NSW APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS INCREASE
I am encouraged to read new data showing the number of people taking up apprenticeships or traineeships in NSW continues to climb in positive signs for the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. The latest report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows a 2.3 per cent increase in NSW apprenticeship and traineeship starts in the year to March 2017 compared to the year to March 2016. More and more people are realising that VET can provide an effective pathway to gain in-demand qualifications that lead to rewarding careers.VET training offers pathways to many jobs that are seeing strong growth in the future, from the traditional trades to healthcare, biotech, cyber security, agriculture, ICT, and tourism. These latest NCVER results also show growth of 1.5 percent in the number of NSW people taking up trades like plumbing, carpentry and electro-technology which will support our industry sectors which are facing skills shortages. For more information on the “Doors to Opportunity” campaign. visit: vet.nsw.gov.au/
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NEW FUNDING FOR ANZAC COMMUNITY PROJECTS
New funding of $175,000 is now available to help communities protect and repair local war memorials and to support projects which commemorate the service of current and former NSW service men and women. Applications in the latest round of the Community War Memorials Fund (CWMF) and the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) provides grants of up to $10,000 for local war memorial projects, including conservation works and protection. There are two rounds a year each offering $125,000, closing on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Meanwhile, the $50,000 ACGP provides grants of up to $2,000 to schools, community and veterans groups to educate the community on the service and sacrifice of military personnel, support activities benefiting veterans, and engage with the community. Applications for both grant programs are open until Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November 2017. For more information, please visit: For more information, please visit: www.centenaryofanzac.nsw.gov.au
AS BUSHFIRE SEASON APPROACHES WE ALL NEED TO GET READY
After the driest winter in 15 years we are facing challenging conditions as bushfire season approaches and I urge all residents who live near bushland and areas prone to grass fires to start preparing for the season ahead. Last summer we experienced some of the worst bushfire conditions on record. Unfortunately, a dry winter has followed, so we need to ensure households and families are prepared for the worst case scenario this summer. I encourage households to update or create a Bushfire Survival Plan and make sure the whole family knows what to do when faced with a fire. It could save your lives.
On September 16 & 17 the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will host Get Ready Weekend at local Brigades. Residents can visit their local brigade to pick up vital fire safety information, and thank our outstanding local firefighters for the tremendous work they do to help keep our communities safe from bush fires. When preparing for the bush fire danger period there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you are fire ready, including:
- trimming overhanging trees and shrubs;
- mowing your lawn and removing all the cut grass;
- removing flammable materials from around your home (e.g. door mats, wood piles, mulch, leaves, paint, outdoor furniture);
- clearing and removing all the debris and leaves from gutters; and
- ensuring you have a hose or hoses that can cover the perimeter of your home.
Bushfire Survival Plan: rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan.