Shortstack: a round up of news, views and opportunities
Applications close on Friday, April 30. (Melbourne time). Full details and the online application form are available at esuvic. org. au/content/young-leader-bursary-0
ESU Young Leader Bursary 2021
The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) Young Leader Bursary is now open for applications.
This bursary provides up to $3000 to enable the successful applicant to undertake a development program or an experiential leadership course.
Applications close on Friday, April 30. (Melbourne time). Full details and the online application form are available at esuvic.org.au/content/young-leader-bursary-0.
Looking for a break?
The latest round of the Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme opens on Wednesday March 23.
The 140,000 vouchers will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis and will close once the allocation has been exhausted.
Successful applicants must spend a minimum of $400 and stay for at least two-nights in paid accommodation such as hotels and motels, serviced apartments, caravan parks, camping sites, farm stays and private holiday rentals.
Vouchers will be valid for travel between April 8 and May 27.
To apply, go to vic.gov.au/business-stimulus-package.
More support for small business mental health
The Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities Grants Program will provide up to 200 member-based business communities with a $15,000 grant for training and tailored support to manage stress and anxiety.
Eligible business communities include chambers of commerce, business councils, industry associations and trader groups, with the program set to have flow-on effects for the tens of thousands of Victorian small businesses they support.
Grant recipients will nominate representatives to receive 10 hours of free mental health and wellbeing training plus an additional 12 hours of expert masterclasses which will help them design a care plan for their members. www.business.vic.gov.au.
Digital connection
Around 120 tourism businesses across Gippsland are receiving digital skills training and mentoring as part of the government’s Regional Digital Fund.
The program is designed to build digital technology infrastructure, skills and capability in regional areas. For more information www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-digital-fund
Blood donors sought for new COVID-19 research
A government sponsored project is looking for volunteers to provide blood samples in between their vaccine doses.
The biobank is a $5 million project that will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of vaccines, long-term effects of COVID-19 while also helping experts prepare for new strains of coronavirus.
Any Victorian who is due to receive their third dose is eligible and donors to the biobank will provide five blood samples over a two-year period including, shortly before and soon after their third dose, then at regular intervals through to 2024.
Researchers are seeking up to 1500 donors and are after a strong cross section of the population.
Interested volunteers can find out more information and register to donate to the biobank via vc2.org.au.
Helping single parents back into the workforce
The government has expanded its wage subsidy scheme also designed to address workforce shortages across Victoria.
Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 if they hire an unemployed or underemployed single parent.
The Fund is available to businesses with an annual payroll of under $40 million offering secure full-time or part-time roles. Positions must run for at least 12 months and pay fair wages at or above the award or site rate.
How sport can reduce violence against women
Applications are open for the Preventing Violence Through Sport grants program.
Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to support new and existing partnerships for clubs, leagues and associations to deliver violence prevention initiatives for players, coaches and volunteers.
Applications close on Friday, April 29.
Solar training for women
Women can receive subsidised apprenticeships, professional mentoring, and access to ongoing education to lift the number of women participating in the renewables industry through the Growing our Clean Energy Workforce package.
For further information visit: solar.vic.gov.au/training-workforce-development
