International Day Of People With A DisAbility

International Day Of People With A DisAbility

The aim of International Day is to promote, educate and raise awareness within the community about people with a disability. I fully support for this celebration in recognising those who strive to achieve regardless of their disability. This is a day to unite the community by linking people with disabilities, community organisations, businesses, State and Federal Government and the wider community.

Campbell's Concerns

Last week I called on the NSW Minister for Regional Development, David Campbell, to save the jobs of 17 administration workers from the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute. I welcomed Mr Campbell's criticism on the Federal issue of Telstra slashing jobs in the northern NSW, but said the Minister had been strangely silent on the subject of regional job losses from his own State Government departments. Furthermore, I ask the Minster to show his support for the positions under threat at the Department of Education and Training in Lismore due to the restructuring changes. Corporate Services Personnel, Office Managers, Clerical, Properties and Information Technology staff are all waiting on tenterhooks to know if their jobs will still exist. These people need the backing of the Minister to ensure their livelihoods are protected.

Electorate Functions

Our Kids Calendar 2004 Launch - Partaking in this launch was a special opportunity and the proceeds from the sale of this wonderful calendar assists the Our Kids program. Copies of the calendar are available for purchase from my office.

NSW Country Racing Council 2002/03 Awards for Excellence - I was pleased to attend this presentation night and be present when Anzac Commings received the prestigious Simon Nivison Special Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding results which have led to the betterment of country racing.

Workers Compensation `Last Court' Sitting - the ceremonial last sittings of the Compensation Court of NSW on the Northern Rivers was presided by Judge Neilson with barristers, solicitors and others associated with this Court in attendance.

Urbenville/Woodenbong Senior Day Care 21st Anniversary - It was my honour to be the special guest at these special 21st Birthday celebrations. Representatives came from Casino, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Wooenbong, Urbenville and Killarney.

10th Annual University Service - This event was to celebrate the 10th Annual Interdenominational Unversity Service and was conducted by Chaplin John Kidson, with music by Luke Vassella and the Unichurch Band, and special guest was Stuart Maze, a former U/21 Rugby International.

NSW Sport & Recreation Grants

Applications have opened for NSW Sport & Recreation Country Athletes Scheme and the Country Coaches & Officials Scheme. The closing date for both schemes is 31 December. Guidelines and application forms are available from my office or the department website - www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.

Churchill Memorial Trust

Applications have opened for the 2004 Churchill Fellowship program. Each year the Trust awards about 100 Fellowships, on average about $20,000 each. These awards are available to Australians 18 years and over for study travel overseas. No prescribed qualifications are required, however merit is the primary test, as is the desire to share the results of the Fellowship with the community. The closing date for applications is 29 February 2004. Australians striving for excellence, with an opportunity to investigate a project overseas, are encouraged to apply. Further information and application forms are available on the website www.churchilltrust.com.au or from my office.

WorkCover Discussion Paper

WorkCover have released their findings of their review into the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme. To view the discussion paper go to www.workcover.nsw.gov.au, find the `What's New' section and click on the Review of the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme link.

Mobility Parking Scheme

From September 2003 the RTA will issue new style cards to all approved applicants. Changes have been made to the scheme to protect the interests of legitimate users. The most significant change is the introduction of a licence-style card that includes a photograph. The card includes security features similar to a driver's licence. It will play a key role in tackling the fraud that was associated with the previous system of paper permits.

Countrylink Rail Services

The Coalition has launched a petition to save the Countrylink Rail services. The petition highlights concerns that existing passenger services may be abolished and replaced with buses in rural and regional NSW. It calls on the Government to ensure these services are maintained and improved.