Capital Assistance Program

Capital Assistance Program

I wish to advise guidance notes and applications forms for the 2003/04 Capital Assistance Program are available from my office or online at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au. The Program provides grants to assist with the development of local community sporting and recreational facilities throughout NSW. Further information can be obtained by contacting the North Coast Regional Office of the Department of Sport and Recreation on 6687 7168.

Primex 2003

Last week, Federal Minister Warren Truss officially opened Primex 2003 and I congratulate Exhibition Marketing representatives; John and Bruce Wright and their team on a tremendous exhibition. This event was originally established 19 years ago and over the years it has developed and expanded to be the envy of other agricultural displays held throughout the eastern States. One could find whatever one needed for a house, farm, property or business from the 600 exhibitors at the Primex show.

Blood Rush 3000

In an urgent attempt to make up for the now critical plasma stocks, the NSW Red Cross Blood Service has launched Blood Rush 3000 - a campaign to generation 3000 blood donations in three weeks to make up for the grave NSW blood supply. You just need to make an appointment to donate blood so that we can pass it on to NSW hospitals to help Australian Children, mums, dads and grandparents who are in need of blood due to things like diseases, trauma, car accidents or transplants. The Campaign will run to the end of June. All people need to do is call 13 14 95 or alternatively www.bloodrush3000.com to register.

Seniors Card

Currently my office is updating our NSW Seniors Card directory, therefore any person who has acquired a NSW Seniors Card and may not be registered with my office, should convey their details to ensure that the revised directory is automatically supplied to them.

Natural Resource Management

A NSW Legislative Assembly Standing Committee has been appointed to inquire into the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in NSW. Terms of reference are available from my office or online through the Parliament website; www.parliament.nsw.gov.au. Closing date for submissions is Monday 14 July and can be addressed to The Committee Manager, Standing Committee on Natural Resource Management, Parliament House, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000.

Recognition for Country Coaches and Officials

I was pleased to be advised of an allocation of $4,845 to 7 individual sports people under the 2003 Country Coaches & Officials Scheme. Such recognition to country athletes in the Lismore electorate by the Minister for Sport & Recreation is testimony to the talent and scope of ability in rural areas. The Scheme is vital in its role in assisting with the expenses that many rural people are faced with. The following people have received funding as a contribution to expenses to access opportunities to participate in education courses that assist them in gaining or maintaining required accreditation:

Tony Marsh
Krystal Gollen
Christopher Breen
Christopher Behan
Mahala Klotz
Sharon Williamson
Stephen Clough

Little Athletics Assoc
Northern NSW Soccer Federation
NSW Cycling Federation
NSW Gymnastics Assoc
NSW Gymnastics Assoc
NSW Gymnastics Assoc
NSW Softball Assoc

Local Justice of the Peaces

I wish to encourage all Lismore Electorate Justice of the Peaces who wish to be informed of impending changes, should contact my office so that when this information comes to hand, you will receive this information.

Do You Employ People?

The office of Industrial Relations NSW Department of Commerce is running a series of seminars in Lismore for employers. Topics covered over a number of days at differing times include; Rights and Responsibilities, Recruitment and Termination and Managing Employees. More information available online at www.commerce.nsw.gov.au or ringing 1800 803 836.

$65,038 Casino Community Benefit Fund

I was pleased to be advised that the Lismore electorate was allocated $65,038 under this scheme with the funds primary objective to fund gambling-related treatment such as counselling and rehabilitation services, research projects and other activities designed to minimise harm associated with gambling in the community.

Community Development Grants

The 2004 Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW is inviting applications for funding. The aim of the program is to encourage the participation of people from culturally diverse communities in all aspects of life in NSW. Projects will be funded on a competitive basis to not-for-profit community organisations. Applications forms are available from my office or www.crc.nsw.gov.au and close 5pm Friday 25 July 2003.

North Coast Rivers

Available for viewing from my office is a copy of the publication by Healthy Rivers Commission "North Coast Rivers - Independent Inquiry into the North Coast Rivers".