Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Seniors Week grants

Applications for organisations seeking grants for Seniors Week 2006 are now available from my office. The NSW Seniors Week Grants Program assists in the development and organisation of local Seniors Week activities.

In 2006 there are two funding categories available:

1. Up to $500 - applicants may apply for any amount up to $500 (this does not need to be matched); and

2. $1000 - applicants may apply for $1000 (this amount must be matched or in-kind.

All activities in receipt of funding must occur in Seniors Week 2006 between April 2-9 and must have an element of community involvement.

Application forms are available from my office or from www.nswseniorsweek.com.au and must be submitted by September 23.

Small Business September

Next month has again been dubbed Small Business September with a wide range of events offered state wide and locally to assist and inform small businesses.

The NSW Government and particpants from the public, private and community sectors will be presenting events designed to help small business owners and operators enhance their business skills and knowledge.

Events occurring in the local area include, but are not limited to:

• "Smart Ways to Succeed in the 21st Century" business networking breakfast on September 1 at the Ballina Jockey Club;
• "Selling via the Internet" presentation by Ebay, Australia Post and TAFE on September 9 at the Ballina RSL Club;
• "Working Safely in Construction Workshop" on September 20 at the Ballina RSL Club; and
• "Business Vitality Networking@night" on September 29 at Summerland House

I will also be participating in 'Pollies for Small Business Day' and helping out in local small businesses.

Electoral roll access

It is possible to verify your electoral enrolment on-line through the Australian Electoral Commission's website at www.aec.gov.au. For those who do not have access to the internet it is still possible to verify your details by calling the AEC on 13 23 26.

Office contacts

Address: PO Box 1018, Ballina, NSW, 2478
Phone: 6686 7522
Fax: 6686 7470
Email: Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thomas George
Canberra Connection

Health Service crisis

On Tuesday I met with Dr Michael Levitt, deputy chairman of the NSW Committee of Management for the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, who was able to advise of his submission of an offer, which he believes is fair and reasonable, to Dan Madden and Denice Fletcher.

I am hopeful the North Coast Area Health Service can accept this offer to enable the return of 'normal' health services to this region. Constituents have been reinforcing to me that this issue needs to be resolved promptly, however, we still have a lot of work to do to achieve a suitable outcome in regards to the under funding of the health services in this area, which has been a continual problem for a number of years now.

As part of the ongoing representations, a health delegation including Member for Ballina, Don Page, Mayor Merv King, Dr Chris Ingall and myself are seeking a meeting with the Health Minister, John Hatzistergos, next week to highlight the community's view and achieve amicable resolution of this issue.

Seniors Week Awards

Applications are now open for the 2006 Seniors Week Achievement Awards program. The awards are a prestigious recognition of seniors from across the State for their contribution to the development of our community, for their leadership and for their initiative. The awards provide an opportunity to formally thank older people for the contribution that they make to the quality of life in our State. A group or individual can be nominated in one of the following categories:

• Education/Life-long Learning;
• Health & Well-Being;
• Intergenerational Understanding;
• Community Service and Volunteering;
• Environment/Science; and
• Business Mentoring.

Up to 60 awards are available for outstanding nominations. Nomination forms are available from my office and close on October 7.

Broadband for Bonalbo

Internet users in Bonalbo can now speed up their downloads following Telstra's upgrade of the Bonalbo exchange with broadband ADSL. I understand the Bonalbo Community Transaction Centre was promoting the demand register and encouraging others to register leading up to the exchange upgrade.

Trust Board members wanted

Vacancies have occurred on the Dunoon Public Recreation and Public Hall Reserve Trust. Applications are being invited from persons interested in being considered for appointment as a member of the Trust Board to manage the affairs of the Reserve Trust. Prospective Trust Board members will be selected on merit related to the skills they possess and the skills necessary to manage this reserve. Applications can be obtained and lodged with the Department of Lands, PO Box 272, Grafton, 2460, or phone 6640 2061. Applications must be lodged by October 4.

Office contacts

Address: PO Box 52, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 3624
Fax: 6622 1403
Email: lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au or www.thomasgeorge.com.au