SINGLETON ARGUS
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
A representative from the Immigration Department will be visiting the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre on Friday 13th May between 11am and 2pm. If anyone needs some information or advice on Immigration matters please phone 02 8861 4130 to book an appointment.
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I recently met Peer Support Australia.
Several schools currently implement Peer Support Australia’s Peer Support Program in the Hunter area.
Year 6 students are trained over 2 days by dedicated teachers in the school. 2 Peer Leaders then work with groups of 8-10 students from Kindergarten to Year 5 for 8 sessions over a term. Schools choose the focus for the year from a range of modules available.
The Peer Support Program develops skills in relationships, resilience and optimism as well as leadership. Students feel they are connected to their school and they belong as they know more students across the school.
In their Peer Support Groups, students learn to share, to help, to comfort, and to empathise with others.
Peer relationships are strongly linked with liking school, attendance rates and academic performance.
The Peer Support Program also operates in secondary schools with Year 10 Peer Leaders working with Year 7 students. Modules focus on relationships, resilience, optimism, values and anti-bullying.
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I recently officially switched on the flood lights at Rosepoint Park, Singleton, which were funded through the Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.
The Government provided $74,000 to upgrade the existing power supply and install 6 new floodlight towers for the existing asphalt netball courts – as part of our investment to support jobs in the local economy, and deliver long-lasting benefits to the local community.
Congratulations to Singleton Council and the local community for getting behind this important project.
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I encourage eligible not-for-profit organisations to apply for Australian Government Volunteer Grants of up to $5,000.
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, recently announced $16 million funding for the 2011 Volunteer Grants program.
The Volunteer Grants program is a great way to directly support volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help people.
Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help eligible not-for-profit organisations purchase much-needed equipment and contribute to volunteers’ fuel costs, training courses and background checks.
“In 2010, 53 organisations in the Hunter electorate received Volunteer Grants.
The Gillard Government recognises and values the important work of volunteers, who play a crucial role in our communities and in recent months have made a vital contribution in disaster-affected areas.
Large numbers of volunteers continue to assist disaster-affected communities, helping people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
One in every four Australians are recognised and valued as community volunteers, working tirelessly to help others and create stronger communities.
This year, volunteers are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers.
The Volunteer Grants 2011 program will provide practical and tangible support to community organisations across Australia to assist volunteers and encourage more people to take up volunteering.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST) on 8 June 2011.
To apply, please visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374.
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