2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. COVID -19 has ravaged communities around the world, placing pressure on health systems and devastating economies.

Like you, I am in awe of the courage and commitment shown by our health workers battling this virus, saving lives every day. We are all immensely grateful and extend our deep appreciation for putting their lives on the line to save others.

I know it’s tough - but for now, staying at home is critical to stopping the spread of this deadly virus. It’s the least we can do to respect our health workers and others on the front line. Doing the right thing, practicing good hygiene, wearing our masks and keeping our distance is the best way we can say thanks to those valuable workers.

The economic consequences to national, state and local communities of staying at home are severe. Nowhere in Australia is the impact being felt harder than right here in Gippsland. But we Gippslanders are resilient – our history has demonstrated that over and over again.

That doesn’t mean we aren’t hurting.  We are.

Businesses that have been years in the making are struggling to survive. People who have never been out of work suddenly know what it’s like. More than ever, we need to spend our money locally – right here, in our community. And we need to look out for each other. We need to ask our family, our friends, our neighbours: “Are you ok, is there anything I can do to help?”

Together we will get through this. You’ve stayed the course so far brilliantly. I have every faith that the toughness and strength you’ve all shown so far will carry you through the rest of this difficult time.

If there’s anything you need, my electorate office is here for you, as always.

While Federal Parliament might be sitting in Canberra next week, Russell Broadbent, the Member for Monash will remain in his electorate.

“We are dealing with unprecedented challenges in my electorate. Challenges that the coronavirus has thrust upon us and my priority at this time is to be here in the electorate and close to the communities I represent.

“The Monash electorate has been one of the hardest hit in Australia by the economic consequences of this rampant virus and my staff and I have been contacted by many constituents needing advice and support during this incredibly difficult time that we are experiencing.

“Modern technology enables me to participate in the essential matters of parliamentary business from my office without having to be away for weeks on end, as I would be required to do so under the current circumstance,” said Mr Broadbent.

Although Mr Broadbent’s Office remains closed to public in accordance with the requirements of the Victorian State Government, he and his staff are available to assist on any Federal Government matters, and can be contacted by calling the office on (03) 5623 2064 or via email russell.broadbent.mp@aph.gov.au.

“I would like to acknowledge our community and thank them for all the great work they’ve done over the past few months. This virus has taught us all that we cannot become complacent and the only way we can get through this is by working together,” said Mr Broadbent.

Two local newspapers, the Warragul Gazette and the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser have received funding from the Commonwealth Government through the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund to develop their digital presence.

Russell Broadbent, Member for Monash, said the importance of regional journalism has never been more evident than now, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Local newspapers have been the lifeblood of our communities for more than a century and in our technologically advanced society, it is crucial that they are supported to adapt to and adopt the latest in media communications.

“It’s great to see the Warragul & Drouin Gazette and the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser increasing their online presence which will help keep local jobs in our community,” Mr Broadbent said.

“Regional newspapers help keep our communities connected and informed and I am pleased that local papers have received this support that will see them continue both in print and online,” Mr Broadbent said.

The Warragul Gazette will receive $55,889 in funding and intends to increase their capability to create video and podcast content for current and potential audiences.

While the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser will receive $73,884 towards implementing their Digital Growth Project and maximise online presence by developing a classified module, upgrading IT and video production equipment and engaging journalists.

Both projects have been supported through the Innovation Fund administered by Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as part of the Government’s Regional and Small Publishers Jobs and Innovation Package.

Over 300 applications were assessed by the ACMA, working closely with an independent advisory committee, through a competitive grants process. The ACMA will work with successful applicants to develop and enter into grant agreements as soon as practicable. The full list of recipients is available on the

ACMA’s website at: https://www.acma.gov.au/regional-and-small-publishers-innovation-fund.

A special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 15 August is now available to every living Second World War veteran in Monash to say ‘thank you for your service’.

Federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent, is encouraging all local Second World War veterans to apply for a medallion.

“Monash has a rich Second World War history, and is proud to be the home to veterans from this remarkable generation of Australians who served our nation during the Second World War,” Mr Broadbent said.

“While the electorate is named after Sir John Monash, a lieutenant general in command of the Australian Corps in the First World War, our region and communities have also been shaped and influenced by our Second World War veterans.

While more than one million Australian men and women fought during the Second World War campaigns, incredibly, around 12,000 veterans who served during the Second World War are still with us today.  This will be one of the last opportunities we have as a nation to publicly acknowledge this special group of Australians.

“These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores.

“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the Federal Government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.

“I encourage all veterans, or their family members on their behalf, to apply to receive a medallion and certificate as a special thank you from a grateful nation for all they have done,” Mr Broadbent said.

Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 61918217 during business hours.

The Commemorative Medallions and Certificates will be distributed during August.

Russell Broadbent MP
Sign up here to receive the latest news from my inbox.
crossmenuarrow-up-circle