March 2012
Grace Kelly: Style Icon
Bendigo Art Gallery
11 March-17 June 2012
Grace Kelly: Style Icon will highlight the spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly and examine her glamorous Hollywood image and enduring appeal. The exhibition features dresses from such films as High Society as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955. It also explores the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from her extensive wedding trousseau to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and 1970s by her favourite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent.
When people think of Grace Kelly (1929-82), one of the most photographed women of the 20th century, what they usually recall is her beauty and elegance. She rose to fame as an actress in the 1950s, starring in films by Hitchcock and others. Her image was cultivated by the movie industry, which fed cinema-goers' growing appetite for pictures of glamorous stars through magazines and newspapers.
The exhibition will be on display exclusively in Australia at Bendigo Art Gallery.
The Search for Inspirational Melburnians
The Melbourne Awards celebrate the people and organisations whose vision and hard work shapes our city.
Now in it's 10th year, the Melbourne Awards honour a diverse range of contributions, focusing on individuals, community organisations and corporations who give their time selflessly for the benefit of our city. The awards honour significant contributions to Melbourne's profile, community and sustainability.
An inspirational role model within the Melbourne community will also be honoured as the 'Melburnian of the Year'. The program will culminate in the presentation of awards at a prestigious Gala Awards Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 18 August
The closing date for registration of entry is 28 March 2012.
Victorian Government Website goes Mobile
Visitors to www.vic.gov.au who use Smartphone devices will now be automatically directed to the mobile version at http://m.vic.gov.au
(if you are using a PC don't try going to http://m.vic.gov.au - you will just get redirected to http://www.vic.gov.au).
Note that iPads and other tablet devices will continue to display the full site. However, if visitors choose to they can select whichever version they want from the website footer.
Premiers' Reading Challenge Opens
The Premiers' Reading Challenge, run in partnership with The Age, is targeted at school children from Years Prep to 10, promoting the importance of reading among students in Victorian schools. It also extends to those who register as home-based readers and encourages families and parents to be more involved with supporting children's reading in and beyond school.
Now in its eighth year, the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge requires students to read a set number of books throughout the year. Last year Victorian students broke all previous Challenge records with 222,000 participants reading more than four million books.
Premier Baillieu expanded the Challenge last year by inviting all former Premiers to lend their support. The Challenge is now known as the Premiers’ Reading Challenge, with the support of Steve Bracks, John Brumby, John Cain, Jeff Kennett and Joan Kirner.
This year the Challenge booklist has been expanded to include a wide range of books, from much-loved treasures to new releases. There are thousands of books from which to choose, including fiction, non-fiction, plays, poetry, short stories and graphic novels.
For more information, to access the official reading list and register students, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc
VicRoads Publications now available through Victorian Government Bookshop
From 1 March, the Victorian Government Bookshop will be public access point for VicRoads Road Safety Publications. The VicRoads Bookshop in Denmark Street Kew closed down early February.
Products such as the Learner Log Book, Bike Education Kits and Road to Solo Driving can be purchased in-store on Level 20, 80 Collins Street, by telephoning 1300 366 356 or online (simply click on Vicroads logo and you will be taken to listing of products - they can also be found under Government Publications).
Open Day at Parliament House
Parliament House Open Day will be held on Sunday 25 March from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm.
Open Day provides an opportunity to see inside the historical Parliament House building, one of Melbourne's best-known landmarks. Visitors can undertake a self-guided tour through the building and explore areas of Parliament not usually open to the public. You can end your visit with a stroll through the magnificent Parliamentary Gardens.
Entry to Open Day is FREE. Entertainment will be provided in the gardens, and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Old Treasury Building Celebrates 150 years
The gold rush in colonial Victoria that spurred the 1858–1862 construction of a Treasury Building in Melbourne. 150 years on, the heritage-listed building remains one of Melbourne's most iconic and historically significant public buildings.
To coincide with the 150th anniversary a fascinating exhibition opening in April, Gold and Governors: 150 years of the Old Treasury Building will provide visitors with a glimpse into the marvellous history of one of Melbourne's finest buildings. Exhibition opens on 17 April and continues through to 30 November 2012.
Gold and Governors illustrates the life and works of the young architect, JJ Clark, through a number of original works, including drawings, paintings and plans of the Old Treasury Building and a variety of his Victorian and interstate building designs.
The Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll - an Australian first
Twenty outstanding Indigenous Victorians were inducted to the nation's first-ever Indigenous Honour Roll on Friday 17 February.
The first of its kind in Australia, the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll is quite possibly a world first.
Through the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll, the valuable legacy of Indigenous Victorians, past and present, is recognised and acknowledged.
Each of the inaugural inductees to the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll has made a significant contribution to society. Their achievements span health, education, politics, sport and the arts.
Being celebrated alongside well known figures such as world champion boxer, Lionel Rose, and community leader, Sir Douglas Nicholls, are quiet achievers including Joan Vickery, a dedicated health worker, and Melva Johnson, whose efforts have helped educate Aboriginal children in Echuca.
Cultural Diversity Week
17-25 March 2012
Victoria's 10th Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity for Victorians to come together to to support community harmony, celebrate our rich cultural diversity and to promote mutual understanding and respect.. This unique annual event has brought together Victorian’s from all walks of life for the past 10 years to share aspects of their culture, faith and language and celebrate the benefits multiculturalism brings to our State.
The Gala Dinner takes place on 17 March and the Viva Victoria Festival is on Sunday 25 March at Federation Square. Promotional kits are available for communities and schools hosting their own events.
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Awards
2012 Awards Programs now open
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria has a proud history of encouraging and celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards. To find out about the celebrations, visit Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities.
Entries are now open for the 2012 Clean Beaches, Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards. For more information about the awards, including an information kit and entry form, visit Clean Beaches, Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities.
Moomba Festival
9-12 March 2012
The Moomba Festival is a big part of our city’s life, is eagerly anticipated by young and old, and brings everyone together to share in the vibrancy and spirit of our city.
Join in and celebrate the city’s colourful, energetic life at Melbourne’s largest, most treasured community festival. This year’s festival includes the popular Moomba Parade, the hilarious Birdman Rally and an outstanding free music program.
Special opening and closing night performances include a free concert in the park with singalong moments for the whole family.
Moomba embraces everyone, and is a wonderful opportunity for Melburnians to have a great time by the banks of the Yarra River.
Premier's Active Families Challenge: Get Active and Have Fun
The Premier's Active Families Challenge provides a great opportunity for all Victorian families to get fit and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. All Victorians are encouraged to be active and take part in the Challenge and do 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days between 19 March and 30 April 2012.
It's fun, it's free and it's a great way to get healthy and active. Plus, you'll receive exclusive discounts and offers, help, advice and tips along the way and the chance to win fantastic prizes. Register now!
Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme
There are many career opportunities within the Victorian Government. If you are a graduate just starting out, or looking to make a career change, your perfect career may not be exactly what you were expecting - it could be much more! Whatever your degree, the perfect job could be waiting for you. Visit the new Graduate Website to find everything you need to know about graduate programs and careers with the Victorian Government.
Working with the Victorian Government means you will enjoy a range of employee benefits – from attractive salaries and flexible leave arrangements, to training and development opportunities.
Road User or Abuser
Safe Cycling Campaign
VicRoads has launched 'Road User or Abuser', a safe cycling campaign designed to improve the relationship between drivers and bike riders in Victoria.
The campaign is hosted on a purposely built Facebook page which will be active for a total of six weeks, ending Sunday 18 March.
Over a six-week period, you will be able to join the discussion and have your say about how bike riders and drivers should share the road in Victoria.
VicRoads encourages you to take the quiz, watch the video and 'Like' the page to pledge your support.
The entertaining and informative quiz is designed to improve road user awareness and understanding of cycling related road rules.
Through the discussion and polls, VicRoads aims to encourage a greater understanding and respect between bike riders and other road user, as they share information, knowlege and opinions.
Appointment of Road Safety Camera Commissioner
The Office of the Road Safety Camera Commissioner has commenced operation. Former County Court Judge, Gordon Lewis, has been appointed to provide independent oversight of Victoria's road safety camera system.
The appointment of the Camera Commissioner will ensure motorists have an independent avenue to check the validity of the State's road safety camera system. The Commissioner and his office are responsible for monitoring and reviewing camera operations, investigating and reviewing any part of the system and complaints management.
New Publications
General Publications
Victorian Fish ID Guide
by Prokop, Frank @ $9.95
The PPS Guide: A Guide to the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth)
by Meehan, Lionel @ $215.00
Walks of the Mornington Peninsula
by Martin, Ken @ $19.95
The Government Owes a Lot of Money to our People: A History of Indigenous Stolen Wages in Victoria
by Gunstone, Andrew & Heckenberg, Sadie @ $24.95
Burke and Wills: The Scientific Legacy of the Victorian Exploring Expedition
by Joyce, E.B & McCann, D A @ $59.95
Melbourne's Best Bush, Bay & City Walks
by Mundy, Julie @ $29.95
The Art of Being Melbourne
by Coote, Maree @ $69.50
Decks and Pergolas Construction Manual (Edition 6)
by Staines, Allan @ $27.95
Engineer to Marvellous Melbourne: The Life and Times of William Thwaites
by La Nauze, Robert @ $39.95
Mapping Products
Greater Brisbane Street Directory 2013
by Brisway @ $54.95
Camping Around Victoria
by Explore Australia @ $24.95
Tasmania Cities and Towns Street and Travel Directory 2011- 19th Edition
by UBD-Gregory’s @ $34.95
Great Ocean Road Map 308 – Edition 4
by UBD-Gregory’s @ $7.95
Government Reports
State Trustees Limited: Management of Represented Persons
by the Auditor General Victoria @ $20.00
Free Publications
State Trustees Limited: Management of Represented Persons
by the Victorian Ombudsman
Investigation into the Foodbowl Modernisation Project and related matters
by the Victorian Ombudsman
Victorian Hunting Guide 2012
by the Department of Primary Industries
New Legislation
New Acts
| A1.12 | City of Greater Geelong Amendment Act 2012 | $5.85 |
| A2.12 | Planning and Environment Amendment (Schools) Act 2012 | $3.90 |
| A3.12 | Public Prosecutions Amendment Act 2012 | $8.00 |
New Statutory Rules
Reprinted Acts
| No Reprinted Acts published this month |
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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The Art of Being Melbourne
Art meets history in this publication. Maree Coote monitors the Melbourne zeitgeist through twenty decades of Art to uncover a truly unique portrait of a city. This clever history follows the developing city through its many representations in Art, revealing much about Melbourne and indeed about the cradle of Australian art itself. Works by 50 artists are included in the publication.
Are you ready to deal with an Emergency?
Try the Emergency Simulator Game on the Ambulance Victoria website to see if you can cope with an emergency.
Prep for Parents is an email subscription specifically for parents whose child is starting primary school.
Subscribers receive an email every Wednesday during school term covering diverse topics. There will also be links to further resources and online content to help you support your child's learning journey.
Marine pests come in all shapes and sizes, from microscopic algae and larvae that can't be easily seen in the water column, to fish, seastars, molluscs and aquatic plants. At least 250 marine species are known to have been introduced to Australia's marine waters. Over 100 species are known to have been introduced to Port Phillip Bay.
Mirboo North
Mirboo North is a picturesque township nestled amongst towering gums and fertile farmland in the heart of the Strzelecki Ranges, an easy 2-hour drive from Melbourne. Consider a bushwalk through native forests or a scenic drive offering panoramic views of South Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the Grand Ridge Rail Trail which follows an old railway line and climbs steadily through tall eucalypt forest, lush pastures, sheltered fern gullies and pockets of beautiful rainforest, crossing many small creeks and streams along the way. Just north of Mirboo North on the way to Morwell is the Lyrebird Forest Walk which passes through native bushland and is home to a variety of native plants, birds and wildlife. Visitors can sample ten different styles of award-winning beer at the Grand Ridge Brewery, which was established in 1989 and is housed in an old butter factory.
If you would like to see your town mentioned in the Region Focus - send us an email.
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