The 31st consecutive Boxing Day Test will be played at the MCG in December, underscoring Melbourne’s unique standing in world cricket and backed by a new contract between the ground’s manager and Cricket Australia.

Last week the Government introduced a Bill to empower living victims to share their stories without a court order, as well as protect people who want to speak up about the sexual assault of someone who has passed away.

Young people who have become disengaged from school and are living with mental health conditions will receive additional care and support to complete their schooling, under a flagship new program being rolled out by the Victorian Government and Melbourne City Mission.

All remaining Victorian students will begin returning to classrooms from today, with 163,000 students in Years 8 to 10 in metropolitan Melbourne joining their classmates in the final stage of the staggered return to on-site learning.

The Victorian Government is driving investment, jobs and Victoria’s economic recovery, with planning approval for another round of shovel-ready housing, commercial and renewable energy projects fast-tracked.

The Victorian Government is calling for community input and fresh perspectives to help strengthen the creative industries as the sector prepares to recover and rebuild on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

The impact of COVID-19 on Aboriginal communities is the focus of the 57th Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) to help develop a strong, culturally safe response to the pandemic recovery.

More Victorians are being supported to address gambling harm, with an additional $660,000 for migrant and refugee communities, and community sporting clubs.

The Victorian Government is ensuring Melbourne’s hospitality sector can make a smooth transition to outdoor dining by streamlining planning approvals.

Aboriginal communities affected by the 2019-20 Victorian Bushfires are sharing in over $4 million to support the recovery of cultural heritage across Country and fund projects that can build community connection and resilience.

The Victorian Government will fast-track funding for upgrades to Catholic and Independent schools across Victoria to give students and staff the best facilities sooner, and support local jobs, businesses and Victoria’s economic recovery.

Victorians are being urged to prepare for the upcoming summer fire season, with Fire Action Week starting today.

Victoria’s first ever State of Volunteering Report has found that a remarkable 40 per cent of Victorians over the age of 15 are contributing their valuable time and energy to support the community.

Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will be able to be deployed to shopping centres, sporting precincts and other highly populated areas to help prevent crime and support community safety, under new laws passed by the Parliament.

Today, and on the strength of that success, we’ve been able to progress a number of changes.

Jeremi Moule has today been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), heading up our efforts as we respond to – and recover from – this pandemic.

Victoria’s biggest ever level crossing removal construction blitz is on track to finish two weeks early, with trains running on the new Upfield elevated rail line from November 2.

More than 1,300 Victorian small businesses and sole traders have registered to receive free professional mentoring to help them plan and navigate their way through to the other side of the pandemic.