Canberra Connection

Ian Causley
Member for Page

Childcare awards

Childcare work is an incredibly important and often challenging occupation. Therefore, I am strongly encouraging parents, childcare services and co-workers to nominate a worthy staff member for this year's Fisher-Price Child Care Awards.

The Australian Government, Childcare Associations Australia, and educational toy manufacturer, Fisher-Price, want to recognise the contribution of staff to the industry and the invaluable role they play in caring for our children.

The awards are open to all childcare workers. The finalists from each state and territory will receive return travel and accommodation to Sydney where they will be given a spa treatment, as well as $1000 worth of Fisher-Price toys for their childcare service. The two overall winners will receive $3000 worth of Fisher-Price toys for their child care service.

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents and childcare centres on the Northern Rivers to thank the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to give our children the best start in life.

Nominations and application criteria for the Fisher-Price Child Care Awards are available in Australian Family Magazine or online www.motherinc.com.au.

Nominations close on November 10.

Older Aussies Day

The contribution made by older Australians to the development of the nation and their communities is to be recognised through a new National Day for Older Australians.

Being held this Saturday, October 1, it will coincide with the annual observance of the United Nations' International Day for Older Persons.

Seniors make a substantial contribution to the lives of families and the broader community, and the National Day for Older Australians provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and encourage their participation in our community.

The theme for this national event is 'Celebrating Seniors'. October 1 offers us all a chance to say thank you for their energy and their commitment to our community and remind us of the positive benefits ageing can bring.

Teach wins fellowship

I am pleased to announce that a local teacher has been selected to participate in the 2006 Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowship (ELTF) programme.

Mrs Maria Whitney, a teacher at Southern Cross School in East Ballina, is one of 109 successful teachers from across Australia selected from a large and competitive field of applicants vying for a place in the programme.

An Endeavour Fellowship gives Australian languages teachers the opportunity to improve their language proficiency and experience the culture in places including China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Mexico.

The ELTF programme will take place over a three-week period in January. Fellowship recipients are given return domestic and international airfares, language tuition fees, excursions costs, and accommodation costs.

Past participants have returned with improved language proficiency, first-hand cultural knowledge, and a renewed confidence, enthusiasm and inspiration for helping their students learn a language.

Since its inception in 2004, the Australian Government has provided $1 million annually for this highly successful, intensive professional learning programme. Being selected to participate in this programme is a considerable achievement and I warmly congratulate Maria, and wish her well with her trip to Italy.

Office contacts

Phone: 6621 9909

Fax: 6621 9959

Address: PO Box 1119, Lismore, 2480

Email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au