RE-ENTRY into the workforce after maternity leave is continuing to be stymied by high childcare costs and a lack of opportunity for women.

A 50 per cent rise in the number of Wangaratta job seekers relying on social welfare payments is largely being attributed to COVID-19’s harsh impact on local businesses and the economy.

TANIA Maxwell (MLC, Northern Victoria) claimed the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) will be the “death of CFA as we know it” and wore a black armband to symbolise the day.