The State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended for four weeks to continue measures we know are working to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

As we all stay home to keep each other safe, the Victorian Government has today announced a number of programs and projects to keep Victoria connected.

More support will be available to educators and teachers to better prepare for children moving from kindergarten to school.

Early childhood language teachers will get the opportunity to boost their language teaching skills thanks to the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government is creating more jobs to keep our waterways clean and support fire affected regional communities during the coronavirus pandemic as part of the Working for Victoria initiative.

The Victorian Government is continuing its investment in sporting infrastructure projects across the state, helping grassroots sports communities get back in the game when the time is right.

Victorian businesses doing it tough will receive more help in dealing with the stress and emotional impacts of the coronavirus pandemic through a new Victorian Government wellbeing initiative.

Funds are flowing through to businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as we continue to fight the coronavirus pandemic, with grants of $5,000 for 24,000 eligible businesses – totalling $120 million – out the door.

The Victorian Government is supporting young people to have their voices heard, giving them a platform to work with decision-makers on the issues affecting them during the global coronavirus pandemic.

Farmers and producers across Victoria will get better access to markets and communities thanks to funding from the Victorian Government to improve the vital network of local roads and infrastructure.

The Victorian Government is growing the state’s world-leading medical research sector, securing the retention of the national headquarters of the Centre for Commercialisation of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) Australia.

Aspiring young filmmakers have the chance to bring their ideas to the screen in a short film featuring actor Firass Dirani as part of a Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission competition to cast a spotlight on road safety.

Victorians are being reminded that coronavirus does not discriminate – and that even those who recover from the virus are left with long-term consequences, both physical and psychological.

All kinder in Victoria will be free for Term 3, and children will be supported to learn from home thanks to a relief package to support early childhood services through the pandemic from the Victorian Government.

Victoria’s mental health system will receive nearly $60 million in an additional boost to get more Victorians support when they need it – now and after the pandemic is over and its effects are still being felt – as we continue to work together to fight this deadly virus.

The Victorian Government is calling on the state’s design innovators to enter their ground-breaking projectsfor2020 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards.

For Victorian students in their final years of school, as well as their parents, carers, families and teachers – this has been a year like no other.

The Victorian Government will ensure the potential environmental impacts of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project will be fully and transparently assessed before the project goes ahead.