Katrina's Monthly Report
20/07/2010
The next State election will be held on 26 March 2011 and of course the Federal election will be held next month on 21 August. The fundamental strength of our way of life is that we all have a say about who we choose to govern us. I encourage everyone who is eligible to exercise this right. This month I opened the ‘10 Big Ideas for the Central West’ planning forum conducted in Cowra by the Central West Business Chamber; attended the Yass Rotary Club changeover dinner; conducted constituent interviews; visited the new independent school in Young located at the PCYC; as well as the Young Medical Centre; and attended The Nationals annual conference in Tamworth. Average rainfall figures for July have been exceeded in many parts of the electorate as this ‘normal’ cold wet winter continues.
Parliament
During the last week of Parliament before the winter recess I put questions to various Ministers regarding: underground water licences; school bus safety; alternative employment options for red gum timber employees out of work since the introduction of the National Park Estate Bill; projects in Burrinjuck which fall under the Human Services budget; and water problems in Grabine Lakeside State Park.
Same-Sex Adoption Comments Invited
I am seeking comments from Burrinjuck residents about the Adoption Amendment (Same Sex Couples) Bill 2010. This legislation will probably be debated shortly after Parliament resumes for the spring session in late August. If the NSW Parliament passes this legislation it will make same sex couples legally eligible to adopt children. The bill will treat same sex partners in a similar fashion to the existing provisions for stepparent adoption. I would appreciate written comments about this legislation sent to my office by fax 6226 3345, email burrinjuck@parliament.nsw.gov.au or letter PO Box 600 Yass NSW 2582. I would like to see as many constituents as possible have their opinions represented to the Parliament during this debate and I encourage you to send your views to me.
Community Building Partnership Deadline Extended
Applications for the 2010 Community Building Partnerships Program has been extended by two weeks to Friday 6 August 2010. I encourage community groups to take advantage of this extension and get their applications in for a share in the $300,000 allocated to projects in the Burrinjuck electorate. Applications must be made online at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au Guidance notes are available from my office.
State Labor cans Rural Oncology Unit for Cootamund
The State Labor government has ruled out a rural oncology unit for Cootamundra. The residents of Cootamundra should have the same access to services that is enjoyed by metropolitan residents. To make matters worse, the State Labor government refuses to provide adequate travelling allowances for patients, and those living less than 100 kilometres from services get no support at all. The NSW Nationals/Liberals Coalition’s ‘Making It Work Policy’ would give a real say back to local communities on how their local hospitals and health services are run.
It’s Now Easier To Incorporate
The Associations Incorporation Act 2009 came into effect on 1 July 2010. The Act provides a simple and inexpensive means for non-profit organisations to incorporate, limiting liability for members. The changes to the Act have been designed to modernise the law, reduce red tape and allow more flexibility for associations. For more information about the changes visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or contact the Registry of Co-operatives and Associations on 6333 1400 or free call 1800 502 042.
Australian of the Year Awards
Nominations are now open for the Australian of the Year Awards 2011. The Awards provide us with the opportunity to recognise ordinary Australians who achieve extraordinary things. Awards are invited in four categories: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (60 years and over); Young Australian of the Year (16 to 30 years); and Australia’s Local Hero. If you as an individual, or your community would like to nominate an inspiring Australian please contact my office, or visit www.australianoftheyear.gov.au or call 1300 655 193. Nominations close on Tuesday 31 August 2010. The Australian of the Year Awards will be announced on Australia Day 2011. This is a great opportunity to nominate someone special who has inspired you so they can receive just recognition for their contribution to this great country.
School Gardens and Breakfast Clubs
I am pleased to hear schools in Burrinjuck are taking advantage of the Coles School Garden Grants to establish their own garden programs. Students at Greenethorpe and Monteagle Public Schools, and Murrumbateman and Yass Early Childhood Centres are learning about the environment through ‘outdoor learning’. Red Cross Good Start Breakfast Clubs are operating at Yass High School and Cowra and Grenfell Public Schools providing students with free healthy breakfasts and education on nutrition. If you would like to know more about the possibility of Coles’ Community Support for your school phone 03 9829 4158.
Free Water Safety DVD
As the swimming season approaches I encourage families to take advantage of a free DVD – Laurie Lawrence’s Kids Alive “Living with Water” – which provides a comprehensive guide to water safety for under five year olds. All aspects of water safety are covered in an easily viewed format suited to the various stages of the child’s growth. To obtain your free copy contact my office on 02 6226 3311, freecall 1800 00 2580, or email Burrinjuck@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Justices of the Peace
Congratulations to Miss Ramona Freeman of Monteagle who has recently been appointed as a Justice of the Peace by the Governor of NSW. This is a most important responsibility and I am very pleased that she is willing to take on such a role.
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