Completing 13 years of schooling is a significant achievement and milestone for our next generation of leaders and one that should be acknowledged and celebrated.

If you haven’t received the result you had hoped for, there are many pathways that will still enable you to reach your goal.

Your Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking score won't define your life, it's what you do with it from here that counts.

Completing the VCE is an achievement that all students should be proud of regardless of the result.

I would particularly like to congratulate Catherine Chincarini from Hamilton’s Monivae College who received a score of 97.25, Josh Nichols from Hamilton and Alexandra College who received a score of 96.95 and Georgia Gilbert from Baimbridge College who received a score of 94.1.

I’m sure that our local students will all have a very bright future ahead of them.

Thank you to all our teachers, schools, families and employers that have supported our local students on their journey throughout their schooling.

Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan

Sports clubs across Western Victoria will be able to open their doors to more members with funding from the Andrews Labor Government to buy new equipment and help coaches and officials learn new skills.

I encourage local clubs to apply for the second round of the $4.6 million Sporting Club Grants Program.

The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of the government’s commitment to make sport more accessible and inclusive, increase local participation, stimulate local economies, and build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities.

The program provides grants of up to $1000 to clubs across Victoria to buy new team uniforms or equipment.

Grants of up to $2000 are also available to expand the skills of coaches and officials, and clubs can receive up to $5000 for initiatives that strengthen their operations and sustainability.

Programs like these give communities across Western Victoria the chance to come together and play their favourite sport, learn new skills, and reach their potential.

Applications for the next funding round close on 15 February 2017. For more information or to apply online, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria

On behalf on the Leukaemia Foundation, I invite all cycling enthusiasts to join us on a week-long journey to raise awareness and funds to help more Australians beat blood cancer.

In April 2017, Ride as One will take on an 800km trek through the scenic island of Kyushu in Japan.

We are looking for 40 riders with a shared passion to help others and push outside their comfort zones.

This is an opportunity to challenge yourself both physically and mentally and see through that New Year’s resolution to get fit.

Participants will explore urban cities, tropical villages and rolling hills of Japan as they wind their way through iconic locations such as Minamiaso, Tateno, and Hita.

It’s not too late to be a part of this exciting event and make a difference as we Ride as One.

For those unable to take part, you can still support our cause by donating.

Your donations are essential in helping us fund research and assist families affected by blood cancer.

For more information and to register please visit www.rideasone.org.au or contact myself.

Meaghan Bush, Acting General Manager, Victoria, Leukaemia Foundation