Whilst our Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott spent last week visiting Indigenous communities in the Torres Strait and on the tip of Cape York, I too spent the week meeting with some organisations undertaking significant work with members of Indigenous communities across the Parkes electorate.
I had the pleasure of attending two events last week with the Dubbo College Clontarf Academies. The first was the official opening of the newest academy at the Dubbo College Delroy campus.
Secondly, during their visit to Dubbo, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and his wife, Lady Cosgrove, met with students from the Dubbo College Senior Campus Clontarf Academy.
Both of these events clearly showed the major success the Clontarf Foundation has had, not only in Dubbo, but right across my electorate. When talking to the students in this programme, it is clear just how life changing Clontarf is for them. I am very proud to support this Foundation and the fantastic work they are undertaking right across Australia.
Another foundation that I am very proud to support is the Literacy for Life Foundation. This Foundation has been very successful in delivering its innovative adult literacy programme to the communities of Wilcannia, Bourke and Enngonia.
Last week I spoke at the Foundation’s launch of its Brewarrina campaign. I am very pleased that the Commonwealth Government has shown its support for this campaign, as well as a campaign to be launched in Walgett next year, via funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).
Basic literacy skills are a vital part of our everyday lives. With the Foundation bringing its adult literacy programme to Western New South Wales, it also creates a great deal of opportunity for the Indigenous adults in these communities.
As the Federal Member representing Bourke, Enngonia, Brewarrina and Walgett, I am very supportive of this Foundation and admire their passion to deliver their highly successful programme out in these Western New South Wales areas.
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Nominations for the 2015 National Disability Awards will close on 4 September 2015.
These Awards give Australians the chance to acknowledge the many people, organisations and initiatives across the country that make a positive impact on the lives of people with disability.
The Awards help build awareness of disability issues and showcase important work throughout the community, enabling people to fully participate in work and society.
This year the Awards are looking for nominations that demonstrate great community initiatives and I encourage people across the Parkes electorate to nominate a person, organisation or initiative in their community that deserves recognition.
To nominate for the National Disability Awards, go to www.idpwd.com.au or call
1800 672 682. TTY users please call 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 672 682.
