Lismore Show
Echo 28 October 2004
Lismore Show
The rain was timely last week and I am sure the community welcome it even though
it delayed some of the Show ring events. Friday and Saturday provided great
weather to visit the various pavilions, ring events and be mesmerized by the
Summerland Credit Union's Arena Spectacular. This performance by numerous school
children, primary producers, dancers, livestock and entertainers was a wonderful
celebration of 100 years of shows on the same site truly reflecting the times of
years gone by and exhibiting the community spirit shared by our region.
Congratulations to the Show Committee, their team of volunteers and exhibitors
on a superb show.
Goonellabah Crime
I met with the new Area Commander, Superintendent Bruce Lyons at Goonellabah to
examine some of the issues involved in recent crime incidents in the area.
Discussing various issues contributing to this problem, it was obvious that
Goonellabah needs a lot of attention, which is now being addressed.
Blood Bank Services
Following my recent meeting in Sydney, with the Australian Red Cross, Public
Relations Manager, and local Red Cross representatives, it has been indicated to
me that a visit to address issues that I raised, will happen in the near future
to discuss the overall service provided by Australian Red Cross in this area.
It's Showtime! Book Launch
Congratulations to Helen Trustum on this wonderful historical record of various
local shows. I had the honour of being part of the official launch and it was my
pleasure to auction the first copy, which was purchased by George and Fuhrmann
Casino and Bangalow, for $2,600 with proceeds going to the Northern Region
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service. Helen wrote this book by hand over
five years and it is truly a valuable compilation of the history of shows in
this area.
Regional Sports Facilities Program
This program provides funds to develop and enhance the network of major sporting
and recreational facilities that meets the needs of the general community and
may incorporate uses for talented and elite athletes. Applications are now open
until 30 November and can be obtained from my office for the Department of Sport
& Recreation website www.dsr.nsw.gov.au. Applicants are encouraged to contact
the Department's Manager of Grants on 9006 3776 to discuss their project prior
to making application to ensure it is eligible for consideration.
Office of Industrial Relations Online Services
The Office of Industrial Relations has produced a brochure on its online
services to assist in answering questions relating to pay rates, award
conditions and entitlements. The services on the website (www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au)
include -
Check Your Pay - helps users calculate wage and other entitlements, including
annual leave and long service leave.
Pay Rate Updates - gives the latest information on changes to NSW pay rates,
award conditions and leave entitlements by email. Select the wards you want,
change your choices or unsubscribe at any time.
NSW Awards Online - provides access to industrial awards and pay rates covering
nearly 1.5 million workers in NSW.
Commonwealth Youth Parliament
It is proposed to hold a Youth Parliament in Brisbane next year from 19-23
April. The NSW Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been
invited to nominate up to two delegates for consideration to attend. Nominees
should be between 18-25 years and be able to demonstrate; an interest in
Commonwealth and parliamentary affairs; potential leadership qualities and a
commitment to the local community. Nomination forms are available from my office
and should be returned with supporting documentation by Wednesday 10 November.
Churchill Trust
The Churchill Trust is now calling for applications for 2005 application round.
Each year the Churchill Trust awards about 100 Fellowships at an average cost of
about $20,000 each. The Fellowship includes airfares, fees and a living
allowance. Successful applications spend about eight weeks overseas
investigating topics that will benefit Australia and add to Australia's
knowledge base. The applications are open to Australians 18 years and over for
fellowships to be awarded in June 2005 for travel from 1 September 2005. There
are no prescribed qualifications. The merit of the proposal is the primary test
and a desire to share the results of the fellowship study with the community.
Closing date for applications with references is Monday, February 28, 2005. Full
details of the fellowships and application forms can be obtained from the
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust by contacting their National Office on Freecall
1800 777 231 or at the website: www.churchilltrust.com.au
