Tuesday 21 May saw hosting the CWA Oxley Group CWA Public Speaking for Schools Contest at the Wiradjuri Study Centre in Condobolin. Approximately eighty students from twenty schools across the Oxley Group area competed. They travelled from as far afield as Parkes, Forbes, Trundle, Tottenham, Ungarie, Tullibigeal, Bedgerebong, Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin.

Ros Edwards, CWA Oxley Group Public Speaking Officer said, “A big thank you to should be given to Evolution Mining for supporting this annual Oxley CWA Group event. They [Evolution Mining] really help in promoting student skills in speaking up and communicating their ideas in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.” Students from Years 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, as well as 9 and 10 showcased their public speaking skills through prepared speeches entertaining parents, teachers, fellow students and the judges on a wide variety of topics.

This year students presented hilarious and creative ways to explore ideas from riding bikes, cleaning teeth, ghost stories, pet’s perspectives to sea mysteries, Lego, artificial intelligence, manners, making wishes and laughing to present entertaining and unusual perspectives to grab the audiences’ attention.

The Winner and the three Highly Commended students from each section are invited to participate in the CWA Intergroup Public Speaking Competition to be held in Trundle on Monday 17th June.

Thank you to all six judges Mick Hanlon, Paul Lukin, Tess Kelly, Sue Thomas, Carmel Berry (CWA) and Sue Baxter (CWA Oxley Group President). Thanks to Ros Edwards, CWA Oxley Group Public Speaking Officer and the many CWA volunteers who assisted on the day. Thanks also to parents and teachers for transporting our talented students.

Congratulations to all students for their efforts in presenting their differing perspectives on the topics in creative and interesting ways. All students were outstanding which made the Judges work difficult.

 

 

 

Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.

“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.

“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.

“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”

2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.

The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.

NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.

“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.

“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”

According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.

ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.

“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.

“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has proudly launched applications for its flagship leadership and capability development program for young and emerging leaders in Australian agriculture.

The National Agricultural Leadership Program provides targeted activities and unique experiences in leadership, advocacy, policy development, governance, communications and media.

It uses a whole-of-agriculture perspective to build networks across industry and create the next generation of leaders for Australian agriculture.

Targeting participants under 35, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to develop a policy project guided by NFF general managers and senior industry leaders.

NFF President David Jochinke highlighted the opportunities the program produces for those interested in the decision-making process and policy development in the agricultural industry.

“Participants have the opportunity to tour the Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments,” Mr Jochinke said.

“By fostering a young person’s interest in advocacy, we are able to showcase the next generation to our political leaders and develop a network of skilled professionals to lead our industry into the future.”

Launched in 2021, the program has a proud alumni base of 20 graduates. 2023 alumnus Abbey O’Callaghan has used the experience to develop a policy that compliments her passion for strengthening the agricultural workforce. “The National Agricultural Leadership Program was a fantastic opportunity for a behind the scenes look at how policy decisions are made, best practice approaches to advocacy and the development of policies,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

The program will run for five months starting July 2024. Participants will come together for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra, work on a policy project, and are matched with an industry leader as part of an ongoing mentoring program.

Applications open until 3rd June. Find out more at nff.org.au/nalp/