Being able to connect with friends and loved ones, and have access to services and information more easily, is what Tech Savvy Elders is all about. The Tech Savvy Elders program, specifically designed for older Aboriginal people, offers lessons in using computers, tablets, email, smartphones, and other forms of digital literacy. 

The Tech Savvy Elders program is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with the Burraga Foundation and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

For further information about Tech Savvy Elders please visit www.mgoals.com.au. For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/tech-savvy-seniors.

I welcome preliminary results from the 2017 Preschool Census, which surveyed more than 730 community preschools in NSW, which further supports our commitment to make early childhood education more affordable for families, with fees already dropping by an average of 25 per cent thanks to the Start Strong Reforms.

This is huge news for families, with fees dropping for the first time ever in our electorate.

Making quality early childhood education more affordable for all families is a goal of the NSW Government’s Start Strong program and the results from the census prove the program is a real success.

Under Start Strong, community preschools must use at least 75 per cent of the funding increase to reduce fees for eligible children, with priority given to children from Aboriginal and low-income families.

I am proud the NSW Government has invested an additional $217 million to extend Start Strong funding through to 2020.

A one-stop volunteering recruitment website has been launched making volunteering more accessible by linking volunteers with the right organisation and opportunity for them.

We know people who volunteer enjoy better health and have greater opportunities for employment.

There is something for everyone to get involved with including the SES who are registered to use the new website and is aiming to recruit 60 per cent more volunteers over two years. Volunteers are at the heart of the NSW SES, providing hundreds of thousands of hours in training and response each year.

The NSW SES is offering new flexible volunteering options through the website where it can best reach prospective volunteers. To find out more about a local volunteering opportunity or to post a vacancy visit www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.

I urge local sports clubs in Barwon to apply for co-funding for a defibrillator under the NSW Government’s new Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program. Applications close December 20. For more information visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants

Every child deserves a safe, loving and secure home. This week is National Adoption Awareness Week (November 12 to 18), and I thank our community members who allow children in Barwon to enjoy the benefits of a permanent safe and loving home for life.

The NSW Government is committed to supporting families looking to adopt with information on adoption available on the FACS website