Federal Parliament sat in Canberra again last week and I took the opportunity to place on the record how pleased I am to be part of a Government that is providing $45 million over two years to fund small capital projects in our local communities.
The Stronger Communities Programme is a new programme designed to deliver social benefits to communities right across Australia.
Under this programme, incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations in the Parkes electorate will be invited to apply for funding for projects that will contribute to the long term vibrancy and viability of our local areas.
With a focus on building and improving infrastructure within our local communities, this programme provides the perfect opportunity for small, volunteer dependent organisations to consider investing in better equipment or improving their local facilities.
Such investments are twofold – they not only benefit the organisation and its volunteers, but also benefit the community in which they operate by helping organisations to provide better services.
The funding available will range between $5,000 and $20,000 per project and must be matched by cash or in-kind funding on at least a dollar for dollar basis.
The Stronger Communities Programme guidelines and frequently asked questions are now available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP.
I strongly encourage all incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations interested in this programme to contact my office via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au and advise of any potential projects that could be considered under this programme.
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Hearing Awareness Week will run from 23 to 29 August 2015. The aim of the week is to highlight the issues faced by people with hearing loss which is often described as the ‘invisible disability.’
One in six Australians is affected by hearing loss – that’s an estimated 3.5 million people.
One of the main consequences of hearing loss is a reduced capacity to communicate. This can have a big impact on a person’s life reducing their opportunities to get a good education or to gain competitive skills and employment. It can also put quite a strain on families and relationships.
More than a third of acquired hearing loss is due to excessive noise exposure and this is entirely preventable.
I would like to thank all of the organisations and volunteers that make Hearing Awareness Week happen and for the work they are undertaking in lobbying the Government to make noise-induced hearing loss a National Health Priority.
For further information on Hearing Awareness Week and the Hearing Services Programme please visit www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au or www.hearingservices.gov.au.