Red Cross Conferences

Red Cross Conferences

I have been pleased to attend and officially open two zone conferences recently, the Country Zone 2, in Casino and Zone 27 in Clunes. It is lovely to have the opportunity to meet and appreciate the efforts of members in such a wonderful community organisation.

During the Conference in Casino, it was my honour to be warranted to conduct an investiture in the Order of Australia on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, Dr Peter Hollingworth, to Mrs Edith Reeves. Mrs Reeves received the Award for service to the communities of Rappville and Casino, particularly through the Australian Red Cross. Mrs Reeves has been involved in Australian Red Cross activities for more than 60 years.

Work Placements for Country Kids

As a result of my approaches, Minister Watkins has developed new guidelines to be introduced at the start of 2003 so that abattoir offices can be considered authorised workplace learning venues for students. A couple of local students approached me with difficulties that they had experienced after they had confirmed interest from the Northern Cooperative Meatworks Company to undertake workplace learning. I approached the Minister, conveying our local situation and I am very pleased to be advised of his recent announcement. Students will now be able to take up office placements at local Abattoirs next year as a result of changes recently announced by Minister for Education and Training Mr John Watkins.

Justice of the Peace Act 2002

On 28 May 2002 legislation was introduced that sought to reform the Office of Justice of the Peace in NSW. One of the primary objectives of the Act was to update the Justice of the Peace Registry and thereby make Justices' services more readily available to the public. Under the terms of the Act, Justices will be required to reapply for their appointments every five years, enabling regular criminal and other probity checks to ensure that Justices remain "fit and proper" persons to hold that Office. All justices will be required to provide a contact point on a publicly accessible Registry and may be a business, employment or community organization. Anyone wanting further information to be sent to them should contact my office.

Shadow Minister for Health visits

Jillian Skinner, Shadow Minister for Health and Youth Services was in the Lismore electorate last week at my invitation and visited the Casino and District Memorial Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital Rehabilitation Unit and also met with local doctors, mental health representatives and healthcare industry workers.

Regional Sports Facility Program

The 2002/03 program provides funds to develop and enhance the network of sporting and recreational facilities that meets the needs of the general community and may incorporate uses for talented and elite athletes. Application forms are available from my office upon request. The closing date is 11 September 2002.

Chem Collect

Just a reminder of the final chance to safely dispose of unwanted and deregistered farm chemicals for free at;

Lismore City Council Waste Facility, Wyrallah Road, Lismore - Aug 22 to 24 (Thur to Sat)
Casino Airport, Light Street Casino - Aug 27 (Tues)
Bonalbo Showground - Aug 20 (Tues)
Kyogle Showground  - Aug 21 (Wed).

Concessions Expanded for Seniors & Pensioners

Pensioners and seniors will now be able to travel unlimited distance within the CountryLink network for the price of a $2-20 Pensioner Excursion Ticket. Minister Scully stated that the 129 km distance restriction that existed for CountryLink pensioner tickets would be removed starting on 1 September 2002. This initiative is aimed at making it easier for elderly who rely on public transport by providing them low cost travel to a wider area with no limit with a CountryLink ticket for rail and coach journeys.

NSW Consumer Protection Awards

Over 50 awards were presented in 2001 recognising outstanding work in advancing consumer protection principles. Individuals, community organizations (both large and small), business associations, representatives form the media and young people were honoured for their contribution to making NSW a better and fairer marketplace. The categories for the 2002 Awards have been extended to specifically include Seniors, Aboriginal and Ethnic groups and organisations. Nominations are encouraged from individuals and groups who can identify a specific consumer-protection based project or initiative that they have developed and conducted to their clients or customers, regardless of size or scope.