Special Interests Archives - Page 55 of 121

Creating Stronger Communities For The Future

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE CREDIT: nsw.gov.au/sccf

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will commit to a further $90 million to the Stronger Country Communities Fund to continue building the projects that make regional NSW the best place to live, work and raise a family.

In the past five years, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has delivered more than 2,500 grassroots projects.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the further $90 million commitment would take the total investment in the fund to three quarters of a billion dollars.

“Everywhere I go, people tell me about the big difference these Stronger Country Communities projects make to everyday life – whether it’s a new skate park that kids love, a new community hall, upgrades to the main street or programs that make living in the regions even better,” Mr Toole said.

“We aren’t just building playgrounds and sporting ovals, we’re building communities to be proud of.

“Not only do these projects improve life for those who already call regional NSW home, but they also act as a major drawcard for those visiting to consider staying longer term.”

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

$1 Billion To Build Better Bush Roads And Rail

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured at the billion dollar announcement from L-R Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole and NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $1 billion in the regions to upgrade the roads communities use every day, fast-track freight and rebuild transport infrastructure after disaster.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the landmark commitment would improve the resilience of the road and rail network right across NSW, benefitting the regions.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that there’s more to do which is why we’ll inject an extra $400 million into the Fixing Local Roads program so we can help councils turbocharge their efforts on road maintenance.

“We’ll also invest a further $600 million in the road and rail network through a new Fast Tracking Freight program and a Build Back Better program.

“As anyone in the bush knows, we can’t keep replacing these roads and rail lines and expecting something different the next time a disaster rolls through – we have to put in the money now to keep our State moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods, forward thinking was needed to strengthen the state’s supply chain.

“Betterment isn’t a last minute thought bubble or cash splash. This has been a 12-month journey since I signed the firstco funded betterment pilot in the country torebuild infrastructure in the northern NSWpost floods,” Mr Farraway said.

Life Saving Defibs For Local Sporting Clubs

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Fantastic news for grassroots sport which will be safer for players, spectators and volunteers as part of a $500,000 push to install life-saving defibrillators at community facilities across NSW.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said 191 devices will be installed thanks to the latest round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

“With more than 8,500 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW, this program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator in the worst case scenario,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the Liberal and Nationals Government introduced this program in 2017, more than 2,000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across NSW.”

The grants cover the full cost of equipment under the program with several sporting organisations receiving multiple devices.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said nine out of every 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital don’t survive.

“We want to change that statistic so it’s vital that we get as many defibrillators installed across NSW,” Mr Vandenberg said.

More information about the program is available at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/

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!

Introducing “GUNYA”

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The captivating “Gunya” Riverside property on offer by Johnston Rural Group.

If there was ever a property to take your breath away, then this is it.

Forbes based property specialists Johnston Rural Group are pleased to present to market “Gunya” – an impressive and unique, premier rural lifestyle property on the banks of the Lachlan River.

Boasting an idyllic location just 3km from the historic Forbes town centre, Gunya is undoubtedly one of the districts leading lifestyle properties. Nestled on the eastern side of the Lachlan River and with an approx. 330 metre water frontage, this outstanding 2.38 hectare (5.88 ac) offering sets the benchmark in comfortable country living.

Built as the ‘ideal family home’ and entertaining destination, the 650m2, 5 bedroom, double Brick Gunya Homestead (c.2012) enjoys a spacious layout with seamless integration between its indoor and outdoor, open plan living and entertaining areas. With scenic 180° water views from all bedrooms and main entertaining areas, expansive lawns and towering river red gums, the property offers a sanctuary like setting. Additional improvements, which make several income generating opportunities a possibility, include a self-contained 2 bedroom cottage, studio / “meeting room”, 14 garages / storage sheds, amenities block and large rainwater storage tank.

Marketing agent Gary Johnston stated that “Gunya will undoubtedly set the benchmark for the high end, Forbes lifestyle property market” with co-marketing agent Sam explaining that “an inspection of the property is not only highly recommended but is certainly required to fully appreciate what Gunya has to offer”. Gunya is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEDT Wednesday, 15th March 2023. A detailed memorandum, video and price guide is available on request with inspections by appointment only.

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.

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