Current News
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Mosquitoes can carry diseases that make you sick. Japanese encephalitis is one of these diseases. There have been several cases of Japanese encephalitis detected in Victoria recently.
You can reduce your risk of being bitten and becoming sick by following these steps:
• Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets or insect screens.
• Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.
• If mosquito numbers are high, limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible.
Tip: Citronella candles aren’t effective enough! Mozzie repellents are your best defense against mosquito bites.
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The Victorian Government is offering a free support service for small to medium businesses to ensure your COVIDSafe Plan is up to date and reflects current COVIDSafe Settings. The Information forum will provide updates on the latest COVIDSafe Plan information and mandatory requirements, as well as tips on how to implement the Plan in your business.
- Tuesday, 15 March (2:00pm)
- Thursday, 17 March (10:00am)
Sessions are scheduled for approx. 1 hour. A link to the session will be emailed on the day of the forum. Sessions are not recorded. Slides will be circulated after the forum.
For more information or to register for this event, please click here..
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The Fair Work Commission has made a decision to include a minimum hourly wage guarantee and a requirement to record hours worked by pieceworkers into the Horticulture Award.
These new provisions take effect from the first pay period that starts on or after 28 April 2022.
We’ve published a summary of the changes to help you understand the decision. We are also currently reviewing our information and tools ahead of the changes coming into effect.
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Compliance focus – Victoria’s horticulture industry
The Commonwealth Senate Select Committee on Job Security has inquired into the impact of insecure or precarious employment, with evidence given to the Committee by several workers from the horticulture sector. Media stories since have further highlighted workers’ concerns and the challenges faced with cleaning up the labour hire industry servicing this sector. Read more of this article here...
Site visits to Victorian horticulture businesses this month
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) continues its work to prevent labour hire worker exploitation in the horticulture industry this year. Inspectors and authorised officers from WorkSafe, Labour Hire Authority and the Department of Justice and Community Safety will visit Yarra Valley farms to conduct compliance checks and offer advice on how to tackle health and safety hazards. These site visits follow an online information session giving Yarra Valley growers and providers the opportunity to refresh their knowledge on workplace health and safety. Read more of this article here...
Useful links and information:
Testing and vaccinations:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website in multiple languages
- Information about the COVID-19 vaccines in multiple languages
- Instructions on how to use Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
- Information for people who have recovered from COVID-19
- COVID-19 testing and the workplace
Business support and wellbeing:
- DJPR COVID Safe information session for small/medium business – 1, 3 March
- One on one support to improve financial, business and emotional wellbeing
COVID isolation and exemption:
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Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2020/21 Access the 2020/21 Handbook here.
HIA have released 2022-2026 Strategic Investment Plans for Apple and Pear, Cherries and Stonefruit
These plans are the roadmaps that help guide Hort Innovation’s investment of levies and Australian Government contributions. Industry-specific Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) outline the key priorities for investment in each levy industry. Each SIP has been created through close consultation with industry, to ensure it represents the balanced interests and opportunities for that industry. Visit the Hort Innovation website to access the above Strategic Investment plans.
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Current restrictions in Victoria
For the latest information regards COVID-19, please follow this link. Agriculture and resources sector guidance | Coronavirus Victoria
Where face masks are required
You are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings, but wearing a mask remains recommended. You must always carry your mask when leaving home. For more information on where Face masks are still mandatory, please visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website
Join VCA: complete the Membership application form
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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