Local Government News
 Don
Page
State Matters
Funds for Sport
As this is my first column for 2003 I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy new year.
Funding totalling $45,097 under the Capital Assistance Grants has been approved by the Department of Sport and Recreation for eight organisations in the Ballina Electorate.
This ever popular Scheme with local sporting groups helps with the establishment and enhancement of facilities across a range of recreational activities.
The grants are listed in the table below.
These grants are matched dollar for dollar by the individual sporting groups who have demonstrated their ability to financially contribute to their particular project.
I recently presented the Ballina Toy Library with a $2,500 grant to assist with operational expenses.
The Toy Library was established 15 years ago and provides a useful service to the public who wish to borrow toys for a small fee.
Just like you borrow a book from the library, you can borrow toys and puzzles from the Toy Library. It is a great way of providing children with a variety of toys without the expense of purchasing them.
Users of the Ballina Toy Library include:
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Low income families
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Families where overcrowding and storage of toys is a problem
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Grandparents who only need toys when the grandchildren are visiting
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Holiday makers - especially when rain interferes with outdoor activities
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Temporary foster carers and child care providers
The Ballina Toy Library is situated in Regatta Avenue (behind the River Street Children's Centre) and is open every Tuesday between the hours of 9 am and 11 am.
Enquiries can be made to the President/Co-ordinator Lorina Rogers on 6681 3351.
Twice a year (on Australia Day January 26 and the day set aside to commemorate the Queen's Birthday) Australian Honours are announced recognising the important contribution made by people who have given exceptional service to our community.
Such people could be volunteers involved in community service or people who have made a special contribution in a particular field.
However it takes the Council for the Order of Australia 12 to 18 months to research nominations so now is the time to start thinking about nominating someone for an award in 2004. Application forms and associated information can be obtained from my Electorate Office.
I can be contacted by writing to PO Box 1018, Ballina 2478 or phone my
Electorate Office on 6686 7522, fax 6686 7470, or email don.page@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
 Thomas
George
Canberra Connection
Rhonda and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a prosperous 2003 and trust that a joyous and relaxing festive season was had by all.
Australia Day Public Holiday
I have received a number of enquiries regarding Australia Day and its public holiday. This has been gazetted for Monday 27 January 2003.
Capital Assistance Grants Announced
Six Lismore Electorate sporting organisations benefited from the allocation of $45,284 under the 2002/03 Capital Assistance Program. Local successful projects include:
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$2,186 for the provision of lighting, amenities, goal posts and storage shed at Hanging Rock Hall Sportsground,
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$9,120 for the upgrading of lighting to competition standards at Queen Elizabeth Park Oval
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$2,311 for the upgrade of fencing with 1000W with control gear at Lismore Croquet Lawn,
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$8,177 for the installation of playground equipment to meet Australian Standards at Federal Village.
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$1,490 for the extension of existing building for storage and construction of access road at Hepburn Park.
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$22,000 for the enhancement of five tennis courts with artificial grass at Weston Park, Goonellabah.
The aim of the program is to work in partnership with the general sporting community and to support those groups who have shown they are prepared to help themselves.
Nurses Pay Rise
A decision by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to grant a 6% pay increase for nurses, effective from January 1, is a positive first step in addressing the acute shortages of nursing staff in rural and regional NSW. There are almost 2000 nursing vacancies in NSW. The critical shortage of nurses in rural communities is hampering the health system's ability to provide adequate and suitable care to patients. With so many vacancies in country areas, operating theatres and maternity wards are being closed and patients are being forced to travel long distances for basic medical treatment. A pay rise for nurses is long overdue.
Seniors Week Awards
Applications are open for the Premier's Seniors Week Awards 2003. The Awards celebrate individuals and organizations in the community who promote the well being of older people. It also acknowledges NSW seniors for their contribution to the development of local communities. Forms are available from my office or copies can be obtained from www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on January 20.
HSC Results
Congratulations to all HSC students who received their results just prior to Christmas. I trust your hard work and ability are reflected in your results and I am sure that you will be able to achieve your goals by either embarking upon further education or a career. Our thanks also to the teachers whose efforts and dedication must also not be forgotten.
New Website
I wish to advise that I recently launched my new website. The address is www.thomasgeorge.com.au.
The site obtains copies of press releases and newspaper articles, such as this, Parliament speeches, an online survey and much more. I trust the constituents of the Lismore Electorate will find this to be a useful resource. Any feedback on this site would be welcome.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office regarding the above or any other matters on 66213624, thomas.george@parliament.nsw.gov.au or PO Box 52 Lismore.
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