Global Victoria- Programs and initiatives
The Global Victoria Intellect Program (GVIP) is a virtual, two-week program enabling Victoria-based exporters to gain market research intelligence from teams of international and domestic university students currently studying in Victoria. GVIP gives you the opportunity to tap into Victoria's vast network of smart and diverse future leaders who will provide a robust understanding of international markets.

Each participating company will be allocated a group of students (hand-picked by us) to work on delivering valuable market research for their organisation. Students are guided through an online structured market research process, which will generate valuable insights and data relevant to your company brief.
Registering your Victorian business to take part in GVIP is a simple and easy online process: Visit the Global Victoria website for more information.

Facemasks in Victoria

From 11:59pm Sunday 22 November, there are changes to the rules around the wearing of face masks. 

• Face masks are no longer required when you are outdoors and where it is possible to stay more than 1.5 metres away from people.  
• Use of face masks remain mandatory if you are unable to stay further than 1.5 metres away from people not in your household, such as when waiting at public transport stations, outdoor markets, walkways and thoroughfares.  
• Face masks remain mandatory when indoors – for example, in shopping centres or at a hospital. 

Visit the DHHS website for a more detailed list of updates relating to masks in Victoria.

Victoria has opted into the above program, however, no decision from Victoria (specifically DHHS) on the best quarantine pathway for workers coming in has been decided.    

Even though a decision has not been made, we urge you to register your interest with an Approved Employer to confirm your interest in bringing in workers.

A list of Approved Employers is available here and includes a mix of growers and labour hire providers. Growers who are not Approved Employers can contact Connect Group and MADEC who will take EOIs from new clients who are able to commit to upfront workers costs. Please email: The Connect Group This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or MADEC This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

There is also a Seasonal Worker Regional Pilot program that is being run in the Goulburn Valley, assisting smaller growers to meet harvest needs, attached is the relevant flyer. You can also discuss your needs or questions with Miki Wilson who is the Regional Coordinator on (03) 54305601 or Mobile 0407 611 044.

Download the Regional Pilot Factsheet here...

THE horticulture sector can become better versed in Australia's free trade agreements thanks to a new online tool. Austrade has launched the Free Trade Advantage, a site designed to help Australian exporters come up to speed with FTAs. THE horticulture sector can become better versed in Australia's free trade agreements thanks to a new online tool. Austrade has launched the Free Trade Advantage, a site designed to help Australian exporters come up to speed with FTAs. Read more of this Good Fruit and Vegetables article for more information...

The Department of Transport (DoT) is inviting your organisation to take part in the Principal Freight Network (PFN) Review 2020.  The PFN is the strategic network of places and connecting corridors that enable the efficient, safe and economic movement of freight in Victoria. It identifies the strategic places and transport corridors where freight of significant quantity, value or importance is generated, stored, and distributed.
 
The PFN will enable the future growth of the freight task on the Victorian transport network by:

• guiding future transport network and land-use planning and infrastructure investment
• protecting the freight network and its future capacity through appropriate legislation planning scheme and policy provisions
• integrating multi-modal supply chains and end-to-end supply chains to achieve productivity gains and industry competitiveness.

Follow the link below to provide feedback by Friday 18 December 2020 on the PFN maps, including amendments proposed, prior to the release of an updated PFN in early 2021. Material to support you as you provide feedback is available on the Get Involved web page, including a Project Fact Sheet and FAQs. You will be directed to provide your feedback on the interactive map of the PFN through Social PinPoint. 

Many stone fruit growers are facing the tough decision to not harvest some of their fruit this season as they scramble to secure enough workers to get their fresh produce picked in time.

While farmers report strong consumer demand and great eating quality for this season's apricots, nectarines and peaches, some just can't find enough workers to pick and pack all their fruit as the numbers of seasonal workers and backpackers dwindle due to COVID-19 border restrictions and overseas travel. Read more of this ABC Article.