In brief
FOUR local schools have received funding for major capital works in the State Budget.
The works are scheduled to commence within the 2014/15 financial year.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the upgrades would greatly improve the learning facilities at Hastings Public and Herons Creek Public Schools, as well as at Camden Haven and Port Macquarie High Schools.
Hastings Public School will receive improved access ramps, Herons Creek Public School will get a covered walkway, Camden Haven High School will benefit from a Cover Outdoor Learning Area, and Port Macquarie High School will also see the construction of a covered outdoor learning area.
Fracture prevention
PORT Macquarie Base Hospital has commenced a Fracture Prevention Service to identify and treat osteoporosis in veterans and war widows and therefore reduce the incidence of fractures and associated issues.
The service is funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and supported by the Returned and Services League, the War Widows Guild of Australia NSW and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, which provides services including specialist support and treatment advice.
Veterans and war widows are encouraged to complete a questionnaire to provide information about their bone health and osteoporosis risk.
Once the questionnaire is returned, appointments can be made to attend a screening clinic, run by Dr Logan Carroll.
Patients then return about two weeks later for a review of results with Dr Brenda Rattray.
Both appointments are at the Acute Care Centre at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
Dr Logan Carroll said osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become less strong and more likely to break, especially as people get older.
Information about the DVA Fracture Prevention Clinic is available from the Acute Care Centre at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
Fighting homelessness
PORT Macquarie MP Leslie Williams has welcomed the Going Home Staying Home reform which will help fight homelessness in in the Hastings.
Mrs Williams said Going Home Staying Home was a win for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“For the first time, resources will be allocated based on evidence not history,” Mrs Williams said.
“The evidence is clear, the greatest need for homelessness services is in our suburbs and regions like the Port Macquarie electorate.
“Funding for the Mid North Coast will increase from $3.48 million in 2013/14 to $4.77 in 2014/15 which is an increase of $1.29 million or 37 per cent.
“Under the reform, providers like Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services will focus more on prevention and early intervention, not just crisis management.
“We want to catch people before they reach crisis point,” she said.
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PROUD HISTORY REMEMBERED
THE Camden Haven veteran community has received a funding boost to help commemorate its proud history of service.
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced a Federal grant of $4000 to the Laurieton RSL Sub-Branch under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service grants programme to fund the construction of Navy and Air Force Memorials at Laurieton Memorial Park.
“May I take this opportunity to congratulate the Laurieton RSL Sub-Branch on its efforts to recognise the invaluable contribution of Australian servicemen and women, past and present, and ensure the next generation appreciates their service and sacrifice,” Dr Gillespie said.
“This local project here on the Camden Haven is one of 81 projects across the country funded from the latest round of Saluting Their Service grants, with more than $187,065 being allocated to community and ex-service organisations around Australia.”
Local community and ex-service organisations interested in applying for future grant funding rounds should visitwww.dva.gov.au/grants or call 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for regional callers).
SAFEST SEATS
MEMBER for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams is urging parents and carers in the Port Macquarie electorate to choose the safest car seat for their children following the launch of NSW Government’s biggest ever child car seat campaign.
“The poor use of child car seats continues to be the biggest contributor to child passenger deaths and injuries,” Mrs Williams said.
“That’s why the State Government has launched its biggest ever child car seat campaign.
The We’re Counting on You campaign will be widely promoted in the media, targeting primary schools and early childcare facilities.
Mrs Williams said about two in every three children were not properly restrained in cars.
“It is scary to think that two-thirds of children are riding in a vehicle without being properly protected.
“Children incorrectly secured in a car seat are seven times more likely to receive life threatening injuries during an accident than those using car seats secured correctly.
“Parents and carers need to get car seats correctly installed following the manufacturer’s instructions and know how to use it properly for the safety of their children.”
For more information about making the safest child car seat choices, visit childcarseats.com.au
