Parents and carers survey

A new survey is open encouraging parents and carers of children 12 and under to offer their insights as part of the ongoing improvement of the government's services. 

The survey includes questions about how Victorians find parenting information, what services they use, which services are most useful, what barriers exist to accessing services, and how services may be further improved.

The survey is open until Monday December 2 at: engage.vic.gov.au/project/Children-in-Victoria-Survey.

Women's public art

Bass Coast Shire Council has been shortlisted for the Victorian Women's Public Art Program which will fund six new public artworks to honour women 's contributions to Victoria.

The Program aims to address the under-representation of women and their achievements by public artworks in Victoria. To do this, the Program will commission six new public artworks, inspired by the contributions, achievements and stories of Victorian women.

Bass Coast Shire Council submitted the story of Agnes Chambers, Agnes Doig and the Wonthaggi Miners Women's Auxiliary, and is one of 13 stories shortlisted.

Voting is open now until December 8.

For details and to vote: engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/womens-public-art-program

$400 school saving bonus

Families are now able to access the School Saving Bonus, helping them with the cost of textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school activities.

Parents with kids at a government school won't need to apply for their bonus: it is free, automatic and universal. 

Families will receive an email giving them access to their $400 per child. Families will be able to choose how they allocate their funds.

For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school - to be managed in consultation with the student's family and in line with the intent of the program. 

Details: vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus