQ recently became Australasia’s only superhub and will be delivering Immersion from August this year. To enquire about Immersion at CHQ, email Immersion.CHQ@health.qld.gov.au

RESTORE pilot program for young people extended

Support for families in situations where young people are using violence in the home will be available for a further six months thanks to Jesuit Social Services’ RESTORE program at Melbourne Children’s Court.

The RESTORE program was launched in August last year as a 12-month pilot, but has now been extended until the end of 2019.

The program includes Family Group Conferencing, and is designed to:

• Meet the needs of the young person and family members affected by family violence
• Provide an opportunity for everyone involved to take part in a restorative process
• Work with the young person to accept responsibility for their violent behaviour
• Put practical strategies in place to keep affected family members safe

The court remains committed to supporting new programs and initiatives, such as RESTORE and the Family Violence Support Service, to ensure adolescents using violence in the home receive appropriate support and services.

For more information, please visit the Children’s Court website.

New Charter of Aged Care Rights

A new Charter of Aged Care Rights (the Charter) has been made in law and will take effect from 1 July 2019.

Transition to the new Charter has begun. Information about the timeframes for implementation and the requirements for providers to sign, and support consumers to understand, the Charter is available on the department’s website.

The Charter will replace the existing charters that relate to care recipients’ rights and responsibilities and apply to people once they start receiving Government-subsidised aged care, including:

• residential care
• home care packages
• flexible care
• the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
• the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.

The Charter will provide the same rights to aged care consumers regardless of the type of care they receive and help to create a shared understanding about the rights of people receiving aged care.

The Charter has been translated into multiple languages.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is supporting the Department of Health with raising awareness and providing education about the Charter, which includes support to aged care service providers and consumers. More information is available on OPAN’s website.

Aged Care Pricing Commissioner – 2019 online updates

The Office of the Aged Care Pricing Commissioner is revamping its processes, including an online Application Form. There will also be an updated website, best practice examples for providers and more improvements.

Consultation on this process is being carried out via an industry working group made up of providers and industry/consumer peak bodies.

Watch this short video to find out more about these developments.

Medicare item number 699: Heart Health Checks

A new interim Medicare Benefit Scheme item was introduced in April 2019 to allow GPs to conduct a Heart Health Check that lasts at least 20 minutes, in consulting rooms. A Heart Health Check is the patient-friendly term for absolute CVD risk assessment and ongoing management. Find out more about the new item here

Should I give my teenager alcohol?

Parents often receive inconsistent messages about whether or not they should supply alcohol to their children.

Our new factsheet presents the latest research on parents providing alcohol to their teenagers, and deals with some of the myths on this topic. It also provides important information on state laws regarding supply to minors.

Read the factsheet now

The Drug Wheel

The Drug Wheel is an interactive online model providing easy access to information about different types of drugs. The Drug Wheel allows users to learn about and identify these drug types based on their effects on the body, without needing to learn in-depth details about specific or new drugs. The Drug Wheel also provides detailed information about various substances.

View the Drug Wheel on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

New research on young Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality

Young people have limited understanding or awareness of what constitutes violence against women, new research shows.

The Young Australians’ Attitudes towards Violence against Women and Gender Equality report presents findings from more than 1,700 young Australians aged 16-24, who took part in the 2017 National Community Attitudes Survey towards Violence Against Women Survey (NCAS).

NCAS is the world’s longest-running survey of its kind, measuring knowledge and attitudes to violence and gender equality.

The latest report released by ANROWS this week highlights some key areas for concern, including:

• The belief that control is a normal part of a relationship
• The lack of understanding about sexual consent, which can result in victim blaming
• The likelihood of young people intervening as a bystander to sexism and abuse is less than in those aged 25-64

Macular Disease Foundation Australia Digital training tools

The Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) have developed easy-to-use digital training tools to be used in all Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to help staff understand the visual needs of residents and better care for those with vision loss and blindness.

The free resources include:

• training video for care workers
• accompanying resource for care workers
• resource for management and health professionals
• resource for families and guardians for residents

MDFA encourages all RACFs to use these resources and incorporate them into staff training programs.

The MDFA will conduct a follow-up online survey after July this year asking for feedback on these resources.

The Pocket Guide to Systems Wayfinding and poster version

These are helpful visual tools for people at all stages of systems thinking learning.
Click here for the pocket guide
Click here for the poster

Connecting the Dots of Complex Systems – A discussion paper

This paper will support you in applying a systems mindset to your prevention work. It encourages community change practitioners to connect the dots of the structures within systems that drive persistent social issues and seeks to make systems thinking easier to understand. If you have thoughts about this you would like to share, please get in touch with Tiana or Monica directly.

Updated Asthma Guidelines for Health Professionals 

Asthma Australia (AA) has updated  the Australian Asthma Handbook by the National Asthma Council Australia, which sets the best practice guidelines for primary healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage asthma.

The updated Handbook includes a major update of evidence and advice on managing asthma in children; acute asthma; management challenges (previously known as troubleshooting); and primary prevention. It also includes updates on latest treatment options for patients with severe asthma and advice on inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD. This update is a step towards achieving a more comprehensive model of care for 2.7 million Australians with asthma. You can view a summary of the revisions here.

For more information about how Asthma Australia can support you to better manage patients with asthma, please see below: 

• COACH Program: A confidential, free health coaching service delivered over the phone by Asthma Coaches to help people with asthma, or those who care for someone with asthma, to learn about how to take better care of their health. To refer, simply download a template, add the patient details, and send via secure message. An asthma coach will call your patient within a week of receiving the referral. A summary report of the call will be sent to the patient, referrer and their GP. Access the templates and read more about our Patient Education Referral Service or click here to refer now. 
• Be Winter well with asthma: Many people experience an increase in asthma symptoms and find their asthma harder to control during Winter. Asthma Australia has developed a range of resources to help people with asthma to be Winter well, including a checklist to better manage asthma during this season.
• Asthma Connect: For ongoing asthma management information, patient education strategy, resources and research, sign up to Asthma Connect to receive the Asthma Link e-newsletter and regular updates keeping you informed about asthma research, conference and training opportunities, new resources and tools.
• Asthma HealthPathways: HealthPathways provides information of the assessment, management and referral options available in the Western Victoria PHN for asthma related concerns. 

The Victorian Integrated Care Model The Victorian Integrated Care Model (VICM)

The Victorian Integrated Care Model The Victorian Integrated Care Model (VICM) aims to improve the experiences of care and outcomes for patients with complex and chronic conditions through increased collaboration by health care providers at the local level. Training resources The Department of Health and Human Services is excited to launch the first of six online resources in May 2019. The online resources extend the support available for those with a vested interest in implementing and supporting high quality integrated care in their local network. The resources are designed to be completed at a self-determined pace allowing you to learn gradually, reflect on your current health services and care provision, plan for any improvements and incrementally implement your learning as you progress through the resources. The resources can be accessed at: www.victorianintegratedcare.training Users will be able to self-register and obtain their personal login details by clicking on ‘Create account’. This will take you to the ‘Create account’ page where you will enter your details, some of which are mandatory.

The Cost of Pain in Australia Report 4 April 2019

The Cost of Pain in Australia report by Deloitte Access Economics was launched at Parliament House by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt. https://www.painaustralia.org.au/static/uploads/files/thecost-of-pain-in-australia-final-report-12marwfxbrfyboams.pdf

Osteoarthritis of the knee: A decision support tool for patients considering treatment options April 2019:

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a decision support tool for patients on osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The tool provides evidence-based information about the main treatment options for OA of the knee, including the risks, benefits and costs. The tool aims to support patients to make more informed decisions and includes questions that patients may wish to discuss with their doctor or health professional. The decision support tool is based on the treatment options in the Commission’s Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard. The decision support tool is available at https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/wpcontent/uploads/2019/04/OAK-DST-FINAL-APRIL-8.pdf A promotional poster to support the release of the tool is also available from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/wpcontent/uploads/2019/04/OAK-DST-FINAL-APRIL-8.pdf

Guide to Producing and Sourcing Quality Health Information

This Guide was developed to help Victorian health services produce or source quality health information for people who use their services.

The Guide covers health information presented in a variety of formats – print, digital, video and audio – and can be used by consumers, carers, clinicians and health administrators working to improve the quality of health information in their service. Link

Annual Alcohol Poll

In the tenth year of surveying Australians, new polling has found the number of people who drink alcohol to get drunk has edged close to half the drinking population, to around six million people, despite little change in overall alcohol consumption.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) says it has been the ‘decade of deception’ when it comes to informing Australians about the risks of alcohol.  Link

Making the link between our health and climate change

While Victoria’s health services and health workers are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the community, qualitative research conducted by Sustainability Victoria indicates very low public awareness about the link between health and climate change.

Along with environmental changes, climate change has, and will have, a significant adverse impact on human health around the world. There are also potentially some positive health opportunities that exist in society’s response to climate change. However, although these health threats and benefits are well understood among health professionals, there is uncertainty as to what level of understanding exists at the community level.  Link

Participate in the 2019 Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS)

Aged care homes and multi-purpose services are encouraged to take part in this year’s Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AC NAPS) on any single day between 1 June 2019 and 31 August 2019.

Participation in the survey helps aged care homes identify improvements in use of antimicrobials for residents. The AC NAPS data can also assist aged care homes to meet the Australian Aged Care Quality Standards.

Previous AC NAPS surveys have identified the following areas for improvement:

• poor documentation
• prolonged duration
• high use of topical antimicrobials.

To register for the 2019 AC NAPS:

• email support@naps.org.au
• call (03) 9342 9415
• visit the NAPS website.

The website also has online AC NAPS training materials.

Changing Places 2019 survey: Seeking your assistance

Have you or someone you care for used a Changing Places Toilet or Marveloo in Australia?

Please participate in a 10 minute survey so we can gather information and experiences from people with disabilities their families and carers who use Australian Changing Places toilets. In 2016 we did a survey and there were 9 Changing Places, now there are nearly 90 Changing Places and 6 Marveloos across Australia.

The survey is being conducted by the Centre for Evaluation and Research at the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

The survey closes Friday 31 May 2019 at 11.59pm. For more information about the survey or Changing Places Toilets go to link  or email

Don’t forget to tell us in the survey where you want to see more Changing Places, we value your input.  Thank you for your time.

To begin, click here: link

Have your say on the Indigenous Health Incentive 

You’re invited to have your say on how the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI) can better support high quality chronic disease care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Department of Health has been working with various stakeholders to listen to their views on the program. You can read the consultation paper and further details at consultations.health.gov.au. 

This is a great opportunity to share your views about how the program works in your clinic with your patients. Please share this information with your networks.

Submissions close on Monday 10 June 2019.

For details contact Anna Osland – Acting Director, Primary Health Care Policy and Programs, Indigenous health Division, Department of Health on: 02 6289 9659 or Anna.Osland@health.gov.au.

Read more at News for health professionals.

Optimal Care Pathways – Primary Health Care Nurse Input

The Western Victoria PHN is requiring input from Primary Health Care Nurses in the Wimmera/Grampians region on your understanding of the Optimal Care Pathways and the management of cancer patients within the region.

The survey takes approximately two minutes and your assistance is greatly appreciated. 

To access the survey, click here. 

Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health

SBS News reported that in 2018, Indigenous suicides accounted for 40% of all youth suicide and the Australian government has recently declared aboriginal child suicides a “national crisis”.

At the upcoming Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health conference (Brisbane, 29-31 July), we are making indigenous suicide a key area of discussion for policymakers and healthcare providers to attract funding and raise the profile of suicide prevention campaigns and ultimately improve mental wellness.

Listen and pose questions to leading experts at our panel, ‘Creating more effective approaches to indigenous mental health and suicide prevention,’ featuring representatives from RUOK, National Mental Health Commission, First Nations Homelessness Project and Rural Health Tasmania.

Plus! We have a pre-conference workshop on indigenous suicide prevention and youth mental health facilitated by RUOK, which will leave you with practical tools and sources that you can take back to your organisation.

Click here to benefit from a $300 discount off your ticket with our early bird price – discount expires Friday, 7th June so get in quick!

You can view the full program here to see all 25+ professionals speaking and the other topics that will be covered over the few days, to help improving Indigenous health and life expectation equality by providing an environment to thrive.

Hear what our past attendees have to say about this leading event:

• “Varied and informative speakers talking about solutions, not just issues.” – Diabetes Educator, Diabetes Queensland 
• “Well organised conference with guest speakers showing a lot of passion to make change and enhance the quality of delivery for Aboriginal people.” – Project Officer, AHMRC 
• “Great opportunity to listen and learn about the great work that is being done.” – Advanced Care Paramedic, Queensland Ambulance Service 

The relationship between social media, alcohol use and parental monitoring in adolescence

Wednesday 19th June 12pm AEST Presented by: Ms Anna Smout

This webinar is for parents, school staff, and anyone else seeking information about the relationship between social media use and drinking, and how parents can protect against alcohol use in adolescence.

Australian teenagers spend more than 3 hours per day on social networking sites. Greater time spent using these sites has been linked to problem drinking in adolescence. This webinar will present information on the relationship between using social networking sites and problem drinking, and will focus on how parents can intervene to protect their child from alcohol-related harms.

REGISTER HERE

Cardiac disease rehabilitation and secondary prevention

24-28 June 2019
8.30am – 4.00pm
Graduate House, Carlton

Program notes, resources, morning tea and lunch;
30 CPD hours
$1,400.00
Contact: emma.llewelyn@australianhearthealth.org.au

This five-day program addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs. It teaches practical
skills to assist metropolitan and rural practitioners to implement, conduct, and evaluate their rehabilitation and prevention programs.

Sessions are delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of expert facilitators including a cardiologist, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist, dietitian and social worker.

Topics include

• Cardiac disease and risk factors
• Cardiac investigations and procedures
• Planning and conducting exercise sessions
• Practical aspects of diet
• Psychosocial issues
• Cardiac medications
• Behaviour change
• Principles of adult learning
• Organisational issues
• Program evaluation

Enrol now.

FREE webinar: What is The Common Approach? 

The Common Approach is a research-based, preventative and flexible way of speaking with young people and their families about all aspects of their wellbeing. It helps you get to the heart of the matter sooner. This means you and your colleagues can work more closely together to develop more effective interventions earlier. Watch a free webinar introducing The Common Approach >

Course in Consumer Leadership 2019

The Consumer Leadership Course (10163NAT) is a three-day course for consumer representatives, consumer leaders and staff of health services.

The Course is aligned with and will facilitate the implementation of the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standard 2: Partnering with consumers.
Standard 2 aims to create a healthcare system that responds to the needs and input of consumers, carers and the community. It requires organisations to facilitate relevant orientation and training for consumers and carers who partner with the organisation.

By sponsoring and encouraging consumers and carers to take the course, health services and organisations will be responding to Standard 2.
Consumers attending the course will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective consumer representatives and work as effective partners for health service improvement.

This foundational course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively and in a range of settings to facilitate and promote consumer engagement with consumers and health service staff.

Register at www.benchmarqueiq.com.au/course-enrolment/816415

For more info: contact Teri Dawson on 03 8676 9057/ 0417 321 679 or via email t.dawson@hic.org.au.
Or visit https://www.healthissuescentre.org.au/training-events/accredited-training/course-in-consumer-leadership/

USE DATA TO PREDICT IMPENDING TOPICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

You may be aware of the recent increase and importance of digitised health data. Predictive models based on electronic health records (EHR) are providing higher accuracies for forecasting prolonged length of stay and in-hospital mortality.

What if you could help pave the way in personalised medicine and improve the quality of healthcare? Our Master of Applied Analytics gives you access to intelligent learning models, the ability to interpret relevant analytical data and learn topical problem-solving. A skillset that could see you at the forefront of a new era in patient care.

This is a unique opportunity to spearhead the Health industry –
Future-proof your career with a 100% online Master in
Applied Analytics.

Enrolments close on the 1st of July for study period beginning on the 15th of July

Free training presented by Seniors Rights 

Free training presented by Seniors Rights Victoria
Funded by DHHS as part of the trial of the Integrated Model of Care
Dates:  July 2019 
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 
Venues: Monash Medical Centre, Clayton Campus 
Workshops:

• Safety planning and risk assessment for older people (Thurs 11 July)
• Adult children returning home (Thurs 18 July)
• Elder abuse and capacity issues (Tues 23 July)
• Money, ageing and family: Moving in with family (Wed 31 July)

This training is designed to complement the Level 1 and Level 2 elder abuse workshops. The modules will expand on key topics introduced in the foundational training.

Who should attend: Staff from Monash Health’s hospital campuses and its community-based programs are invited to attend. e.g., staff from ACAS, HARP, TCP, Allied Health and Social Work; case managers; and medical staff. We also welcome interested staff from other community programs in the local region.

Click here to register. 

Follow the prompts and enter your details.Please ensure you click on the “Confirm registration” button after submitting your initial details. You will receive a message on the screen that states “Thank you for registering” and a confirmation email when your application has been lodged successfully

Question about bookings:
Contact Michelle Wills,
e) m.wills@latrobe.edu.au or p) 9385 5100

Questions about training:
Contact Selina Nivelle, Monash Health Elder Abuse Liaison Officer,
p) 9265 7835 or
e) Selina.Nivelle@monashhealth.org    

2019 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants

We have exciting news for Victorian schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups that are interested in working on a Junior Landcare biodiversity project in 2019-2020.

The Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning (DELWP) in partnership with Landcare Australia is giving your school or group the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 as part of the 2019 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.  The Victorian Government is providing funding up to $410,000 for these grants.
 
Apply now to ensure your school or group is in the running to secure a $5,000 grant!
 
Type of projects supported by this program include:

• On-ground projects that restore, protect, enhance, or develop habitat for native flora and fauna, and/or address threats to biodiversity e.g. weed invasion, habitat loss etc., and/or
• Projects that increase opportunities for children to connect with their natural environment e.g. a school excursion to Healesville Sanctuary; and/or
• Projects that educate and raise awareness, among young people of the benefits and importance of biodiversity and a healthy environment, and/or how they can contribute to environmental improvement.

 
Here are some tips to help you apply:

1. Check the Guidelines to see if your project idea fits.
2. Starting talking to your colleagues and get a project team together. Your project team may consist of teachers, parents, students and collaborators such as your local Landcare group or ‘Friends of’ group or local indigenous nursery.
3. Work with your project team to clearly develop your project idea, including the educational and environmental outcomes you expect to achieve.
4. Make sure your project gets students involved.
5. Develop a detailed and realistic budget.
6. Include pictures, maps, drawings or anything else that’ll help bring your application to life.

 How to submit your application:

• Log into the Landcare Australia Communities portal (or register if you haven’t applied for a Landcare Australia grant before).
• Click on Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants and click ‘create application’. You can save it along the way and log back in to finish it later.
• Don’t forget to read the Guidelines and Criteria  

Get in quick! Applications close on the 21st June 2019.
Read more about the 2019 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants

Grants Now Open to Help Victorians With A Disability

Organisations across regional Victoria are invited to apply for one-off grants to build up the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) workforce so it can best meet the needs of Victorians with a disability.

The Andrews Labor Government is providing $1.3 million to the Victorian Regional Readiness Fund for grants of up to $130,000 each.

These grants will help deliver services to regional and rural communities, generate local solutions to workforce issues and better support the choices of people with a disability on the NDIS.

The funding will help address the particular challenges faced by rural and regional Victoria in transitioning to the NDIS, including recruiting qualified staff such as therapists and other specialists, and managing services across large areas with small populations.

Applications for grants are welcome from not-for-profit services, community groups, businesses, higher education and training institutions, local government and other organisations.

For the grant guidelines and application form, go to: https://dhhs.vic.gov.au/news/grants-open-help-victoria-ndis-readiness

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 12 June 2019. The Labor Government is investing a total of $26 million to boost and support Victoria’s disability workforce as the state transitions to the NDIS.

Drought and Dry Seasonal Conditions Funded Programs

The Victorian Government has launched two programs to provide support to farmers affected by drought. 

The $2 million Pasture Recovery and Management Grant Program will support drought-affected farm businesses in East Gippsland and Wellington shires. Grants of up to $5,000 are available. 

The $1 million Farm Support Fund will be delivered through the Farm Business Assistance program to include more farmers in Northern and North West Victoria.

The Farm Business Assistance program will now be available to Farm Household Allowance recipients in 20 eligible local government areas, providing a one-off payment of $2500. More information is on Agriculture Victoria’s website.

The Health Condition Support Grants

This grants program provides grants of up to $5,000 p.a. for a two-year period to peer support groups focusing on a specific health condition, that provide mutual support and education to members and increase community awareness of the health condition.  Applications close on 7 June 2019.  Link