Hillcrest Health Centre in Broadmeadows has received $100,000 as part of the Federal Government’s after-hours GP support funding program.Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said: “For many residents, GP clinics are their first port-of-call when they fall ill... as we all know, we don’t just need GPs during business hours."

Children at Meadows Primary in Broadmeadows have received $60,000 as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.The program is designed to teach children from the Calwell electorate how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh food and adopt healthy eating habits.

Patients can expect to see a refurbished medical clinic in Calwell, thanks to the Dr Amjad Hussain receiving $300,000 as part of the Gillard Government’s primary care infrastructure grants. Over 240 organisations around the country have been shortlisted as successful applicants for primary care infrastructure grants of up to $500,000.

Maria Vamvakinou MP today awarded two Gladstone Park schools for excellence in giving children healthy and fun activities after school.

Local lacrosse coach, Jack Wilkinson, who teaches the sport to children at the School of the Good Shepherd, and Gladstone Views Primary School After School Care Centre, were both honoured through the Australian Sports Commission Active After School Communities Program.

The Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou today welcomed the expansion of a national home parenting and learning program in Broadmeadows. The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is being expanded to 15 communities across Australia in 2011, taking the number of communities benefiting from the program to 50 nationally. “This is an important initiative that helps parents give their child the best chance of a successful start for school,” Ms Vamvakinou  said.

Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou MP, welcomed a funding boost from the Gillard Labor Government that will help the local community better manage Australia’s natural and productive environment.

Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou welcomed the $140,000 funding announcement for the Hume Youth Assistance and Referral Team (HYART).
The Hume Youth Assistance and Referral Team (HYART) is an early intervention, crime prevention and referral initiative, for young offenders and 'at risk' youth within Hume City.  In partnership with community agencies and support services, HYART aims to assist young offenders to address the underlying causes of their issues.

Due to indexation, around 23 102 pensioners in the Calwell electorate will receive an increase in their pensions from 20 September 2010.


The Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said pension payments would increase by $15.00 per fortnight for singles on the maximum rate, and $22.60 per fortnight for couples combined on the maximum rate.