Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan has announced $1.2 million in funding to support free or low-cost legal services for Victoria's not-for-profit sector community organisations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher have welcomed today's announcement that Regional Express (Rex) will launch a range of new passenger services connecting Mildura with Adelaide, Sydney and Broken Hill.

Victoria's army of dedicated volunteers have been formally thanked for their contribution to the State at the launch of National Volunteer Week in Melbourne today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today announced that agreement had been reached with SP AusNet to connect Huntly to Victoria's natural gas network.

Residents of Mildura will soon have greater access to natural gas for domestic and industrial use, with a major upgrade of the city's gas distribution network announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

The Coalition Government has today announced details of the next phase of the rollout of its $100 million Energy for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan and Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum joined representatives of the Bendigo Show Society today to inspect the commencement of works on the city's new $3.2 million exhibition pavilion.

Melburnians are being encouraged to consider making a move to enjoy the good life in country Victoria in a new advertising campaign launched by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

The Victorian Coalition Government's 2012-13 Budget continues building on the strength of the regions by strongly investing in key areas of infrastructure and frontline services in challenging economic times.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan was on hand at the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo today to launch an innovative calendar highlighting local events in the Shire of Moorabool.

Victoria's first Regional Victoria Living Expo got underway in Melbourne today with 130 exhibitors showcasing the many business, career and lifestyle benefits on offer outside the big city.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan today enjoyed a preview of the exciting weekend arts and cultural program that will be showcased at the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo in Melbourne from 27 to 29 April.

Up to two million Melburnians would consider a move to regional or rural Victoria in pursuit of a better quality of life for themselves and their families, according to research released by the Victorian Coalition Government today.

Latrobe Valley business and industry leaders today met with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan and Federal Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean to discuss development opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.

A project to increase electricity capacity at one of the largest single employers in the Latrobe Valley will be completed with the help of a $490,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today announced Life Saving Victoria (LSV) as the official charity partner of the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo, to be held at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre (27 – 29 April).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today joined forces with business, industry, union and the community representatives in Morwell for the inaugural Gippsland Industries in Transition Expo 2012.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today announced $2 million from the Victorian Coalition Government to extend the Great Southern Rail Trail from Foster to Welshpool.

A pathway connecting Tarwin Lower with Venus Bay's central business district will be completed with the help of $250,000 in Victorian Coalition Government funding, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan announced today.

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced $280,000 to support a major capacity expansion project for Morwell-based company, Hydro Australia.