Latest news with #VFF
ABC News
04-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Rate relief, food payments and water funding in new $75m Victorian drought package
The Victorian government has announced a $75 million drought assistance package for farmers struggling through the state's long dry spell. It is the biggest and most significant announcement the government has made during this drought and includes council rate relief for farmers, with a rebate of about 40 per cent for producers in 12 of the worst-affected areas of the south-west. The funding also includes $2 million for food and grocery support, with up to $1,000 per household, $6.3 million to cover government "red tape" fees and $25 million for water management. "We've been listening to farmers and communities who do it tough," Premier Jacinta Allan said. "This support delivers real help, right now." The state's peak farm lobby group, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomed the support but said it should have come earlier. "A lot of farmers will tell you [the drought support package] has come too late," VFF president Brett Hosking said. The government has now announced a total of $144 million for farmers during the extended dry conditions. The state's south-west has been worst affected with 15 months of record low or below-average rainfall until last month. Almost $36 million will go towards rate relief for farmers in the council areas of Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Geelong and southern parts of West Wimmera. The government says that equates to a 40 per cent rate reduction. "This isn't about dollars, it's about backing the people who feed our state and the regional communities that keep our state strong." Ms Allan said. The government has also committed $24 million to water infrastructure to better prepare for droughts. It will be used to extend the East Grampians rural water pipeline and to expand emergency water supply options, groundwater bores and domestic water access. "We are investing in both short-term solutions and legacy infrastructure to improve resilience and water security for farmers and their communities," Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said. Despite recent rain, the state is still feeling the effects of drought, with a cold winter resulting in very little growth in pastures for hungry livestock. Ararat lamb producer Charlie de Fegely said the funding was surprising and welcome news. "This is fantastic, because people are desperate for water, given the very long dry spell," he said. Mr de Fegely said a secure water supply would enable farmers to retain livestock during drought. "Tragically, breeding ewes are being sold simply because people don't have water," he said. Mr Hosking said it would take time for farmers to recover. "There is no feed in the paddock, particularly for cattle and even for sheep there is not the feed to support them in the paddock, and farmers are still hand feeding," he said. The Country Women's Association (CWA) will manage the household payments of up to $1,000 for farmers in the south-west. Catchment Management Authorities will receive $1 million to run drought employment programs, which help people receive payments while working on projects that help the environment. There is also $6.3 million for fee and duty relief, which Brett Hosking said would help, although he had questions about the details. "It's removal of red tape funding on things like biosecurity levees that you pay on the sale of livestock will hopefully be waived and I think the government is still working out the details on that one," he said.
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Forest Healthcare Centre, Grace Manor, Latest in the Network to Achieve Veteran Friendly Framework Member Status
05/14/2025, Borehamwood WD6 1EP // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Grace Manor Care Centre, a private 24-hour nursing home in Gillingham that is part of the respected Forest Healthcare network, has confirmed that it has successfully achieved accreditation through the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF). The centre is now able to claim the title of a Veteran Friendly Care Home—the most recent centre in the group to complete the process. The VFF is a collaboration between the Royal British Legion (RBL), the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, and Royal Star & Garter. Its goal is to encourage care centres to improve health and well-being outcomes for the approximate 25,000 veterans currently living in English care facilities. The Importance of Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation for Grace Manor Care Centre Forest Healthcare has already committed to becoming VFF accredited across several other of its high-quality care centres. Grace Manor is the latest to concentrate on developing support systems and training resources for carers to ensure the needs, well-being, and happiness of veterans are a focal aspect of personalised care planning. Research conducted by the RBL found that around 8% of all care home residents in England and Wales, excluding partners and spouses, have served and that concerted efforts are needed to ensure they receive acknowledgement and additional support. The charitable organisation has identified challenges associated with varied emotional and physical needs, the impacts of military duties on the lives of older adults, and the key importance of recognising and understanding how best to ensure Armed Forces community members receive acknowledgement, access to community groups, and connection with other veterans. To apply for VFF accreditation, care centres must submit an application demonstrating their adherence with eight standards. They must, for example, provide evidence of provisions that will ensure care home residents with Armed Forces status are recognised and their needs incorporated into care plans, sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and ensure there are signposting policies in place to connect residents with charitable and statutory support services. Grace Manor Care Centre's Pathway to Achieving VFF Membership While many private care centres may have a proportion of veteran residents, VFF membership was particularly important for Grace Manor Care Centre. The care home is close to several military bases and barracks, past and present, including closed bases such as HMS Pembroke, the Royal Naval Barracks, which opened in 1902 and is now part of the Universities of Medway, and the Royal Marine Barracks based at Gun Wharf Chatham, which closed in 1950. Several other meaningful bases or military installations remain near Grace Manor, including the Royal Engineers Museum located within Kent town and the Royal School of Military Engineering, which has a campus in Brompton built along the remains of the Chatham Dockyard Great Lines and remains active today. Although the veteran proportion of the population in Kent is around the average for England and Wales, there is a high likelihood of dedicated nursing centres in and around these specific areas to welcome residents with an Armed Forces background. Commenting on the application from Grace Manor Care Centre, the VFF mentioned that it was of an 'exceptionally high standard' and represented a commitment to 'forging some meaningful connections' with the local Armed Forces community and healthcare services. Celebrating Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation at Grace Manor Gabriele Jerome, Manager of Grace Manor said, ' It was wonderful to receive confirmation of our accreditation and our Veteran Friendly Framework Certificate, which is now proudly displayed in the centre. Enormous thanks go to our talented, dedicated, and compassionate care teams, who embraced the opportunity to reinforce and enhance their learning about how best to support our veteran residents and embarked on this project with such enthusiasm. The accreditation process gave us a fantastic chance to access new educational resources, identify local services and communities that can enhance the quality of life for veterans, and look at new ways to ensure Armed Forces status residents are recognised and supported and that their military history is recorded as an integral part of care planning.' Grace Manor Care Centre is one of six Forest Healthcare centres now officially recognised as VFF Friendly. Belmont Lodge in Chigwell, Essex, Ash Court in Camden, London, Bridgeside Lodge in Islington, London, The Poplars in Maidstone, and Pinehurst in Crowthorne, Berkshire, are also featured on the VFF Status Care Home Map published online through the Veteran Friendly Framework. Read more about Forest Healthcare - Forest Healthcare Network's The Grange Care Centre Scoops Prestigious Accolade in Awards About Forest Healthcare Forest Healthcare is an established care provider dedicated to consistently delivering an outstanding quality of life to the residents they serve. With a network of care centres across South-East England, Forest Healthcare specialises in catering to a wide range of care requirements, including; residential, nursing, dementia and specialist care. The organisation's mission is to provide a family feel to the exceptional care they deliver by valuing, respecting and caring for each and every person who lives and works at Forest Healthcare. Media Contact: Chris Salter (020) 7250 0156
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Farmers hit the streets to protest emergency services levy hike
Farmers have gathered on the steps of Melbourne's parliament to protest a proposed $616m hike to an emergency service tax by the Allan government to fund public servants. The tax is set to replace the Fire Services Levy and would leave many of the state's agricultural producers, who are also volunteer firefighters, footing the bill. Dozens of fire trucks were spotted heading towards Spring St on Friday morning, causing traffic chaos across the CBD and major delays on city arterials, including the West Gate freeway, as the mob made their way from Derrimut McDonald's. The convoy, which was expected to be made up of more than 90 farmers, was joined by members of the United Firefighters Union. Protesters congregated on the steps of parliament, some donning cowboy hats and firefighter gear, to vent their anger. Several trucks lining the sidewalk displayed signs reading 'scrap the tax' and 'rural lives matter'. Many of the farmers protesting are also volunteers with the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Fireys, farmers and local council members continue to outspokenly oppose the new levy that is projected to rake in an extra $2bn from landholders. Some were reporting cost increases of 400 per cent, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said. The government said the median levy on primary producers would rise from $621 to $1299 per assessment, a 109 per cent increase. VFF president Brett Hosking said the 'unfair' tax hike had united the state's regional communities. 'This tax is unfair, unnecessary, and completely out of step with what Victorians expect from their government,' he said. 'This is a moment for the Victorian community to stand up and say 'enough is enough'. 'Don't burn regional Victoria with more taxes.' The controversial legislation was shelved in April due to a lack of parliamentary support, but is reportedly set to put back to a vote next week when parliament resumes. The CFA and Premier Jacinta Allan have been contacted for comment.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
EXPLAINER: Why Vietnam has to amend its Constitution now and how this process works
HANOI: Vietnam has begun the process of constitutional amendments to carry out sweeping administrative reforms, including reducing the number of provinces, eliminating district-level governments, as well as reorganising the structure and redefining the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), a key political umbrella organisation. Here's how the process works and why it matters. What are the proposed changes? Vietnam's current administrative system is organised into three levels: provincial, district and communal. The constitutional amendments are set to centre on three major changes, affecting eight of the Constitution's 120 articles: • Provincial mergers: The number of provinces and centrally governed cities, currently at 63, will be reduced to 34 through mergers. This aims to reduce duplicated administrative functions, consolidate resources, and improve economic scale. • Abolition of district-level governments: Vietnam plans to eliminate the entire district level, meaning no more districts, towns or provincial cities. Provinces would directly manage communes (villages, wards and townships), creating a two-tier administrative system. "The three-tier government model has become increasingly cumbersome and duplicative, generating excessive administrative procedures and failing to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery," NA vice chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh said on Monday (May 5) when he initiated the process on behalf of the NA Standing Committee. • Restructuring the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF): The VFF, a political umbrella organisation enshrined in the Constitution, will undergo structural reforms. While it is not slated for abolition, its functions, organisation and constitutional definition will be adjusted to align with the new administrative structure. "VFF's functions often overlap with those of its member organisations, and in certain localities, the Front has struggled to maintain close ties with grassroots communities and promptly reflect public sentiment," Dinh added. The Government estimated that approximately 19,000 legal documents at the central and local levels could be amended. Key laws requiring urgent revision include the Law on the Organisation of Local Governments and the Law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Why does the Constitution need to be changed? Vietnam's current Constitution, passed in 2013, stipulates the country's three-tier administrative structure in Article 110, listing provinces, districts and communes as official administrative units. Therefore, removing the district level would directly conflict with the Constitution, necessitating a formal amendment. Similarly, Article 9 explicitly recognises the VFF as the "political base of the people's power", with mandates including national solidarity, supervision, and social feedback. Any redefinition of its status, functions or structure requires constitutional revision. In contrast, provincial mergers do not require constitutional changes, as the Constitution does not specify the number or names of provinces. These can be adjusted through ordinary legislative procedures — specifically, resolutions of the National Assembly (NA). What is the official process to amend the Constitution? Vietnam's constitutional amendment procedure is set out in Article 120 of the 2013 Constitution and detailed in the Law on Organisation of the National Assembly. The key stages are: • Proposal initiation: Amendments can be proposed by the President, the NA Standing Committee, the Government, or at least one-third of the NA deputies. • NA approval to proceed: The NA must approve the proposal with a two-thirds majority to proceed with the drafting of amendments. Without this supermajority, the process cannot advance. • Formation of a Constitutional Drafting Committee: If the proposal is approved, the National Assembly establishes a special committee to draft proposed changes. The NA Standing Committee nominates the committee members. • Public consultation: The draft amendments are released for public feedback, allowing citizens, experts and institutions to contribute comments. • Revisions and finalisation: The committee incorporates public feedback, revises the draft, and prepares a final version to be submitted to the NA. • Final vote: The NA votes on the final draft. It must be approved by two-thirds of all deputies to pass. The Constitution allows for a referendum, but this is optional. Has Vietnam amended its Constitution before? Vietnam has had five constitutional revisions: in 1946, 1959, 1980, 1992, and most recently, in 2013. These changes have led to major political or economic shifts, such as the socialist transformation in 1980 or market-oriented reforms in 1992. In 2001, the NA passed a partial amendment to the 1992 Constitution, adjusting the government structure and enhancing the role of mass organisations. The amendment in 2025 would restructure the country's administrative hierarchy, marking a significant departure from the three-level governance that has existed for decades. What is the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and why does it matter? The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) is a unique political institution. Formed as a coalition of political and social organisations, it is mandated by the Constitution to represent citizens and social groups, promote national unity, supervise government activity and provide feedback on laws and policies. The upcoming constitutional revision may redefine the VFF's functions or reorganise its structure to align with the proposed two-tier administration. Official proposals suggest that Article 9 will be revised to clarify and strengthen the Front's role within the political system. Changes might also affect Article 84, potentially abolishing the right of the VFF's member organisations, such as the Trade Union or Farmers' Union, to propose draft legislation. The aim is to concentrate this authority in the VFF's Central Committee. The timeline The NA has begun to discuss the amendment proposal at the start of its 9th session on May 5. The NA Standing Committee has appointed a 15-member Constitutional Drafting Committee led by NA Chairman Tran Than Man, comprising representatives from various central agencies and organisations. Public consultation is planned for one month, from May 6 to June 5. The amendments are mandated to be finalised no later than June 30 and take effect on July 1, 2025. The constitutional amendments will reshape the country's political-administrative landscape, which has existed for decades, aiming to create a more streamlined and direct system of government and to strengthen the roles of VFF and its constituent organisations. - Vietnam News/ANN
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Salisbury care home to host 1940s-themed street party to mark VE Day
A Salibury care home is set to host a 1940s-themed street party to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Salisbury Manor, on Shapland Close, will open its doors to the community on Thursday, May 8, from 2.30pm to 4pm, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. VE Day, which was celebrated on May 8, 1945, marked the end of the war in Europe after Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the news on the radio. This sparked spontaneous street parties and celebrations across the country. The team at Salisbury Manor has been busy organising a special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment from local singer Charlie Greenwood, who will perform wartime songs. READ MORE: VE day commemorations at Boscombe Down Aviation Collection The mayor of Salisbury and children from Chafyn Grove will join residents, their family members, and other community members to embrace the spirit of the 1940s. The home will be decorated with bunting, flags, sandbags, and nostalgic wartime pictures, while the Royal British Legion will also be present to share information. Resident Tony Child said: "As Winston Churchill said on his VE Day speech, 'This is your Victory', Lest we forget." Skye Williams, general manager at Salisbury Manor, said: "We love building and maintaining intergenerational relationships here at Salisbury Manor, so we're pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day for a special day of sharing memories with children from Chafyn Grove and the wider community. "Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can help provide residents with a stronger sense of wellbeing and purpose. "It will be inspiring to see the residents sharing their experiences and memories from wartime Britain – and hopefully a fascinating history lesson for the children, too. READ MORE: VE Day 80 beacon lighting ceremony to take place in Ringwood "We're looking forward to marking such a significant milestone on what we anticipate will be a nostalgic and enriching day at our VE Day street party." Salisbury Manor has officially received 'Veteran Friendly' status for meeting eight standards laid out in the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion and NHS Veterans' Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The VFF framework involves noting Armed Forces status within residents' care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting residents and their relatives to relevant support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans and their partners. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Salisbury Manor incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. To find out more about Salisbury Manor visit the Care UK website.
