Expressions of Interest for Stronger Communities Grants Round 6 are now open and close Thursday 11th February.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available for small capital works and equipment for community groups in Calwell.  To be eligible to apply, you will need to:

• Be an incorporated entity, or be sponsored by one.
• Be based in the Calwell electorate.

The Federal Government today announced new ways to stay informed about the latest official medical and safety advice straight from the government.

Download the Coronavirus Australia app from the Apple App Store or on Google Play, or connect with the Australian Government on WhatsApp to say up-to-date with the latest information.

You will be able to use the Coronavirus Australia app to:
? Get the latest official advice
? Check your symptoms
? Get a snapshot of the status of the Coronavirus in Australia
? Contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Line
? Receive push notifications for urgent information and immediate advice

The COVID-19 pandemic has, as we all know, presented us with the challenge of rebuilding our economy and creating employment. Inevitably, this has reopened the perennial debate about immigration and population policy. These are legitimate issues for us as a nation to tackle, but we must be very clear that the debate should not descend into xenophobia or scapegoating.

Australia's unemployment rate reached 6.2 per cent in April, and is expected to grow even higher. There is hope that many people will be able to return to their jobs once the worst of the crisis has passed and re- strictions are eased, but we also know that realistically, this won't be the case for everyone.

It is inspiring to see the generosity from our community shine once again.

It is wonderful to see community members coming together and helping out vulnerable residents during this time of uncertainty.

If you or someone you know is in need, reach out to Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Ji Khalsa Darbar, Mickleham Melbourne on their Facebook page or give them a call on 0433 573 785.

Let's help out each other however we can during these times.

And we’re back! This week my office moved back to Broadmeadows, setting up our new electorate office in Town Hall Broadmeadows.

Our new address is:

Level 2, Office 1, Town Hall Broadmeadows
14 Dimboola Road
Broadmeadows

Due to the federal redistribution, my electorate office is now located in Craigieburn. You can visit me and my staff at:

Shop EOO - 48 Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, 340 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn. The phone number is the same - (03) 9367 5216. I look forward to meeting with you all and talking with all the people up in Melbourne's north of Craigieburn.

Important update from the Commonwealth Government.

A second stimulus package of $66 billion has been announced to support workers and households. See details below.

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Gambling and the use of pokies machines is a growing area of expenditure for locals in Calwell, with over $300,000 spent on pokies per day in the Hume area.  The serious effects of gambling not only impact the finances of an individual, but are also seen through the loss of physical and mental health, relationships, work performance and self-esteem.

The consequences of gambling affect the individual and those around them, yet this is still an issue that is hidden and not often spoken about in the community.