I’d like to invite artists in Barwon to apply for four NSW Government fellowships dedicated to support regionally based and aboriginal artists. Three $50,000 fellowships are available through the Regional Arts Fellowship, which offers regional artists and cultural workers an opportunity to broaden their talent and skills. This is a great chance for local artists to further develop their careers. The 2016 Regional Arts Fellowship applications close on 2 August.

Also available is a $30,000 NSW Government Fellowship for aboriginal artists to further their professional development. The 2016 Aboriginal Arts Fellowship applications close on 25 July. For further details about the Fellowships are available at www.arts.nsw.gov.au or email arts.funding@arts.nsw.gov.au.

COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY GRANTS PROGRAM

The Community Road Safety Grants program aims to support local community based organisations to deliver vital work to keep our community safe. We all know the value local knowledge plays in improving safety, which is why these kinds of programs are so important. The NSW Government and Transport NSW are pleased to announce the second round of applications for project funding is now open.

There are two grants available - smaller projects with funding up to $5000 available and grants for larger projects up to $30,000. Previous successful projects in Barwon have included Mendooran Pre-School’s Bicycle and Road Safety Program and Condobolin Pre-School’s Family Fun Day, to educate families and children on road safety.  You can find out more about the grants by visiting: roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/aboutthecentre/communitygrants/. Applications close Sunday 31st of July 2016.

FEE-FREE VOCATIONALTRAINING FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

Survivors of domestic and family violence and their dependents in Barwon will be eligible for fee-free vocational training, in a measure designed to help people gain financial independence and stability. The program will begin from July 1 and is an extension of the fee-free scholarship scheme made possible through the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled vocational training policy. Fleeing domestic violence can be the most challenging decision anyone makes and this program will encourage survivors of domestic and family violence and their eligible dependents to gain skills to get a job and gain their independence.

Fee-free scholarships provide training in qualifications up to and including Certificate IV under Smart and Skilled including courses those qualifications that support apprenticeships and traineeships. To be eligible, individuals provide a letter of recommendation from a domestic and family violence service or agency such as Legal Aid NSW, organisations who provide Integrated Domestic Family Violence Service, organisations who provide Staying Home Leaving Violence services, organisations who deliver Specialist Homelessness Services and Domestic Violence NSW. For more information visit www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au. Anyone experiencing domestic or family violence is urged to contact the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 or Men's Line on 1300 789 978.

THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to our local police who do a great job in targeting crime and keeping us safe across the electorate. Recent quarterly crime data shows 15 of the 17 major offence categories remain stable or have trended down in the two years to March 2016. Particularly good results in Barwon include: