BARWON REMEMBERS OUR WAR VETERANS
A number of Anzac Day commemorative events will be held across Barwon this year, as we continue to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War and other major events in Australia’s military history. I would like to encourage everyone to take the time to pause and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This day gives us all an opportunity to show our eternal gratitude for their service and for the freedoms that we enjoy every day. The courage shown by the first Anzacs and the events that followed are entwined in our national identity and we continue to honour their courage, sacrifice and tenacity. As we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, the annual Anzac Day commemorations will again provide Australians the opportunity to be part of this traditional mark of respect. Across the state, the NSW Government’s Soil Collection Program is taking samples of soil from 1699 places where people enlisted for the Great War. They will be displayed at the refurbished Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park in 2018. Visit www.centenaryofanzac.nsw.gov.au for information on commemorative activities taking place throughout NSW.
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SILVER LINING FOR PERCH STOCKING IN THE NAMOI
Recovery of threatened fish in the Namoi River has been given a major boost, with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) stocking the river with thousands of Silver Perch last week. The stocking, at three locations along the river between Gunnedah and Narrabri, is part of the Department’s conservation stocking program for Silver Perch in northwest NSW to enhance and increase the local wild stocks of the species in this region. 50,000 fingerlings were stocked by DPI staff and representatives of local fishing clubs, which is in addition to the 50,000 fingerlings released into the Namoi in March 2016. Silver Perch were once widespread and abundant throughout most of the Murray-Darling river system, however they have declined significantly in many areas of NSW and the species is listed as vulnerable under the NSWFisheries Management Act 1994. The fish were bred at DPI’s Narrandera Fisheries Centre from broodstock sourced from a naturally occurring population in the Murray River downstream of Yarrawonga weir. A 10 year review is currently underway of the Silver Perch Recovery Plan to see what's been achieved and what recovery actions are still required for this species into the future. I congratulate everyone involved and in particular the local fishing clubs for assisting with this important project for our community. Further information on Silver Perch is available on DPI’s website:
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection/conservation/what-current/vulnerable-species/silver-perch
LET’S BOOST ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ACROSS NSW
Local organisations with innovative projects to enhance women and girls’ economic opportunities are urged to apply for funding as part of the NSW Government’s 2017 Investing in Women grants program. The grants program is a fantastic way to find new, local initiatives that invest in education, leadership and financial security for women across NSW including young women, aboriginal women, older women, women living with disabilities, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women living and working in regional areas. The program provides funding for organisations to develop and implement projects that encourage more women into leadership roles and provide leadership pathways for young women. Grants of up to $25,000 per project are available to organisations such as local councils, employers, industry bodies, training organisations, and non-government organisations. A total of $200,000 is available in 2017. For information on Investing in Women and how to apply, visit the Women NSW website:
www.women.nsw.gov.au/women_and_work/investing_in_women_funding_program Applications close on Wednesday May 24.
CHILD SAFE ORGANISATIONS TO ACCESS WORLD-CLASS TRAINING
I’m happy to announce the launch of a free online learning tool to help staff and volunteers in all child-related organisations build their capacity to become child-safe. The eight modules contained in the resource will assist child-related organisations in identifying grooming practices and developing policies and guidelines for workers. The Child Safe Organisations addresses how to recruit and retain staff and create a culture where children are valued and listened to. This means quality training is available at the click of a button to all child-related organisations and will help to better protect our kids. For further information on the Child Safe Organisations eLearning program, please visit www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-elearning.
THUMBS UP
Thumbs up for World Immunisation Week next week. Immunisation prevents between two and three million deaths each year around the world and we are so lucky to be living at a time when we are able to contain vaccine-preventable diseases in NSW. World Immunisation Week is a great reminder to everyone to ensure their family’s vaccinations are up to date.