Living & Lifestyle Archives - Page 34 of 51

Beyond Blue Welcomes New Closing The Gap National Plan And Funding

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Beyond blue

Beyond Blue welcomes the Australian Government’s second Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which injects $424 million into initiatives aimed at improving life outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

The plan, released on the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, invests in measures that many non-Indigenous people take for granted, such as access to safe drinking water, food security, housing and family violence support and education.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said progress had been appallingly slow in closing the gap over the past 16 years, since the campaign began. “It’s unacceptable that today, in 2023, there remains a significant gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates of suicide, incarceration and child removal,” Ms Harman said.

“It’s time for Australia to learn from previous policy failures and work together with First Nations Peoples to address these shocking realities.”

“Beyond Blue is a proud member of the Close the Gap Campaign Alliance and is committed to walking together in friendship with First Nations communities and organisations to promote healing, unity and improved social and emotional wellbeing.

“The upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is an important step in accepting the invitation extended to all of us in the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” Ms Harman said.

13YARN is a crisis support line for First Nations Peoples. Call 13 92 76 or go to 13yarn.org.au

Housing Pods Hit The Ground In Eugowra

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Flood-impacted residents across the Cabonne Shire can now apply for modular homes, with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government expanding its temporary accommodation program following last year’s successful caravan rollout.

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said modular homes are now being installed. “These pods will complement the 110 caravans we already have in place, giving residents more options and more support while they continue their recovery journey.”

“It’s important people remain as close as possible to their own home and connected with their community while they undertake the difficult clean-up and rebuilding process, that’s what the modular homes will allow,” said Steph.

Flood-impacted residents in the Cabonne Shire can apply for the Pods on Private Property Program by visiting their local Recovery Assistance Point, calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 or sending an email to: housingtaskforce@resilience.nsw.gov.au.

Caravans are continuing to be provided through a partnership between the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and accommodation provider Camplify. Flood-impacted residents who have previously received a caravan and are eligible for a modular home will be able to transition.

More information at: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/temporary-housing.

NSW Sports High Schools Going For Gold With New Partnership

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

New South Wales has scored an Australian-first with the State’s seven Sports High Schools officially becoming ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’ from today.

“Our seven Sports High Schools in NSW are the only secondary schools in Australia to have this prestigious recognition.

The seven Sports High Schools in NSW receiving this recognition are Endeavour Sports High School, The Hills Sports High School, Hunter Sports High School, Illawarra Sports High School, Matraville Sports High School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Westfields Sports High School.

“Sporting heroes are made in our public schools and particularly our amazing sport high schools, so it is incredibly exciting to recognise their role in Australian sporting excellence by acknowledging them as ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is supporting the State’s seven sports high schools in their endeavour to develop future Australian Olympians.

“The students at our sports high schools today will be our heroes standing on the podium at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and this partnership will strengthen their opportunity for international success,” Mr Henskens said.

Today’s announcement builds on the signing of an MOU between the sports high schools and the NSW Institute of Sport, which strengthened the pathway for talented athletes with a specific focus on Olympic sports.

“We have seen Olympic Training Centres recognised around Australia and overseas, but never at the school level.

“The AOC is also thrilled by the extension of the Olympics Unleashed program. Our Olympic athletes can deliver these sessions across the state, including regional areas and Indigenous communities. We will reach 1,800 schools across the three years.”

Backing Sporting Equality For Women And Girls

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said. More information about the program is available online.

Get Involved In Seniors Festival Week At The Parkes Shire Library

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Margaret Dwyer’s Author talk held at the Parkes Shire Library.

The Festival of Seniors at Parkes Shire Library was in full swing last week with seniors from throughout Parkes Shire popping in to get involved.

Margaret Dwyer’s Author Talk on Friday was the perfect main event of the first week, highlighting the talents of seniors in the region and inspiring attendees. Margaret’s talk covered everything from what encouraged her to write, her family and how she got published. Margaret’s four books are available at the Parkes Shire Library for borrowing.

The fun continues in the library this week, so head along to check out your friends in the 70s on the photo board and listen to the best tunes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Finish it all off in spectacular fashion by attending the Seniors Library Lock In on Friday 10th February, beginning at 6pm. There will be games, snacks and plenty of time to chew the fat about the ‘good old days’. This is a booked event so please give the Library a call on 6861 2309 if you would like to attend. It is guaranteed to be a hoot!

Setting Your Child Up For Success In 2023

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Every parent wants their child to succeed at school, but did you know that this success largely depends on you? Here are some tried and tested tips for helping your child achieve this success:

Meet your child’s teacher: As soon as the school year starts, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher. Let the teacher know you want to help your child learn, and that they can talk to you if any problems develop with your child.

Make sure that your child gets homework done: You can help your child with homework by setting aside a special place to study, establishing a regular time for homework, and removing distractions such as the television and social phone calls during homework time.

Volunteer at your child’s school and/or join the P&C: There are many ways you can contribute to your child’s school. You can volunteer in your child’s class or in the school library. You can make food for a school event. If you work during the day, you can attend “parents’ night” activities or your child’s performances.

Encourage your child to read: Helping your child become a reader is the single most important thing that you can do to help the child to succeed in school-and in life. Reading helps children in all school subjects and sets them up for lifelong learning.

Encourage active learning: Active learning involves asking and answering questions, solving problems and exploring interests. Active learning also can take place when your child plays sports, spends time with friends, acts in a school play, plays a musical instrument or visits museums and bookstores. Curiosity is the key to learning.

Forbes Fins

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Fins standout, Max Reid with his Australia Day Award for Young Citizen of the Year.

Forbes swimmer Max Reid has been awarded the Forbes Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Coaches David, Felicity and Juliet were proud to be in attendance to see Max receive the recognition he deserves. It is not only in his swimming and commitment to the Forbes Fins where Max shines, but the many ways in which he contributes to our community. Congratulations Max!

Great Day Out At The Wilson Junior Fishing Competition

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A great day was had by all at Lions Park, for the Wilson Junior Fishing Competition sponsored by Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix and NSW DPI Fisheries. The competition was for youth aged 17 and under and entry was by gold coin donation. Over 100 fish were caught in the first hour alone. By the end of the day, there were 461 carp caught and 1 catfish, what a cracking success! Proceeds raised on the day will be donated to Boys to the Bush.

Get Your Active Kids Vouchers Now

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Families are being reminded to download their new Active Kids voucher and save $100 per child on sport and recreation activities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said a new Active Kids voucher became available on 1st January and would help ease pressure on family budgets.

“It might be the middle of summer, but winter sport registration is heating up and now is the perfect time for families to turn their attention to their new Active Kids voucher,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program has turbocharged sporting participation across NSW, with more than 4.85 million vouchers redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“It’s the largest grassroots sport funding initiative in the nation and is driving enormous increases in participation across all sports.”

The NSW Government recently extended the Active Kids voucher program to include school holiday sports and recreation activities. The expansion of the program has contributed to a 40 per cent increase in voucher creation compared to the same period last year.

“It’s clear that NSW families have embraced the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program and its expansion to include school holiday programs has been a hit.”

Families can access their child’s Active Kids voucher via the Service NSW app or website, attending a Service NSW Centre or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88. For further information on the Active Kids Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/active-kids.

New Art Exhibitions On The Way For Forbes Art Gallery

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Art Society has secured $250,000 from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Creative Capital Program to cover the costs of installing a new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway, said, “This system is the final puzzle piece in the renovations to the Gallery which will soon see world class artworks being exhibited right here in Forbes.The new air-conditioning and humidity control system will bring the Gallery up to national exhibition standards and will improve the ability for the Gallery to borrow and display paintings and sculptures from major institutional collections,” said Mr Farraway.

Forbes Art Society Chairperson Helen Mallick thanked the NSW Government for supporting greater access to a quantity, quality and diversity of exhibitions, events and activities in regional communities.

“Not only will this infrastructure allow us to partner with state and national exhibition touring agencies to bring major artworks and collections to Forbes, it will also safeguard our permanent collection, as well as enhance the overall visitor experience,” said Helen.

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

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