Shortstack: A round up of news, views and opportunities

Take part in the Victorian Dance Census.

Ausdance VIC launched the Victorian Dance Census on September 7.

Designed to help shape the future of dance in Victoria, everyone from social dancers and students through to professionals and business owners, is encouraged to get involved.

The census will take nine minutes to complete. To take part, please visit ausdancevic.org.au/victorian-dance-census 

Creative funding for regions

Applications are open for the Small Regional Presenters Program, with grants of up to $15,000.

The program supports community groups and councils to bring single live shows, a series of events or an annual program to their local community, as well as mentorships and workshops.

Applicants must be members of Regional Arts Victoria or Local Government Authorities that do not receive organisational or multi-year funding through Creative Victoria.

Applications close October 30. To apply visit rav.net.au

Fishing club grants

Applications are open for the Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program, with grants of up to $10,000 available to help strengthen participation in recreational fishing.

Projects eligible for funding include events that provide recreational fishing tuition for women, multicultural groups, First Nations peoples and all-abilities, alongside open days, training and events, and guest speaker nights.

Projects involving IT upgrades, website development, clubroom improvements, and equipment that will benefit all members are also eligible.

To apply online or learn more visit vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs.

Applications close on December 6.

Tiny towns fund

Victoria s tiniest towns (including many in Bass Coast) will be eligible for grants from $5000 up to $50,000 for communities of up to 5000 people.

Funding will be provided for local projects and organisations to deliver better public places and spaces, providing the facilities families need and want in their communities. It will also help support tourism and back local jobs and businesses.

Details and guidelines will be published via the Regional Development Victoria and Suburban Development websites. www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/tiny-towns-fund

Supporting the veteran community

The state government has launched a Veterans Card, which provides eligible veterans with discounted registration for one light vehicle, free trailer and caravan registration, a marine (boating) licence, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, a fishing licence exemption, and access to the Victorian Government veteran-specific employment programs.

Anyone living in Victoria who has served or is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force is eligible and can apply through either the Service Victoria website or the Service Victoria app on their smartphone.

For more information on the card, or to apply visit service.vic.gov.au/services/veterans-card-victoria.

Help find closest relatives of prominent Bass Coast Women

Bass Coast Shire Council is actively participating in the Put Her Name On It campaign aimed at commemorating women and their achievements.

Developers of a new estate in North Wonthaggi are creating new roads and several will be named in honour of local women.

Put Her Name On It is a Victorian program designed to commemorate women in public spaces.

To comply with the naming rules, Council must endeavour to obtain consent from the closest living family member for any proposed commemorative naming.

It is seeking comment from the closest living family member of these women s names supplied by the Wonthaggi Historical Society: Dawn Turner, Velia Treuel, Grace Gent, Doris Menzies, Ruby Connelly, Doreen Fincher, Cecilia Sullivan, Emily Seymour, Valda Unthank, Agnes Vurlow, Meg Foster, Meg Curry, Minnie Gillespie, Edith Nash, Winifred Baker, Filomena Nesci, Violet Taberner, Goldie Guthrie and Agnes Doig.

Contact Council s Property Team by email: basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au or call 1300 226 278.

IBAC report reveals perceptions of corruption

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has released the findings of its Perceptions of Corruption Survey completed by Victorian Members of Parliament (MPs) and local government councillors.

The survey showed that 73 per cent of councillors and 68 per cent of MPs think corruption is a problem in Victoria, with 59 per cent of councillors and 61 per cent of MPs agreeing it is a problem among elected officials.

Favouritism/nepotism, breaches of professional boundaries, misuse of resources, and collusion were identified as the most common risks facing MPs and councillors.

Councillors appeared to be more aware of how to report corruption (88 per cent) compared to MPs (61 per cent). Councillors are more likely than other cohorts to have personally observed corrupt behaviour compared to MPs or local government employees.

The survey findings reinforced the recommendation in IBAC s Operation Sandon special report, for better training on governance, leadership and integrity and the development of a model Councillor Code of Conduct.

Survey results available at www.ibac.vic.gov.au/perceptions-corruption-2023

Arrests up thanks to Victorians contacting Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers Victoria is receiving an average of one report every five minutes about unsolved crimes and suspicious activity, according to the latest annual figures.

Over the last year, Crime Stoppers Victoria recorded 97,115 reports from the public, resulting in 916 arrests and 1432 charges being laid.

Information provided to Crime Stoppers Victoria over the past financial year has led to an average of 18 arrests each week.

The new data shows information from the public has contributed to the seizure of an estimated street value of more than $5 million in illegal drugs, $747,900 in cash, and $1,469,000 worth of criminal assets.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.