Having destroyed Australia’s automotive industry the Abbott Government is now stalling on providing much-needed support for automotive workers and companies.

Local workers and businesses affected by the planned closure of Ford’s Broadmeadows plant will benefit from $450,000 in new assistance announced by the Rudd Labor Government today.

Applications are now being accepted for Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program (SBP)

Closing date for applications is 5.00pm 28 February 2014.

 A recently completed stormwater harvesting and reuse project in Melbourne’s western suburbs is now set to save up to 127 million litres per year of drinking water in the City of Brimbank municipality. 

The online ballot for attendance at the 2015 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli is now open – those who wish to go into the draw have until midnight on January 31, 2014 to apply at www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au.

A new Headspace youth mental health service will open in Craigieburn to support young people dealing with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues.Orygen Youth Health Research Centre was announced as the lead agency to deliver the service.Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou, welcomed the opening of headspace in the outer northern suburbs.

 Local company Textor Technologies is set to slash its carbon emissions intensity and break into new markets, using a Rudd Labor Government grant to help upgrade a production line at its textile manufacturing facility in Tullamarine.

Eleven local community groups are set to receive more than $730,000 from the Australian Government to improve education, training and employment opportunities for people in Hume.Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou  welcomed  the  second round of funding allocated under  the Local Solutions Program.