What American singer/songwriter recently played a ‘One Night Only’ concert at the MCG?

New partnership opens door to home ownership for thousands

VICTORIANS looking to buy a home have been encouraged to consider a government-backed scheme that has helped thousands of people by drastically reducing the up-front purchase costs. The state government’s $1.6 billion Victorian Homebuyer Fund contributes up to 25 per cent of a home’s purchase price, reduces the required deposit to just five per cent, and eliminates the need for buyers to pay costly premiums for lender’s mortgage insurance. The fund contribution means that on average buyers backed by the scheme pay a deposit of $35,000 on a $630,000 property, while the fund contributes more than $155,000. The fund contribution on a home valued at the maximum $950,000 would be up to $237,500. “The Homebuyer Fund means families, couples and single people who may have been priced out of the market can get a foot in the door quicker, backed by the state,” treasurer Tim Pallas said. “This initiative makes a real difference, and combined with first-home buyer supports, it means more Victorians are realising their dreams of owning their own home.” More than 2500 Victorian families and individuals have taken possession of the keys to their new home since the fund was launched in October 2021, including Carnegie resident Vicki Stegink. Ms Stegink realised her goal of owning her own home when she settled on a $641,000 apartment, paying a five per cent deposit and receiving a 25 per cent Victorian Homebuyer Fund equity contribution. Because of the fund’s contribution, Ms Stegink did not pay lender’s mortgage insurance, saving about $20,000, and as a first home buyer she also benefitted from a $24,000 stamp duty concession. Separate to the Homebuyer Fund, the state government provides grants and stamp duty rebates and concessions for tens of thousands of first-home buyers each year. In 2021, this support topped $1 billion. More than half of the people who have purchased Support: State treasurer Tim Pallas says more young people will be able to own their own home through the government’s Homebuyer Fund. photograph supplied

a home through the fund are first-time home buyers. The government recently boosted the homebuyer fund by $1.1 billion, creating the capacity to support 10,000 people. Some 1200 Victorians are looking for a home with pre-approval from the fund, which means there are thousands of positions still available. Participants in the scheme can buy back the government’s share in the property over time. Applicants can earn up to $128,000 individually or $204,000 as a couple, while the maximum purchase price is $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong, and $600,000 in other parts of regional Victoria. To provide a greater level of support to the Indigenous community, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Victorians only require a 3.5 per cent deposit, and are eligible for a 35 per cent shared equity contribution. For more information about the fund, visit sro. vic.gov.au/homebuyer

Staying safe from the heat during summer

VICTORIANS are being reminded to never leave kids in hot cars and to follow simple steps to stay safe from the heat this summer. New data reveals there was 113 callouts to locked cars in November. Minister for Ambulance Services, Gabrielle Williams, recently launched the Survive the Heat and Never Leave Kids in Cars campaigns. Last summer, Ambulance Victoria paramedics were called to 410 reports of people locked in cars across the state, and children below the age of 13 made up 92.5 per cent of cases. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult, and the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than it is outside. That’s why parents should always take their kids and pets with them whenever they get out of their car - just as they do with their valuables. Parents should also be aware that leaving the windows down has little effect on the inside temperature, with tests showing that when windows are left open 10 centimetres, the inside temperature will only reduce by five degrees. Extreme heat kills more Victorians than any other natural disaster, with heatwaves particularly dangerous when coupled with high overnight temperatures as they can interfere with our body’s natural ability to cool down and cause heat illness. Heat illness can include heat cramps and heat exhaustion - which, if left untreated, can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases, but it is preventable. There are simple steps we can all take to reduce the chance of heat illness like staying hydrated, spending time in cool, air-conditioned buildings, planning ahead and keeping up to date with weather forecasts and checking in on those most at risk in the heat like older people or young children. Call triple zero (000) if you or someone you know is showing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. You can also speak to NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 606 024) or your doctor for general medical advice during extreme heat. For more tips on surviving the heat, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/survive-heat

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