New team for Parks Victoria
A conservation group has welcomed new leadership for Parks Victoria, while urging the agency to refocus on protecting nature as its core business.
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The Victorian Government has appointed a new chief executive officer, Lee Miezis, and new board members.
Mr Miezis was previously the CEO of Environment Protection Authority Victoria and has held senior executive roles across Victorian Government agencies an departments.
“This new leadership team inherits not only an organisation and a legacy, but the trust of all Victorians who expect Parks Victoria to safeguard our national parks and conservation estate for generations to come,” Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said.
Mr Ruchel said national parks and conservation areas were created to protect nature first and foremost — not to be treated just as passive backdrops for recreation.
Apply for Men’s Shed funding
Grant applications are now open for the 2025-26 Men’s Shed Funding Program.
The program supports the construction and refurbishment of men’s sheds, and the purchase of major equipment. Victorian Men’s Shed groups can apply for grants up to $100,000 towards:
- The construction of new men’s sheds, including the conversion of a building into a men’s shed.
- The refurbishment, extension or upgrade of existing men’s sheds.
- The purchase of major shed equipment for use in men’s sheds.
Applications close at 4pm on Thursday, July 17.
For more information and to apply for a grant, go to: https://www.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program
Be alert to deadly ’shrooms
Victorians are being reminded to be vigilant, with poisonous mushrooms becoming present in the community during autumn as the weather becomes wetter and cooler.
Poisonous mushrooms, including death cap mushrooms and yellow-staining mushrooms, become more evident in Victoria at this time of year, and initial symptoms of poisoning can include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Health Department said it was important to remove any wild mushrooms growing in home gardens to avoid young children and pets coming into any contact with them.
Wild mushrooms growing in home gardens should only be removed by wearing gloves, carefully placing them in a bag and disposing of them in a closed general waste (landfill) rubbish bin.
If a person has trouble breathing, collapsed, is having a fit or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call 000 for an ambulance. Do not call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre in an emergency.
Funds for climate solutions
Applications are now invited from not-for-profit groups in remote, rural and regional communities for funding to support projects that reduce emissions and address the impacts of climate change.
FRRR’s Community Led Climate Solutions program is offering grants to NFPs via two streams, with a total funding pool of $650,000 available for initiatives that address climate change at a local level.
Stream 1 - Engage and Deliver: Grants up to $20,000 for local projects that implement or build awareness of practices and solutions that can reduce emissions and benefit the community; and
Stream 2 – Scaling: Grants from $20,001 to $75,0000 to scale locally-led initiatives that alleviate socio-economic challenges resulting from the changing climate and enable communities to decarbonise, adapt and thrive.
To learn more and apply, visit: frrr.org.au/community-led-climate-solutions
P-plate petition extended
A petition calling on the Victorian Government to reduce the minimum probationary drivers’ licence age from 18 to 17, in line with every other Australian state, has been extended to October 1.
State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the extension was timely during National Road Safety Week.
“I have heard from many frustrated families who are keen to see the law changed, especially in regional areas where there is limited or no public transport available, and not everyone has someone to act as a taxi service,” Ms Broad said.
“I have heard from young people who had to pass up valuable apprenticeships simply because they did not have their licence. Some are using NSW addresses so they can get their licence at 17.”
A petition which combines online and hard copy signatures must have 10,000 signatures to qualify for debate in parliament.
You can sign the petition at: https://tinyurl.com/mt6w6ybe
Support for Cohuna market
North Central Catchment Management Authority has extended its sponsorship of the popular Cohuna Farmers’ and Makers’ Market for another two years.
Market treasurer Millie Peach said the North Central CMA sponsorship made a big difference.
“Thanks to this sponsorship we are able to meet our commitments more easily,” she said.
“This, in turn, allows us to put more back into the community with our Market Day prize draws and family friendly activities on special market days.”
The market is held at Garden Park in Cohuna on the fourth Sunday of each month and showcases the produce and wares of local farmers and small businesses.
“Supporting farmers is a key focus of the CMA and an important part of ensuring communities such as Cohuna are prosperous long term,” North Central CMA chief executive officer Brad Drust said.