White Ribbon. Australia's campaign to prevent against women ......2019/02/19 · White Ribbon...

Kempsey Shire Council From the Mayor’s Desk

Week Commencing 19/11/2018

Embargoed until 12 noon Monday 19/11/2018

Domestic Violence … lets stop it before it starts

This Friday is White Ribbon Day – Australia’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women - and we can all show our support by wearing a white ribbon. As men in the community, we should strive to be positive role models to help change bad attitudes and protect the safety of women in our community.

The White Ribbon campaign helps ‘break the silence’ and is a platform for raising awareness and developing behavioural change. It is a sad fact that disrespect against women starts at childhood, and this is where we as adults can have the strongest influence and shape young people’s lives.

For some simple but effective tips on how to stand up, speak out and act when you are in situations where women are not being treated with the respect they deserve, visit the White Ribbon website: www.whiteribbon.org.au

Following White-Ribbon day from November 25 to December 10 is the global campaign, ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’, with this year’s theme, ‘Orange the World’: #HearMeToo.

Council will fly banners in Kempsey’s CBD to show our support and raise awareness of this growing and important social issue. If we all do what we can in our day to day lives to treat women with courtesy and respect, and to stop bad behaviour at the start, it will help to build a safer community for all girls and women.

Australia Day Awards 2019 It would be great if we can better last year’s number of nominations for the upcoming 2019 Australia Day Awards. This is the time our community celebrates the contribution of people in our Shire who give their time, talent and efforts to make the Macleay Valley a better place to live. Nomination forms for the four award categories - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community Group of the Year - are available on Council’s website: www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au or call into the Customer Service Centre. Nominations close on Friday, November 30. Word count – 340 White Ribbon. Australia's campaign to prevent against women.st women.

http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/




Enjoying the community spirit

Over the past week I have witnessed local community pride and spirit at its best. The Macleay Valley has proven that when you bring the community together for a worthy cause, great things can happen. I attended the Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group’s fabulously colourful “Dia-Bete It” ball and was astounded by the support for the annual fundraiser. The Macleay Valley Community rallied for the cause, “Locals Living with Type 1 Diabetes”, and raised an incredible $52,000 on the night. Lahey Construction also kindly donated $40,000, bringing the total to $92,000.

Celebrating 100 years of life …

Long-time resident Mr Jack Lasserre celebrated his 100th birthday on 26 November 2018. He moved to the Macleay 30 years ago and has led a remarkable life that has been testament to his character and determination. Born in Paddington and raised in Dubbo on Barbagil Station, he rode horses five miles to school until sixth class and then completed two years of correspondence for high school. In the Depression, he lived comfortably with his family on a self-sufficient farm and helped out by driving utes around at the age of 12. In 1940 he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces where he rose to a rank of Sergeant. In 1942 Jack married his love, Zena, and had three children. After the war, Jack became a builder and constructed homes throughout the Western Plains, including a two-bedroom cottage and sheds on his land ‘Springdale’ in Euchareena. He ran 150 sheep and 30 head of cattle for many years. The admirable part of Jack’s story is that he’s only been to hospital once in his long life due to a mishap on a motor bike – he took a corner too fast on an Ariel 350. Jack became a resident at Macleay Valley House in 2012 and enjoys life and loves to share a story. Thank you, Jack and your family, for inviting me to celebrate your incredible milestone with you. Word count – 332ibbon. Australia's campaign to prevent against women.st women.




Christmas Twilight Markets a huge success

It was a perfect Summer’s day for the hundreds of people who came out to celebrate in Kempsey on the first day of December. The closure of Smith Street for the community and visitors to get into the Christmas spirt was a proud moment. The success of the festivities is just how we envisioned the Smith Street upgrade and the potential it would bring to the community and to local businesses. The many people attending the day said it was wonderful to see the street come alive.

After the celebrations in Smith Street, the crowds moved to Riverside Park where the Twilight Markets opened their stalls and the stage came alive with Christmas dancers and music. The stallholders offered an array of Macleay Valley gourmet and home-made food, farm fresh produce and quality crafts.

The Riverside Markets, including the Christmas Market is a Macleay Valley Business Chamber initiative and is planned and executed by a dedicated team that work many hours, including meetings and ongoing discussions that bring cohesion and awareness to this event. Its success is a tribute to the co-ordinator, Belinda Fowler and the Riverside Market volunteers and I thank them for bringing these festivities to the Macleay Valley for everyone to enjoy.

It was fabulous to hear from so many families and friends that enjoyed the festive atmosphere that extended to West Kempsey business precinct who really got behind the true meaning and spirit of community. No doubt the Macleay Valley Business Chamber has already started planning for the 2019 Twilight Markets and it would be wonderful for this year’s holidaymakers to plan their future holidays around the event and celebrate with us in the Macleay Valley.

Don’t forget there’s another Twilight Market scheduled for Saturday, 5 January – so take advantage of our summer holiday weather and get along and support local stall holders.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Deputy Mayor Ashley Williams for representing me in the community and chairing the Council meeting through November. By all accounts he did a great job. I also thank the community for the warm welcome given to him.

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Community Housing Ltd opens in Kempsey

The cost of living can be hard to manage for some families and everyone deserves to have a warm bed, food on the table and their health not compromised. Not everyone has had the same opportunities as others, and some families really struggle.

Homelessness in Australia is a social issue with the growing numbers a real concern, and it is difficult to monitor. The Macleay Valley has some fantastic community groups that offer support with mental health services and provide food or meals to those who need help or are in hardship. But they cannot do it alone.

The Community Housing Ltd (CHL), the primary provider of social housing, has recently undertaken a comprehensive community engagement process in Kempsey and has now centralised their office in 84 Belgrave Street. CHL is focused on developing housing options for those experiencing housing difficulties. It’s also aiming to improve service delivery to its tenants to help them enjoy stable lives, raise families, study and generally have a good life.

I was honored to be a part of the CHL office ‘official opening’ last Wednesday, along with local Aboriginal Elders who opened the event with Welcome to Country, residents who are current tenants of CHL, and other important community partners within the Kempsey Shire.

The guests were invited to join in an activity which culturally was fitting for the official opening. Each of us placed a hand print on a tile which represents belonging – with our hand prints on these tiles, it states: “we’re here, we’re all part of this place and we’re all part of the community”. And that is how the office was declared open.

Kempsey Shire Council will continue to work with CHL to strengthen our relationship to support and promote healthy living for local residents and the community of the Macleay Valley.

If you would like more information on Community Housing Limited, please visit their website: www.chl.org.au.

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http://www.chl.org.au/



Embargoed until 12 noon Monday 17/12/2018 Take a break and discover our region this holiday

If you are visiting the Macleay Valley – welcome. If this is your first time to the Valley come in and say g’day at one of our Visitor Information Centres and discover the wonders of the Shire that us locals get to enjoy every day. While we are known for our pristine beaches and fishing spots, we are also widely recognised for our fresh, quality produce from our food bowl. So get along to the local markets, dine at the many eateries on offer or venture up into the mountains – there are little hidden treasures scattered over our 338,082 hectares.

If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids over the holidays, visit Council’s website: macleayvalleycoast.com.au for a range of activities, scenic bush drives, camping areas or community markets. Keep an eye out on Hey Macleay! for the special events that will be held across the Macleay over the summer period.

Christmas time in the Macleay Valley comes alive with hustle and bustle which is not only fabulous for our economy but also good for our soul. Our community has well deserved breaks, school children go on holidays, and holiday makers come to relax and enjoy everything that we have to offer. I have enjoyed driving around the Valley and seeing the wonderful Christmas light displays sprinkled throughout the streets. I sang Christmas carols with the community at the Racecourse recently which was organised by the Kempsey District Silver Band who did a marvelous job.

With one week until Christmas, I hope you have found time to finish your shopping, wrap presents, and fill the fridge. I wish you all a safe and happy festive season. Let the peace, harmony and goodwill of Christmas be shared by all in our beautiful Valley - not only at Christmas but throughout the year ahead.

Merry Christmas everyone.

http://macleayvalleycoast.com.au/

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Council is working towards a better future for the Macleay Valley

A Notice of Motion was moved at Council’s meeting on Tuesday, 20 November 2018 around facilitating a mental health well-being centre in the Macleay Valley. Councillors unanimously voted for Council to play a role in re-evaluating Kempsey Shire’s health inequalities in public mental health and the risks involved in failing to address the issue. It was agreed that Council host a one-day workshop with police, agencies and professionals to discuss mental health, crime and social issues in the Valley. You – the Community – have been heard. Councillors and staff will work together and advocate loudly to ensure mental health is actively on the agenda with the NSW Government. After the closure of Benelong’s Haven rehabilitation centre, the need for a greater presence of mental health services in the Macleay Valley is crucial – suicide prevention is needed, and support is wanted. Council will keep the community informed on the progress and outcomes of this workshop. I also would like to thank the community for lobbying together and gathering at the many public meetings that are being held around the Macleay Valley – a voice is louder in numbers. To my fellow Councillors, staff and the community – thank you for your support at the last Council meeting where I represented the Mayor as Chair, it was an honour.

Kempsey’s Pool is celebrating their 80th birthday

The swimming club has organised a birthday celebration to be held on Saturday, 8 December with two main events. The first event will be held in the original 80-year-old 25m pool and is a freestyle race for men and women aged 80 years and over. Then, the crowd will relocate to the 50-year-old 50m Olympic pool which of course – you guessed it – a freestyle race for men and women aged 50 years and over will be staged. The organiser’s at Kempsey pool are seeking more participants (you don’t have to be a resident to join in). For more information on this event or how to register to swim, please visit: www.kempseyshirecouncil/Community/heyheymacleay. The doors open at 10:30am, I hope to see you there … Word count – 355 White Ribbon. Australia's campaign to prevent against women.st women.

http://www.kempseyshirecouncil/Community/heyheymacleay




Australia Day

Next week, the Macleay Valley is holding Australia Day activities to celebrate our national day. Australia Day is the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate who we are today and to also acknowledge our history. As citizens of the Macleay, I hope we all - locals and visitors alike - come together to celebrate the values that we all share and that we each accept and respect other people’s views of this important day. Australia Day Awards This year’s official 2019 Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held at the Slim Dusty Centre on Australia Day Eve, January 25, where we will welcome our Australia Day Ambassador, Diana Ryall AM. Diana is the founder of Xplore for Success – a boutique consultancy specialising in supporting professionals to achieve success. She is an ambassador for Honour a Woman, sits on the Industry Advisory Group for Victorian Police, and is a breast cancer survivor. During the ceremony we will announce the worthy recipients of the Australia Day Awards after receiving a record number of nominations. I also have the honour to host the official Australian Citizenship Ceremony where we will welcome fifteen new citizens who are keen to join our Macleay Valley community.

Crescent Head On January 26, the Crescent Head Lions Club is hosting a breakfast from 7:30am at the Rotunda as part of the community celebrations, and all they would request is a gold coin donation. I will be attending with our Australia Day Ambassador, so if you would like to meet Diana Ryall AM make your way to the Rotunda as we both look forward to sharing the day with you. South West Rocks Australia Day at the Rocks starts with a free breakfast for locals and visitors kindly hosted by the South West Rocks Lions Club. The morning’s festivities are being held at the Horseshoe Bay Shelter Shed from 7:30am. I hope you enjoy this year’s Australia Day festivities but please remember to stay safe on our beaches and on our roads over the long weekend.

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Embargoed until 12 noon Monday 28/01/2019 Funding boost welcomed

After many conversations and much hard work to obtain government funding, Council has been successful in securing a total of $4.7 million towards two important projects in the Macleay - new sewer infrastructure in South Kempsey and upgrade works to sections of Armidale Road.

The $2.3 million funding for South Kempsey sewer infrastructure has been long awaited. Several years ago, we started discussions with the NSW Government to align the South Kempsey Employment Lands Hub with updated sewerage infrastructure and to have one centralised waste collection system. This major project will not only replace numerous septic tanks, but it will also allow for businesses to expand and provide for larger commercial properties to operate from this area.

Kempsey is in a prime location between Sydney and Brisbane with a lot to offer businesses wanting to expand. The new services and facilities in place will bring potential to boost economic growth and create more diversified jobs within our community.

The second successful grant is $2.4 million to upgrade and improve safety conditions on locations along Armidale Road, between Yarravel and Bellbrook.

Reducing the road toll on regional and rural roads is a combined effort by all levels of government. For many years, our community has been calling for safety improvements to this section of the key regional link between Kempsey and Armidale, given its usage by tourist, agricultural, school and freight traffic. The works on Armidale Road are expected to start later in 2019.

Along with extensive work by Council to submit several grant applications, it was good to have the support of the Minister for Roads, The Hon Melinda Pavey who took the time out recently to see firsthand the condition of Armidale Road. A further grant program has been submitted to the State Government as a joint submission from Kempsey Shire Council and Armidale Regional Council for ongoing safety and economic improvements to the important Armidale link road. The delivery of both projects will bring fantastic results to the Macleay Valley community.

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Embargoed until 12 noon Monday 4/02/2019 A large crowd were on hand to join our Australia Day celebrations last week and for the most part the feeling at the event was positive and warm. Congratulations to all the worthy recipients of our Australia Day awards. It’s wonderful to be able to formally recognise the time and efforts that these inspiring citizens give willingly and selflessly to make our community a better place. I was also honoured to be able to welcome 14 new Australian Citizens as part of the event. One of the highlights for me was the 200 strong crowd joining in the national anthem led by local talent Lucy Barber. Since the event Council has received feedback from a small number of community members seeking clarification and expressing concerns about the event process. This year a record number of Award nominations were received, and the Australia Day Committee, which is made up of the nine Councillors, resolved to introduce finalists for the first time in the respective categories. For example, in the Citizen of the Year category we received 12 nominations and the Committee selected five finalists. All nominees were invited to attend and were acknowledged as a group, however only finalists were individually recognised on stage. This change in format has caused distress to some nominees who were in attendance and felt they weren’t publicly honoured. Councillors, as the Australia Day Committee, apologise for any offence caused and will take on board the feedback received. We will be seeking to review our procedures for the Australia Day Awards in 2020. We have also sought clarification from the Australia Day Council on its protocols for contacting nominees to ensure we are aligned with what is done nationally. I’m committed to improving the process and the event for future years. The summary of each Award recipients’ achievements, along with a list of all nominees in each category, is available on Council’s website.

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Embargoed until 12 noon Monday 11/2/2019 The feedback from seniors in our community following last year’s hugely successful inaugural Seniors Festival was so overwhelming that Council, in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care, has launched an even bigger program this year. The Macleay community often express the importance of events being held locally to allow them to come together and stay connected with each other. Festivals and events in the community not only allow people to share information and experiences, but more importantly, they bring opportunities for the community to celebrate with others and to simply have fun. Starting this Wednesday, the Macleay Seniors Festival 2019 comes alive with activities such as fitness, open days and information sessions, family history, music, dancing and art & crafts. One of the key priorities was to ensure everyone feels connected and there is no need for anyone to miss out –there really is something for everyone. This year’s calendar of events has taken into consideration all the diverse needs that seniors would find valuable, and included activities highlighting the importance of how to look after yourself and your health. My personal favourite in the program is a delightful event, ‘Storytime with Nan & Pop’. This Friday, the Kempsey Library will host a pre-school storytime bringing together three generations - grandparents, their children and grandchildren. It looks to be lots of fun with singing and craft activities, and morning tea is provided. If you are keen to find out more, the Seniors Expo being held on Thursday at the Kempsey-Macleay RSL Club is your one-stop shop for information and access to services and groups. I’ll be there as I have the great pleasure of opening the festival on the day. It’s also the place to meet our Seniors Festival Ambassador, Betty Green, and the fabulous organisers and sponsors who have made the festival possible. For more information visit www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/seniors or call Council’s Customer Service team on 6566 3200. -Ends-

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http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/seniors

White Ribbon. Australia's campaign to prevent against women ......2019/02/19 · White Ribbon...

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