McCormack appointed Assistant Defence Minister – Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has said he is honoured to continue to serve in the Ministry of the new Turnbull Government unveiled last Saturday in Canberra. Mr McCormack, whose electorate will see the introduction of the Forbes Shire to it at the end of the month, has been appointed Assistant Minister for Defence. He previously served as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, who last week announced his retirement from Parliament after decades of service.
Research shows you don’t have to be a nerd to benefit from The Brain – It’s backto-school-time, and amidst the challenges of new classes and making friends, beyondblue is encouraging young people and their parents to get to know its ‘The Brain’ character. New data reveals that more than half of the young Australians who saw The Brain during a beyondblue campaign last
year are more likely to talk to a friend when struggling with problems. The Brain was a pesky character in an eight month campaign last year that caused anxiety and depression in animated ads and images. The campaign encouraged teenagers to take action against such symptoms.
Seasonal workers expanding to greener pastures – Member for Calare John Cobb has announced the expansion of the Seasonal Worker Programme from primarily horticulture to the broader agricultural sector. This will see an increase in the types of low and unskilled jobs included in the programme. The expansion will also contribute to the economic development of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste. Mr Cobb said these changes mean more agricultural
businesses will benefit during peak periods when labour can be in short supply.
Safer Streets round two deadline extended – The Federal Government has extended the deadline for round two of the Safer Streets Programme to March 2. The programme gives local councils, neighbourhood watch groups, and local sporting groups the chance to apply for funding. Funds can be applied for to improve or install security infrastructure such as CCTV,
extra lighting, and the establishment of crime prevention projects. The deadline has been extended to ensure all eligible organisations have the chance to apply.