Novel Coronavirus and Food Safety
Australia is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The Australian Government Department of Health has established a website with up-to-date information on the virus. Visit the Australian Government Department of Health website. 

Visit the Food Standards website for further information...

**With concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) increasing, growers need to take precautions with backpackers coming on to their orchard to work.  Time should be taken to check VISA details online (VEVO) and confirm when and where the backpacker has originated from.   If they have arrived from, or have transited through, China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, travel restrictions/self-isolation may apply. See Australian travel restrictions from the Department of Home Affairs. 

Sustainability Victoria is offering a competitive grants program to support organisations in Victoria to reduce packaging waste disposed in landfill. This program is for small to medium enterprises, not-for-profits and social enterprises. For more information, eligibility criteria and how to apple, visit the Sustainability Victoria website...

The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health are holding a Public Lecture, Mr Warren Davies ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ at The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, Shepparton at 5:30 – 6:30pm on Thursday 27th March, 2020.  *This is a community event and there will be no charge to those who attend.
 
Warren is a farmer and will share his life lessons, his message is simple and so very important at a time when stress is seen as normal and depression is commonplace.
 
RSVP - Please register online: www.trybooking.com/BIKDI  or contact Di Doyle, Events, Community Engagement & Alumni Administrator, The University of Melbourne E. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or P. (03) 5823 4512.

Download the event brochure for more information..

MADEC source workers using their website, social media and call centre, and put suitable workers in contact with you. It is then your choice to employ them or not. MADEC will continue to direct workers to you until they have filled your requirements.

The easiest way to use the service is to contact the call centre which is located in regional Australia and is open from 8 am – 8 pm Mon-Fri (AEST). The trained consultants will be able to assist you in finding the right workers for your needs – 1800 062 332.

NHLIS is a no-cost service that is funded through the Australian Government and managed by MADEC, a not-for-profit organisation.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.madec.edu.au or on 1800 062 332.

The Fair Work Information Statement has been updated to make it easier for you to understand minimum workplace entitlements.

Every worker in Australia needs to get a copy of the FWIS when they start a new job.

Visit the Fair Work website to download the Information Statement...

The WOFG began in 1990, it was shaped to address the specific needs of farming women for education and training in their profession, recognising the value of networking, and as a means to share experiences, knowledge, and to overcome isolation. The aim of the Gathering was to bring farming women of Victoria together, to promote our role as farmers, to supply information on resources available and to provide food for thought. Registrations open now!

Visit the Women on Farms Gathering 2020 for more information or to register...