December 2010
Stay Smart Online this Festive Season
Many people will be using the internet for banking, shopping, buying tickets, booking holidays and keeping in touch with friends and family this festive season. With increased internet activity comes increased risk. Some of these risks include:
- malicious software such as spyware and viruses which can be transmitted via emails, websites and even electronic greeting cards;
- online scams - remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; and
- identity theft - thieves can steal your personal and financial information online.
There are some simple measures you can take to protect your computer, yourself and your family while you are online this festive season.
Buying Gifts Online - If you are buying gifts online this festive season, make sure you shop at secure websites, research the merchant before placing an order and save all transaction details. Choose your method of payment online carefully. Try to use a payment method where your personal and financial details are not shared with the person/site you're buying from. This will reduce the likelihood of them using those details in an unauthorised manner later, or someone stealing those details and doing the same. If you prefer to use a credit card, then use a pre-paid card that is utilised exclusively for online shopping.
Online banking - Banks will never ask for personal details via email. Don't respond to unsolicited emails requesting personal information such as your PIN or password.
E-Cards - If you receive a festive season e-card or email at work or home you need to be wary of disguised senders such as 'friend' and misspelled words or strange and vague subject lines.
Sign up for the free Cyber Security Alert Service which will provide you with information on the latest threats and vulnerabilities and how to address them in easy to understand language.
For more information on how to protect yourself online go to www.staysmartonline.gov.au/festive_season.
Events Calendar
Did you know that Victoria Online publishes an Events Calendar? Features include:
- Search by event, category, region or local council
- View the calandar by month, week or day
- Details of each event
- Ability to recommend event to a friend
- Google map available including directions from A to B
- Listing of school holidays and public holidays
- iCal functionality which enables you to sync to your calendar in your handheld device
You can also suggest an event to be added to the calendar using the Suggest a calendar event option.
Find out more about the Events Calendar.
2010 VCE Results and ATAR Service
VCE results, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and ATAR subject scores will be available on the 2010 VCE Results and ATAR Service from 7.00 am Monday 13 December to 12 noon Monday 20 December.
Students can access their VCE results, ATAR and ATAR subject scores through the joint VCAA and VTAC phone, Internet and SMS service called 2010 VCE Results and ATAR Service.
This service will provide those students with at least one Year 12 VCE study and those who have qualified for an ATAR with a one-stop-shop of results.
To access your results on this service you will need your VCAA student number and your PIN. If you are a VTAC applicant use your VTAC PIN. If you are not a VTAC applicant use the first four digits of your birthdate (e.g. 17 July = 1707).
Find out more about accessing results by visiting www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
Patrolled Beaches 2010-11 Season
Lifesaving patrols for Port Phillip Bay Clubs in Victoria will commence on Saturday, 13 November 2010 and will conclude on Sunday, 27 March 2011. An observation patrol will commence on Sunday, 2 April 2011 and will conclude on Tuesday, 26 April 2011.
Lifesaving patrols for Coastal Clubs will commence on Saturday, 4 December 2010 and conclude on Tuesday, 26 April 2011.
For further details please visit beachsafe.org.au or contact the Lifesaving Operations team on 03 9676 6930.
Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed. Remember to always SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS at a patrolled beach.
Sand Sculpting Australia - Frankston Waterfront
From Boxing Day 2010 to Anzac Day 2011, the Frankston Waterfront will again be transformed as our team of talented sand sculptors create a weird and wonderful world of Creepy Crawlies. From beetles, bugs and butterflies, to spiders, slugs and scorpions, the tiny creatures that inhabit our lives will be magnified and amplified in giant sand sculptures. Delicate dragonflies and enchanting ladybirds will mingle with bed bugs, fleas and other things that make you itch and make your skin crawl!
Integrated with the sand sculptures will be our regular activities to keep the whole family entertained. Why not try your hand at carving in the Sand Workshop area, or enjoy a talk conducted by our resident sculptor. During school holidays and on weekends and public holidays, there will be many more activities available to ensure a fun day out for visitors of all ages.
Do not miss this fascinating display which has become a 'must see' exhibition on the Mornington Peninsula. Find out more about Sand Sculpting Australia.
CFA goes mobile
The CFA mobile website and CFA FireReady smartphone application allow you to easily access timely and accurate information on just about any mobile device with internet access.
Mobile website
The mobile internet versions of the key CFA pages (Warnings & Advice, Incidents, Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Ban, Victorian Bushfire Information Line and Can I Can't I) have been specifically designed for mobile phones.
Smartphone applications
If you have a smartphone you can also take advantage of additional features such as GPS mapping and multimedia by downloading the CFA FireReady application.
School Start Bonus
Preparing to start primary school and making the change from primary to secondary school are important times for your child – and a big expense for your family. The Victorian Government is helping to ease this financial strain by providing a one-off School Start Bonus of $300 for children entering Prep or Year 7 in 2011.
The School Start Bonus helps to meet the costs of buying school uniforms, sports uniforms, school bags and other school items so that your child gets the best possible start to school.
Ex-HMAS Canberra Dive Permits
The ex-HMAS Canberra dive site is the first artificial reef specifically created for diving in Victoria. It lies in approximately 28 metres of water, with the top of the mast about 5 metres below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site.
The ex-HMAS Canberra is located offshore from Ocean Grove within Bass Strait in Victoria. It is approximately 25 minutes by boat from Queenscliff Harbour (on the Bellarine Peninsula) or Portsea (on the Mornington Peninsula). Melway Maps 497 & 498. The dive site is clearly marked by two special mark buoys and four mooring buoys.
Find out more about booking a dive permit.
Summer by the Sea
Get ready to join in and celebrate Victoria's coast in the 17th annual Summer by the Sea festival. There is something for everyone at Summer by the Sea this January with 300 free events available all along the coast. Summer by the Sea 2011 runs from 3 - 23 January.
New Publications
General Publications
The Golf Course Guide 2011
by Golf Publishing @ $34.95
The Haunted Palace
by Seccombe, Roger & Barbara @ $48.00
150 Indestructible Plants
by Rigby, Jody @ $29.95
The Australian Cook's Dictionary
by Greig, Denise @ $19.95
VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2011
by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority @ $18.15
A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia (Edition 3)
by Wilson, Steve & Swan, Gerry @ $49.95
Bearbrass - Imagining Early Melbourne
by Annear, Robyn @ $27.95
The Birth of Melbourne
by Flannery, Tim @ $26.95
A City Lost and Found - Whelan the Wrecker's Melbourne
by Annear, Robyn @ $29.95
The Law Handbook 2011 - Your Practical Guide to the Law in Victoria
produced by the Fitzroy Legal Service @ $95.00
Sustainable House (2nd Edition – 2010)
by Mobbs, Michael @ $45.00
Mary MacKillop's Portland Days 1862 -1866
by Wallace, Bernard @ $14.95
Sustainable Gardens
by Cross, Rob and Spencer, Roger @ $29.95
Dingo
by Purcell, Brad @ $39.95
Wetland Habitats - A Practical Guide to Restoration and Management
by Romanowski, Nick @ $49.95
Eat Smart Stay Well - Power Foods that Could Save Your Life
by Lyle, Susanna @ $29.95
Local Histories
Eaglehawk and District Pioneer Register Addendum Volumes A-Z
by O'Donohue, Annette @ $35.00
The Fine Homes of Essendon and Flemington 1846 – 1880
by the Essendon Historical Society @ $25.00
Mapping Products
Great Ocean Walk Information Guide and Map (Edition 2)
by Parks Victoria @ $14.95
Gold Coast and Region City Handy Map - 7th Edition
by Hema Maps @ $6.95
Canberra Street Directory 2009
by UBD @ $19.95
Melbourne and Surrounds Street Directory 2011
by UBD @ $39.95
Perth and Surrounds Street Directory 2011 - 53rd Edition
by UBD @ $34.95
Melbourne Compact Street Directory - 9th Edition
by UBD @ $19.95
City Link Victoria 2011
by UBD @ $49.95
Murray River Access - Ulupna Island - Barmah - Edward River - Deniliquin
produced by Spatial Vision @ $8.95
Snowy Wilderness Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Wonnangatta Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Otways Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Far East Gippsland Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Dargo High Plains Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Murray - Sunset Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Mansfield - Baw Baw Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Dartmouth - Cobberas Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Wyperfeld Four Wheel Drive Map
by Spatial Vision @ $11.95
Calendars
VCAA Calendar for Primary Schools 2011
by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority @ $2.50
VCAA Calendar for Secondary Schools and VCE and VCAL Providers 2011
by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority @ $2.50
New Legislation
New Acts
| A70.10 | Bail Amendment Act 2010 | $7.80 |
| A71.10 | Education and Training Reform Amendment (Skills) Act 2010 | $15.75 |
| A72.10 | Fair Trading Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act 2010 | $12.20 |
| A73.10 | Fire Services Commissioner Act 2010 | $12.20 |
| A74.10 | Personal Property Securities (Statute Law Revision and Implementation) Act 2010 | $12.20 |
| A75.10 | Road Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2010 | $5.70 |
| A76.10 | Road Safety Amendment (Hoon Driving) Act 2010 | $12.20 |
| A77.10 | Sentencing Amendment Act 2010 | $12.2 |
| A78.10 | Subordinate Legislation Amendment Act 2010 | $12.20 |
| A79.10 | Tourist and Heritage Railways Act 2010 | $7.80 |
| A80.10 | Transport Accident and Accident Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2010 | $18.65 |
New Statutory Rules
Reprinted Acts
| A92.90 | Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 | $30.10 |
Reprinted Statutory Rules
| No reprinted statutory rules published this month. |
Visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website for a list of all Victorian acts and statutory rules.
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Murray River Access - Ulupna Island - Barmah - Edward River - Deniliquin
The Murray River Guides are a great way to find the best camping and fishing spots, plan your adventure and make the most of what our great river has to offer.
Be SunSmart - Take extra care between 10am and 3pm when UV Index levels reach their peak.
Following the recent State Election - visit www.vic.gov.au/directory to find out Who's Who in State Government.
They say this could be the worst locust plague in 75 years. DPI publish a Daily Situation Update.
Stanley
Stanley Township is nestled in the hills at the edge of the Alps in north east Victoria approximately 8 kms from Beechworth. As you negotiate the famous bends along the winding picturesque road you will travel through the former gold mining locations of Silver Creek and Hurdle Flat and eventually to Stanley. In addition to many fruit, berry and nut orchards for which the area is famous, Stanley has a thriving community that supports a primary school, general store and post office, a pub, a variety of bed and breakfast accommodation, direct sales from producers, a well established vineyard bearing the Stanley name and much more.
If you would like to see your town mentioned in the Region Focus - send us an email.
We would love to hear your comments about this newsletter. Send us an email to victoria.online@diird.vic.gov.au
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