June 2012
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2012
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire
2 June to 2 October 2012
Napoleon: Revolution to Empire is a panoramic exhibition examining French art, culture and life from the 1770s to the 1820s. Its story runs from the first French voyages of discovery to Australia during the reign of Louis XV to the end of Napoleon's transforming leadership as first Emperor of France. The exhibition brings to life the stormy period of social change ushered into France with the outbreak of the French Revolution, the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and the rise to power of the young Napoleon Bonaparte and his new wife Joséphine.
As well as telling the remarkable story of France's close involvement with Australia in the early 1800s, Napoleon: Revolution to Empire brings to Australia for the first time hundreds of objects of breathtaking opulence and luxury - paintings, drawings, engravings, sculpture, furniture, textiles, porcelain, glass, gold and silver, fashion, jewellery and armour. Organised in partnership with the Fondation Napoléon, who are lending many of their greatest works, the exhibition also features incomparable treasures drawn from Europe's most important Revolutionary and Napoleonic collections, including the Château de Malmaison, Château de Versailles, Musée Carnavalet and Musée de l'Armée in France, the Napoleonmuseum Thurgau in Switzerland, and the Museo Napoleonico in Rome.
Warm Up with The Light in Winter
FREE Event at Federation Square: 1 June - 1 July 2012
The Light in Winter brings together local and international artists, designers, architects, filmmakers and multicultural groups in a free, month-long program of light sculptures, talks, events, workshops, performances and the much-loved Solstice Celebration. Now in its sixth year, The Light in Winter has welcomed design luminaries from around the world, including Bruce Ramus, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Srinivas Krishna and United Visual Artists.
This year's program, directed by Robyn Archer, is inspired by the National Year of the Reading and will celebrate the enlightenment that reading sheds on our lives. Literary texts, oral traditions, calligraphy, music, body art and braille are all viewed in a new light, along with imaginative light sculptures, and surprising collaborations from top international and local artists, designers and architects.
2012 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards
Nominations Now Open - Closing 20 July 2012
Do you know an inspirational older Victorian who is making an extraordinary difference to their community? Celebrate their contribution and nominate them for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Five awards are offered:
- Premier's Award for Victorian Senior of the Year
- Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Awards
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award
- Healthy and Active Living Award
- Veteran Community Award
You can nominate someone for an Award via the easy-to-use online nominate form at Seniors Online. Alternatively, call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090 (local call cost) to request a nomination form be sent to you.
2012 Snow Season Opens
Escape to Victoria's snow resorts for the 2012 snow season which commences 9 June. Find out about Victoria's seven alpine resorts, and the skiing and snowboarding, toboggan and cross-country trails, snow tubing and family fun on offer. Make sure you check the weather before going.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
1-10 June 2012
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival brings Melbourne to life this winter, entertaining jazz aficionados and newcomers alike with more than 300 musicians and 100 events creating unforgettable experiences. The rich 2012 program brings jazz into the heart of Melbourne with late-night art parties, intimate club gigs, film screenings, masterclasses, daily free concerts, Evening Soundwalks and events for families and children.
Victoria's Art Treasures join Google Art Project
Art lovers across the world will be able to get up close and personal with some of Victoria's greatest cultural treasures as part of the Google Art Project.
Two of Melbourne's iconic cultural institutions - the National Gallery of Victoria and Museum Victoria - were among the international venues selected by Google to take part in the second stage of the project.
Among the NGV works that will be able to be accessed are paintings by Australia's best-known artists including Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd, and international treasures such as Giambattista Tiepolo's masterpiece, The Banquet of Cleopatra."
The Art Project, which was launched by Google in February 2011, provides online access to high resolution 'gigapixel' images of artworks from galleries around the world - showing brushwork details beyond what is visible to the naked eye. It also offers virtual tours of galleries and other architectural treasures, such as the Palace of Versailles, through Google's Street View technology. Only 17 galleries were included in the first phase of the project, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Uffizi in Florence.
Planning Melbourne - Get Involved
As we look out to the next 30-40 years,a strategy is essential to manage our changing city and state. A new metropolitan planning strategy is being prepared to ensure the valued aspects of Melbourne are protected while allowing for future needs. The strategy will include links with the Regional Growth Plans and together these plans will provide a long-term vision for Victoria - including housing choice, transport accessibility, economic growth, environmental protection, infrastructure, community facilities and services. Find out more about the metropolitan planning strategy.
Get involved:
- Disccover the Fact Sheets - providing a snapshot of the current situation and emerging trends
- Share your Thoughts - join an online Forum
- Contribute your ideas - enter the Photo Competition (closing 15 June)
2012 Victoria Prize and Victoria Fellowships
The Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation honours the life-long commitment and achievements of outstanding science leaders. This year, for the first time two $50,000 prizes will be awarded.
Leading Victorian scientists whose discovery in technological innovation has significantly advanced knowledge or has provided commercial and other benefits to the community, are encouraged to apply for either the:
- $50,000 prize in life sciences, or
- $50,000 prize in physical sciences.
Over $200,000 is available for international study missions for up to 12 recipients of Victoria Fellowships. The Fellowships are open to early career physical and life sciences postgraduates, researchers and scientists, engineers and innovators.
Winners will receive $18,000 to complete study missions that can include:
- specialist training not available in Victoria
- progressing start-up initiatives or a commercial idea
- visiting a particular laboratory or industrial sites
- attending international meetings.
The Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and the Victoria Fellowships are initiatives of the Victorian Government to recognise and support outstanding Victorian scientific research and innovation.
Applications for both the Victorian Prize for Science and Technology and the 2012 Victoria Fellowships close Friday 29 June 2012.
How much Sun is enough for Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle development and the prevention of osteoporosis. The sun's UV radiation is the major cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of Vitamin D.
From May until August in Victoria, the UV is generally below three, meaning sun protection is not required unless near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or outdoors for extended periods.
During this time of year, people with fair to olive skin should aim to get two to three hours of midday winter sun exposure to the face, hands and arms (or equivalent area of skin) spread over the week to help with Vitamin D levels. People with naturally darker skin may need up to three to six times more sun exposure to help with Vitamin D levels.
Population groups at risk of low Vitamin D, including people with naturally very dark skin and those with little or no sun exposure, should discuss any concerns with their GP.
The FREE SunSmart Smartphone app features a Vitamin D tracker that allows users to find out if they are getting enough sun to help with Vitamin D levels and alerts the user to their daily sun protection needs.
2012 Excellence in eGovernment Awards
The following Victorian Government departments and agencies were announced as finalists for the 2012 Excellence in eGovernment Awards. The awards were announced at the CeBIT ICT Celebration Dinner on 23 May at Darling Harbour, Sydney.
- Applications Development - Fisheries Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Integrated Catch and Effort
- Gov 2.0 - Country Fire Authority, Victoria (in collaboration with other Victorian fire and flood services), Social Media Emergency Management Integration
- Service Delivery - Information Victoria, Department of Business and Innovation, VicEvents Mobile App
Congratulations to CFA - they were the winners of the Gov 2.0 Category in the 2012 Excellence in eGovernment Awards. In addition, Martin Anderson from the CFA was announced the winner for Government 2.0 Innovator.
Futher information about each finalist can be found on the eGovernment Resource Centre.
Cheap Arts: Entertainment on a Shoestring
The first-ever Arts Victoria Cheap Arts Guide has been released.
This publication provides the scoop on hundreds of free and budget-friendly things to see or do in the arts in Melbourne - and around Victoria.
Great galleries, amazing theatre, hidden creative spaces, loads of live music, festivals, kids activities, regional roadtrips, and plenty of ideas to get your arts off the couch - from dance and drawing classes to zine-making and glee clubs. Also included are insider tips on how to access cheaper tickets and special offers.
Collect your copy from cafes and venues around town, or read on online.
Enjoy reading the guide and exploring all the great art and entertainment Victoria has to offer for under $25.
Resilient Australia Awards
Entries now open - closing 6 July 2012
Do you have a project that has made your community disaster resilient?
If so, the 2012 Resilient Australia Awards may be the perfect way to have your project promoted and recognised for its innovative practices.
Every year, Australian communities face devastating losses caused by disasters. Bushfires, floods, storms and other hazards and their associated consequences have significant impacts on communities, the economy, infrastructure and the environment. Achievements across the nation are making our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.
The Resilient Australia Awards, previously known as the Australian Safer Communities Awards, is an annual program that commenced in 2000 and has provided award winners with national recognition for their outstanding achievement.
The Resilient Australia Awards are an Australian Government initiative sponsored by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, in conjunction with States and Territories.
In Victoria, the awards are hosted by the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner (OESC). For information on the awards, visit OESC or contact Victorian Coordinator at the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner on (03) 8684 7900.
Get it Right on Bin Night!
Victorians are great recyclers, but we can improve. Research shows that our household rubbish bins contain items that could have been recycled.
The Get it Right on Bin Night campaign provides practical information and answers to some of the trickier recycling questions to make it easier for Victorian's to get it right on bin night. By making a few simple changes around the home you can help reduce waste to landfill.
New Publications
General Publications
For Life: How We Got the Water Back
by Pouliot, Melissa @ $35.00
JJ Clark: Architect of the Australian Renaissance
by Dodd, Andrew @ $59.95
Australian Renovator's Manual
by Pouliot, Melissa @ $29.95
Mapping Products
Sydney and Blue Mountains Street Directory 2013
by UBD/Gregory's @ $39.95
Canberra Street Directory 2013
by UBD/Gregory's @ $19.95
Sydney Suburban Map 262 - Edition 4
by UBD @ $7.95
Far North Coast Map 296 - Edition 11
by UBD @ $7.95
Melbourne City and Suburbs Map 318 - Edition 5
by UBD/Gregory's @ $7.95
Perth City Strees and Suburbs Map 662 - Edition 4
by UBD/Gregory's @ $9.95
Brisbane City Streets and Suburbs Map 462 - Edition 5
by UBD/Gregory's @ $7.95
Queensland State and Suburban Map 470 - Edition 24
by UBD/Gregory's @ $7.95
Government Reports
Personal Expense Reimbursement, Travel Expenses and Corporate Credit Cards
by the Auditor General Victoria @ $20.00
Payments to Visiting Medical Officers in Rural and Regional Hospitals
by the Auditor General Victoria @ $20.00
Tertiary Education and Other Entities: Results of the 2011 Audits
by the Auditor General Victoria @ $20.00
Management of Trust Funds in the Justice Portfolio
by the Auditor General Victoria @ $20.00
Free Publications
Inspire
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Victoria in Future 2012 - Population and Household Projections 2011-2031 for Victoria and its Region.
Department of Planning and Community Development
Report on the Niddrie District by-election held on 24 March 2012
Victorian Electoral Commission
Power from the People: Inquiry into Distributed Generation Draft Report May 2012
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission
New Legislation
New Acts
| A18.12 | Accident Compensation Amendment (Repayments and Dividends) Act 2012 | $3.90 |
| A19.12 | Victorian Inspectorate Amendment Act 2012 | $12.60 |
| A20.12 | Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 | $22.20 |
| A31.12 | Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 | $23.60 |
| A32.12 | Disability Amendment Act 2012 | $12.60 |
| A33.12 | Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2012 | $5.85 |
| A34.12 | Land (Revocation of Reservations) Act 2012 | $5.85 |
| A25.12 | Royal Women's Hospital Land Act 2012 | $3.90 |
New Statutory Rules
Reprinted Acts
| A6284 | Land Act 1958 Reprint 12 | $26.60 |
| A45.87 | Planning and Environment Act 1987 Reprint 10 | $35.40 |
| A6338 | Police Regulation Act 1958 Reprint 14 | $23.60 |
| A127.86 | Road Safety Act 1986 Reprint 14 | $75.40 |
| A9008 | Bail Act 1977 Reprint 10 | $12.60 |
| A24.90 | Control of Weapons Act 1990 Reprint 6 | $12.60 |
| A6228 | Country Fire Authority Act 1958 Reprint 14 | $23.60 |
| A53.00 | Juries Act 2000 Reprint 3 | $12.60 |
| A109.04 | Safety on Public Land Act 2004 Reprint 1 | $5.85 |
| A7405 | Summary Offences Act 1966 Reprint 11 | $16.25 |
| A8699 | Wildlife Act 1975 Reprint 9 | $22.20 |
Reprinted Statutory Rules
| S96.06 | Rail Safety Regulations 2006 Reprint 1 | $12.60 |
| S66.05 | Transport (Passenger Vehicles) Regulations 2005 Reprint 2 | $12.60 |
Visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website for a list of all Victorian acts and statutory rules.
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For Life: How We Got the Water Back
Water is what our communities and environment rely on to stay healthy. For Life: How We Got the Water Back tells the stories behind the stories and looks at what motivated and inspired so many to keep fighting for a piped water supply for Victoria's Wimmera Mallee.
Safely using gas appliances this winter
Follow these hints for maintaining and using gas appliances safely in the home.
The Victorian Government Bookshop ceased selling Commonwealth Legislation on 25 May 2012. Commonwealth publications are now available for purchase through Canprint Communications.
Some roads and tracks in Victoria's forests and parks are temporarily closed for winter and spring from 1 May 2012, and many more will be closed from 14 June 2012. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria run the seasonal road closure program to ensure driver safety as well as protect our forest roads from damage during the cooler months.
Mt Stirling
Located an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne and a 30-minute drive from the neighbouring Mt Buller, Mt Stirling is a destination for all seasons. The high country landscape features sub-alpine Alpine Ash forests, Snow Gum woodlands and wide expanses of alpine meadows.
As an untouched alpine environment, its natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop to experience the wonders of cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow camping, tobogganing, and snow shoeing. With an average snowfall of 99cms in winter, Mt.Stirling offers more than 68km of maintained trails, 35km of which are groomed.
As temperatures rise and the snow melts, the high country blooms with wildflowers. Mt Stirling is one of the major access points into the magnificent Alpine National Park, offering summer recreational activities such as bushwalking, camping, four-wheel driving, fishing, and horseriding. The Mt Stirling to Mt Buller Trail is a well-marked.trail between the sister peaks with spectacular views, including Mount Buffalo.
If you would like to see your town mentioned in the Region Focus - send us an email.
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