In brief
A $200-MILLION investment in the professional development of the long day-care sector announced by the Federal Government is the largest program to be implemented for the sector, Federal Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie said. Dr Gillespie said the Long Day Care Professional Development Program would help long day-care services on the Mid-North Coast with the cost of training educators to meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework.
Learner workshop
PARENTS and supervisors of learner drivers have been encouraged to attend a free workshop on how to provide the most effective driving practice. The Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers workshop provided by Roads and Maritime Services will be held at the Enterprise and Training Company offices 133-137 Gordon Street in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 17 June at 5.30pm. Bookings are essential on 6650 1969 or book online via www.etcltd.com.au/rms
Pool reprieve
THE Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has welcomed a State Government decision to extend the deadline for pool owners needing to provide a compliance certificate to a purchaser or leasee. The Office of Local Government announced recently that provisions requiring a property with a swimming pool to have a certificate of compliance before it can be sold or leased will now commence on 29 April next year instead of 29 April this year. The extension means pool owners will have more time to ensure swimming pool barrier compliance prior to the sale or lease of their property, as required under the Swimming Pools Act.
Power bills cut
THE NSW Government’s announcement to free up retail electricity prices with the regulated power market coming to an end on 1 July has been praised by Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams. Ms Williams said that for the first time in 15 years, customers with regulated electricity prices will see a reduction on their bill.
“Removing regulated electricity prices means the power companies need to earn your business and that means greater choice and better prices,” she said.
Rural women recognised
NSW Deputy Premier and Oxley MP Andrew Stoner would like to encourage nominations for women volunteers for the 2014 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll to say thankyou to those who help make a difference in their rural communities. Mr Stoner said the annual project started in 2010 and was helping to create a lasting archive and uncover inspirational quiet achievers. For more information contact the Rural Women’s Network on 6391 3433 or email rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au Nominations close Wednesday 16 July.
Not just a female issue
PORT Macquarie MP Leslie Williams has spoken in Parliament about the repugnant practice of female genital mutilation. Ms Williams said the introduction of legislation to increase penalties for anyone performing the practice would send a strong message to the community that it was unacceptable, and tougher penalties were warranted.
“The practice of female genital mutilation is not just a women’s issue – it’s an issue for the entire community and that is why education to raise community awareness as well as minimising harm and providing support for girls and women affected must be ongoing in conjunction with these legislative changes,” she said.
