I wish to advise that applications are now open with a closing date of 1 October
2003. This program is open to small regional communities with less than 2,500
residents and aims to foster economic growth and job creation in small regional
communities. It helps communities and alliances of businesses to take a
strategic and proactive approach to their economic development. The program
offers the opportunity to undertake a community planning process and/or
implement projects that have community support and will result in new economic
activity. Communities and alliances of businesses are assisted with financial
support, practical input on project development, and the creation of networks
and information. Applications can be lodged by sponsoring organisations such as
local councils, chambers of commerce or by incorporated community/business
associations. The closing date is 1 October 2003. Forms can be downloaded from
the internet at www.business.nsw.gov.au.
2003 NSW Consumer Protection Awards
This Awards program is now in its third year and recognises outstanding
individuals, community organisations, business associations, media and young
people for their work in advancing consumer protection. Nominations are
encouraged from individuals and groups who can identify a consumer-protection
based project or initiative that they have developed and conducted for their
clients or customers, regardless of size or scope. Nominations close 12
September and will be judged by an independent panel. Award recipients will be
announced during Consumer Week in November 2003. All nominations must be on the
official 2003 NSW Consumer Protection Awards Nomination form and a nomination
kit can be requested on 9619 8618 or email request to awards@fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Have Your Say on the Retail Leases Act
The Department of State and Regional Development is undertaking a review of the
Retail Leases Act 1994 and is inviting interested parties to provide comments to
the review. The Act regulates the relationship between landlords and certain
tenants in retail premises by setting minimum standards for the leasing of
retail space. An issues paper has been prepared to assist interested parties in
making submissions to this review, raising matters relating to competition
policy, efficiency and effectiveness of the legislation. Copies of the Issues
Paper are available online at www.retailtenancy.nsw.gov.au or by contacting my
office.
Intervention Support Program 2004
This program provides supplementary funding for educational programs for young
children with disabilities below school age and children/adolescents with
disabilities in residential care. Closing date for this is 26 September 2003.
Capital Grants for projects at Non-government Centres for the benefit of
children or students with disabilities. Closing date for these applications is
29 August 2003. Applications and guidelines are available on line at
www.det.nsw.edu.au/eas/isp or by contacting the Intervention Support Program
Contact Officer Tracey Quick 1800 064 767.
Families First Projects
Minister Tebbutt recently confirmed that following an evaluation, continuation
of recurrent funding for a further 3 years has been approved for two local
projects. The Family Support Network will receive $134,077 to provide services
of the Lismore Volunteer Home Visiting Service and Jumbunna Community Preschool
& Early Intervention Centre Inc will received $21,264 to provide the services of
the Casino Supported Playgroup.
Moratorium on New Justices of the Peace
As previously advised there are imminent changes to the office of Justice of the
Peace in NSW. The Attorney General's Department is in the process of finalising
administrative procedures for the commencement of the new Justice of the Peace
Act 2002. As part of this process there will be a moratorium on new Justice of
the Peace applications effective 14 July 2003. This moratorium will be in place
until 28 November 2003. During this period new appointments will not be
considered unless an urgent or demonstrated need is indicated.
Links to Learning Community Grants Program 2004-2006
This program aims to assist young people who experience significant difficulties
participating in formal learning environments to access, remain in or return to
education and training. Applications for 2004 to 2006 are invited from
community7 based organisations and local government authorities in NSW.
Guidelines and funding application forms are available from the Department of
Education's website at www.det.nsw.edu.au/eas/youth or by contacting staff in
the Program Field Services Unit at Lismore's Industry Training Centre on 66221294.
Applications close 5pm Friday 1 August.
Parliament Hansard
This week in Parliament I have spoken on the following items of local interest
and should anyone wish to receive a copy of the following Hansard extracts,
please do not hesitate to contact my office;
NSW Budget
Local Government Amendment (Employment Protection) Bill
Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill
Business Link Corporate Services
Kids in Community Awards
** Please note that all forms or applications are also available from my office
if you do not have access to the internet.
