Help for mortgage stress
Victorians struggling with their mortgage repayments can now access a free service dedicated to helping homeowners stay in control of their finances.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes announced the statewide expansion of Mortgage Stress Victoria (MSV) - supporting Victorians with expert legal, financial, and social work support both in-person and remotely.
MSV can help at any stage of mortgage stress, whether the payments are up to date or if there are court orders for repossessing your home. Victorians can access support if they live in their mortgaged primary residence, own only one property and have a household income of $75,000 or less, or are affected by family violence.
For more information on Mortgage Stress Victoria, call 1800 572 292 or visit mortgagestress.org.au
Agricultural leadership program
Applications are open for the Gippsland agricultural leadership program.
The agriculture-focused program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate evolving challenges within the sector, foster innovation, and build resilience in their businesses and communities.
Running from March to May 2025, the program targets emerging agricultural leaders over 18 years of age and will be led by industry experts Chris Mirams and Dr. Gary Saliba.
Key topics for the course include navigating uncertainty and risk; community development and leadership; resilience and innovation; and climate and drought preparedness.
Applications can be submitted via surveymonkey and close Friday January 31.
For further details, contact Jenny O'Sullivan: 0419 153 377 or email: leapjos@gmail.com.
Women and girls access to sport
The Government's Fair Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.
All of Victoria's 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities.
Since being launched in August 2022, the Roadmap is helping councils and their local sporting clubs to create equal access and opportunities for women and girls so all Victorians can take part in the sports they love.
As part of the roadmap, councils must have policies in place in order to be eligible for community sport program funding. The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to achieve long-term change resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.
changeourgame.vic.gov.au/initiatives/fair-access-policy-roadmap
Council rates capped
Council rate increases will again be capped at the forecast Consumer Price Index for next year.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos announced the rate cap of three per cent for the next financial year.
The rate cap limits the amount all Victorian councils can increase their total revenue from general rates and municipal charges.
Councils may apply to the Essential Services Commission for a higher rate cap if they can demonstrate a critical need for spending on services or projects that would require a rate rise above the capped amount.