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ACT Teams in u16 Handball National Championships

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u16 Championships Flyer

 

The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] congratulates the ACT Handball Association and players in their first participation in the u16 National Handball Championships being held on 25-26 July 2009 in Coffs Harbour.

 

The players and the respective team management are as listed below:

u16 Boys Team

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First Name

Last Name

School

Luke

Behrendorff

Alfred Deakin HS

Jordan

Chapman

Alfred Deakin HS

Brent

Irvine

Alfred Deakin HS

Brody

O’Brien

MacKillop Catholic College

Kerry

Olesen

Alfred Deakin HS

Jacob

Paton

Alfred Deakin HS

Shea

Sedgman

Campbell HS

Harjodh

Singh

Lanyon HS

Dilpreet

Singh

Alfred Deakin HS

Jackson

Wright

Alfred Deakin HS

 

Coach: Dragan Radicoski

Assistant coach/Manager: Rob Lans

Keeper coach: Curtis Eitzen

 

u16 GirlsTeam

First Name

Last Name

School

Gemma

Coleman

Alfred Deakin High School

Rebecca

Hingley

Alfred Deakin High School

Alexandra

Hollard

Telopea Park School

Alice

Keighley

Telopea Park School

Ellen

Kromar

Alfred Deakin High School

Mariel

Soulard

Telopea Park  School

Esther

Soulard

Telopea Park  School

Holly

Tupper

Alfred Deakin High School

 

Coach: Anke Winnig

Assistant Coach: Daniel Döring

Manager: Catherine Adena

 

For further information, please ring Taip Ramadani [Team Leader] on 0401 528 427 or Violi Calvert [AHF Media & Public Relations] on 0408 22 77 94.

Spring is Approaching, Let's Get Moving

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During the cold winter months it can be quite difficult to find the motivation to get out and do some exercise. Whilst there are strategies that you could apply, the fact is that training outdoors in winter is much different than in summer; the ground is damp, fog is about, cold winds and just plain uncomfortable. Short days can put you into a hibernated state, so training sessions in the gym after work when it’s already dark can be difficult to get up for.

So when the spring months are approaching and the weather is getting warmer, sun shining and the smell of freshly cut grass is about; the time is here to get moving.

Set a Goal and Plan
If we fail to plan then we plan to fail. Training with a purpose provides much more enjoyment and fun. Turning up to every training session with the invigorating feeling of chasing a goal provides much more purposeful training. Sit down and ask yourself; what do I really want to achieve? It may be a specific fitness goal, or a health related target or even an aim to participate and win a sporting event. Whatever your goal, sit down and write it on paper, look at it and engrain it into your thought processes. You must be personally content, but treat your goal as a journey which can only be attained with solid determination; you will require both of these ingredients to facilitate sustainable results. Once you have done this then set a plan as to how you are going to achieve your goal.

Build a Base
All good and functional fitness training programs will begin by building a base. Progressive overload is vital, however to facilitate this you must first begin at a level of work which suits your current level of fitness. When first starting out, the precise structure of your training will not be so vital, and more importance should be placed on simply getting active and slowly increasing your general volume and intensity.

Seek Advice
When a person is not feeling well what do they do? They see a doctor! If you really want to achieve your targets then you should seek the advice of a fitness professional. A personal trainer should have the knowledge and experience to assist you towards achieving your targets. However you should select your personal trainer with caution. Ask them what their training philosophy is, if they cannot automatically give you a clear and concise answer then how can they guide a ship with no rudder. Additionally, research a fitness training related question which you already know the answer to and ask it to your potential personal trainer; if they know the answer then that’s great, but if they don’t know the answer and make one up which is incorrect, then you have to ask yourself is it worth the risk paying this person to handle my fitness training. In this situation a good personal trainer will state that they do not know the precise answer, but can investigate it if you like; we all do not know everything. If personal training does not suit your personality or lifestyle then study up about fitness training information. Academic literature is recommended over commercialised advice.

Capitalise on Your Progress
Once you have started your fitness training program and advanced through several weeks of training you must recognise it as an opportunity to progress. Use your training diary or notes as a source of motivation; as this is a history of the training that has been completed. You must capitalise on your progress. If you do this you will not need to become active after a stationary winter next year, as you will be already moving!
 

Core – The Base of All Movement

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The anatomical parameters for the core vary from opinion to opinion, however its purpose is clear; the core minimises defunct energy between the ground and the desired performance conclusion, and reduces the incidence of lower back injury.

Muscles regions that effect core stability are; abdomen, lower back, gluteus group, adductor group (groin), hip flexors and hamstrings.

Abdomen
The abdomen primarily consists of four muscles; rectus abdominis (6 pack), inner obliques, outer obliques and transverse abdominis.
 

 

Rectus abdominis produces trunk flexion as well as controlling the positioning of pelvis forward to ease the stress on the lower back muscles. A sign of weak rectus abdominis is excessive hyperextension of lower back. Strengthening exercise for rectus abdominis are crunches and sit-ups.

The inner and outer obliques are a double layer abdomen muscle laterally adjacent on both sides rectus abdominis. The obliques perform rotation and lateral flexion (golf swing or boxers right cross), and also assist the rectus abdominis in trunk flexion and transverse abdominis is intra abdominal pressure. Exercises to strengthen the obliques are medicine ball twists, dumbbell side bends and side crunches.

Transverse abdominis is the most internal as well as influential abdomen muscle. It acts as an internal belt- like what you would see weight lifters wearing- and performs intra abdominal pressure and is therefore used is every movement within an exercise, sporting activity and general lifestyle environment. Seated contraction and static (prone) hold are recommended to exercise transverse abdominis.

Lower Back
The erector spinae is what is commonly referred to as the lower back and performs back extension, lateral flexion and rotation. If an erector spinae weakness is present there will be an increased risk of lower back injury during lumbar spine (low back) extension and stabilisation; subsequently exercises not recommended are straight leg dead lifts, squat and dead lift. Corrective exercises for erector spinae weakness are back extension, trunk flexion and modified cable row- motionless arms, moving force through back extension.

When detailing your workouts equal time and volume should be divided between lower back and abdomen exercises.

Adductor, Gluteal and Hip Flexors
Inflexibility in the adductor group (groin) – specifically adductor magnus, gluteus maximus (buttocks) and Iliopsoas (hip flexor) can put the lower back at risk of injury, therefore causing core weakness. Corrective exercises for inflexibility in these areas are adductor groin stretch, gluteus stretch, hip flexor stretch and quadriceps stretch.

The supplementary gluteus group muscles in gluteus medius and gluteus minimus also play a role in core stability in that they steady the pelvis so that it does not sag when opposite side is not supported with leg. This condition is known as trendelenburg gait as is often found in models while on the catwalk.

Hamstrings
An area often over looked is relation to lower back soreness and injury- and therefore core stability weakness- is inflexibility in the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranisus). There will be an increased level of injury risk during hip extension activities such as straight leg dead lift and good mornings. Due to the inability to correctly perform hip flexion, compensation is made by the lumbar spine, and the risk of injury will be enhanced if the lumbar spine is not used to this movement or workload. Advised exercise for hamstring inflexibility is supine hamstring stretch (lying on back performing hip flexion by bringing straight leg up ward).

Core stability is a vital component in sport and recreational activities, as well as proficient function in everyday life. If you are diagnosed or feel although you are suffering from core stability weakness then implement the advised exercises to your exercise and lifestyle program.
 

How to Really Get That Flat Stomach

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One of the most sought after yet misunderstood areas of fitness training is the slimming and toning of the mid section, or abdominal region. There can be no denying that a flat, fat free mid section with the abdominal muscles showing is a desirable fitness goal. Due to this being a sought after effect the over commercialised section of the fitness industry has taken advantage of the public’s hope for quick results by retailing what are unsuitable and ineffective equipment and programs. There is no shortcut to success in fitness training, especially when conditioning the core. Many in the over commercial section of the industry have little knowledge and practical experience with far too much focus on business rather than substance.

Misconceptions and Myths
The first hurdle one must overcome when setting out to achieve a flat and firm mid section are the misconceptions and myths surrounding this area. 

First and foremost to achieve a flat and toned stomach you must reduce the body fat covering the abdominal region. Spot reduction (reducing fat only in a particular area) is a myth. Generally speaking fat loss will occur on an all over body basis. Fat loss cannot be reduced in a particular area by just exercising the muscles in that region.

Secondly and perhaps related to the previous point, you do not perform abdominal exercises as the exclusive part of your training program to achieve results. Yes, you may be toning that muscle –which is important – but it is of little value with a large amount of body fat coving these muscles and limiting their usage. The main offender for promoting this misconception are the retailers which only focus on the trunk flexion movement – which produces muscular contraction in the rectus abdominis – and if this is done exclusively as your core training program it may produce injury due to a muscular imbalance.

Structure of the Core
An understanding of the structure of the mid section is required if you are looking to perform exercises in a suitable manner, without the risk of injury. There are four areas of focus.

The rectus abdominis is the most commonly thought of muscle in the core region, and often referred to as the six pack. This muscle is located at the front of the abdominal musculature, and performs the trunk flexion movement.

The oblique muscles play an important role in processing everyday and sporting movement. The obliques consist of the outer and inner layer of muscle performing rotation, lateral flexion and stabilisation.

Transverse abdominis is possibly the most important muscle in the mid section. Transverse abdominis produces stabilization of the mid section (an isometric muscle contraction – muscle contracts but does not lengthen or shorten) which is a vital role. If this was not in place we would be unable to sit erect, let alone produce movement.

The lower and central back is an area often forgotten in core exercise program prescription (especially in the gimmicks previously mentioned). This region consists of the lumbar spine and erector spinae muscles. If these muscles are not exercised due to too much focus on other areas there is a high chance of injury due to muscular imbalance.

Dealing with the Issues
Whilst it is all good to outline common principles in mid section training there are everyday areas of lifestyle which will significantly influence an individual’s ability to achieve results. Most societies – both eastern and western countries – have been intoxicated with disruptive influences.

Consumption of alcohol is a major disruption to any individual’s pursuits on both a daily basis and throughout a lifetime. Although being around seemly since the beginning of time the consumption of alcohol produces absolutely no positive results. An individual will be negatively influenced by reduction in inhibition (snowballing into an increase in consumption), significantly reduced post consumption functioning resulting in inactivity and slow thought processing, and increased high glycemic sugar consumption. Alcohol makes people feel good, but in reality it’s a social disease on a global scale.

The Solution
So the big question is; how do I get a flat and toned mid section? Once looking past influencing aspects as discussed, results come down to one primary factor; energy in vs. energy out – essentially exercise and nutrition), with lifestyle and the pre disposition of body shape (including race, sex and age) also being considered.

Energy in vs. energy out revolves around the type and volume of exercise and nutritional intake. Quite simply – within reason- an individual must burn more energy (calories) then they consume. Basil metabolism must be considered when analysing a person’s requirements. For effective exercise there must be an emphasis placed on volume, intensity and overall focus whilst being designed into a suitable structure. A suitable program outline for an individual genuinely seeking mid section improvement would be a total of 6 x 50 minute training sessions per week, divided into 2 x Aerobic Conditioning, 2 x Boxing and/or Muay Thai, 1 x Core and 1 x Strength and Conditioning (weight training). Program content must be varied every five to six weeks to allow the body to make adaptations. Strength and Conditioning, and Core programs should be a specific schedule of exercises including appropriate sets, repetitions and recovery periods. Aerobic Conditioning and combat sport training can vary from session to session; whilst focus on intensity is maintained.

Suitable nutrition is a logical component of any fitness and health program. Not only must you consume the appropriate low fat options to maintain control of energy intake (fat is high in energy, but not our bodies first choice), but it’s vitally important to consume the appropriate carbohydrates to facilitate the required training intensity. Reduced carbohydrate diet plans are an unsuitable option as we need the appropriate energy to train, especially for mid section training.

The absolute bottom line is that there are no short cuts involved in achieving a lean and toned mid section. There are many gimmicks offering solutions, however they produce little to no results. Quite simply to achieve results with you training; you must do what’s required.
 

The Q Comes of Age with Chess

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Master Moves in Chess at The Q

Chess The Musical
The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
Jul 16 2009 – Aug 1 2009
Review by Shanna Provost for The Word Ezyzine

The Q (Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre) came of age this month with its local production of Chess, the infamous ’80 musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (ABBA).

While most punters will remember Chess for its runaway hits One Night in Bangkok and I Know Him So Well, it has enjoyed varying degrees of success. It has polarised audiences because of its difficult musical score that features sporadic and oftentimes intentionally discordant rhythmic patterns that can make it challenging to follow the story – which makes it even more of a delight to see local theatre practitioners meet the challenge admirably.
The story weaves around a romantic triangle during a world chess championship with a Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union as the thematic backdrop.
Under the direction of Duncan Ley, The Q’s Chess is quality all the way.

Stephen Pike nails the role of the Russian Anatoly. His female interest Florence is played by the talented Lexi Sekuless. Both actors are accomplished and sit in their respective roles comfortably, with consistent vocals throughout. Standouts were Pike’s Anthem and Sekuless’ That Girl is Me.

The third star of this production is the lighting! Multi-award winner Chris Neal has created a compelling visual montage with a prudent use of sharp downlights and spots that support the mood of the play; give it depth and fill in the blanks.

Ley’s directorial expertise is evident in powerful scenes including the Russian ‘candle scene’, the Embassy Lament and the Anthem scene.

It’s great to see that choreographer Jacqui Richards has stretched her dancers to perform edgy steps that add to the level of competency of the ensemble.

Kudos to Musical Director Lucy Bermingham whose obvious attention to harmonies and vocal dexterity pays off big time. The duets and chorus work are outstanding – and her band behind the scenes work well to keep the show’s driving pace.

As with all amateur productions, the supporting cast is an eclectic mix building their theatrical skills – some more proficiently than others. Derek Walker’s Molokov and Christine Forbes’ Svetlana are solid in their roles and vocals. Ten year old dancer Maddison Catlin shows the bright future she has in front of her in this genre.

While the costuming is indicative overall of the Cold War era, there could have been some better choices in just a couple of the scenes.

With so many intricate numbers, transitions and focus on outstanding choral vocals, it’s no wonder the chorus was a little lacklustre in the finale. Nonetheless, this production of Chess is one of the finest you’ll see in the Canberra region and certainly worth seeing.

 

u16 Handball Championships

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u16 Handball Championships Flyer

 

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The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] is pleased to announce that arrangements for the 2009 u16 National Championships are now being finalised.  The Championships will be held at Coffs Harbour on 25th and 26th July 2009.   The events will be held in Sportz Central, near Park Beach Plaza, which was the same venue of last year’s events.

 

This year, boys and girls teams from the Australian Capital Territory [ACT], New South Wales and Queensland will be contesting the u16 titles.   The AHF welcomes in particular the ACT as this will be the first time for its teams to participate in the championships.

 

Unfortunately, this year the u14 Championships will not be held as member associations do not have teams in that age group to participate in the tournament. 

 

Apart from determining the u16 boys and girls champion teams, the tournament is an important vehicle for players to showcase their handball skills as a basis for possible selection for positions in u17 boys and girls national teams to tour overseas later in the year.  The u17 girls team will participate in a tournament in New Caledonia in November, whilst the boys team will compete in a tournament in Tahiti in December.

 

The AHF is hopeful that in future, there will be more teams in the younger age group to participate in national events in line with its focus on youth development and the school programs being conducted by various states.

 

The AHF wishes to thank Paul Smith, Competition Manager and everyone participating and assisting to ensure the success of the championships. 

.

For further information, please contact the AHF Media & Public Relations Officer, Violi Calvert by email: [email protected]. or by phone:

+ 61 408 22 77 94.

Amazing impact of 'Coco' Chanel

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Audrey Tautou in the lead role in Coco avant Chanel.

Amazing impact of ‘Coco’ Chanel

By Rama Gaind

Coco avant Chanel
Pioneering French fashion designer, Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel had an astonishing impact on haute couture in 20th century fashion.
Her attention-grabbing, menswear-inspired fashions displayed a classy simplicity that could not be ignored.
This film follows the life of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel (Audrey Tautou who shines in this role) right from the time she and her older sister Adrienne (Marie Gillain) are dropped off at an orphanage through to her rise as they struggle through their lowly existence, shrewdly using their good looks.
We watch as ‘Coco’ moves towards her dream city of Paris, watch her style develop and meet the men in her life: coarse heir (Benoit Poelvoorde) and the man who was the love of her life Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel (Alessandro Nivola).
The film’s slow pace, at times, is offset by the works of costume designer Catherine Leterrier, director of photography Christophe Beaucarne and the musical score of Alexandre Desplat.

The Proposal
WHILE the lead stars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds prove to be a likeable pair in The Proposal, the film is pretty bland.
After successful Manhattan book editor Margaret pushes her assistant Andrew into marriage to avoid being deported to Canada, the unlikely couple head to Alaska to meet his atypical family.
Director Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses) has not lessened Peter Chiarelli’s script with tepid emotion.
While Bullock’s comic skills appear ageless at 44, top marks for acting go to 87-year-old Betty White (Sue-Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls) for her high spirits.

Ice Age 3
THE cute characters return with dinosaurs for company, this time round. They enter Dino-land for an adventure which benefits, courtesy of a new character called Buck.
Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs, the saber-toothed tiger, Diego, feels he’s getting too "soft" and Scrat is still trying to pinch the ever-elusive nut (and maybe love is not too far away).
Featuring the voices of Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Simon Pegg, this 3D animation gives an edge to entertain viewers of all ages.
 

Battle of wits in Bollywood film

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Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor star in Kambakkht Ishq.

Battle of wits in Bollywood film

By Rama Gaind

The newest Bollywood film at the Greater Union cinema in Canberra – ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ – is a full-on battle of the sexes which shows promise at the start, but fizzles a quarter of the way through.
That is a shame because director Sabbir Khan showed promise in tackling a subject that’s rarely depicted in Hindi films. This modern take on relationships shows a new perspective where the attitude and lingo is poles apart.
To some extent it works because of the energy and star power of the two lead actors Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor.
Viraj is a successful stuntman in Hollywood who likes to play the field without commitment to marriage. Simrita, a hardened feminist, works part-time as a supermodel to support her ambition to become a surgeon.
A slanging match of wits and caustic words ensue. Sparks fly and accidents occur while both their paths cross in absurd, sometimes, hilarious situations.
Appeal takes a nose dive once the second half draws away from the confrontations as the couple get romantic.
Music by Anu Malik is only good in parts with an energetic title track; ‘Om Mangalam’, is composed and performed by RDB; ‘Bebo’ is sure to be a lounge crowd favourite; and ‘Kyun’ is a romantic surprise.
The film is frivolous, but through the cinematography one can’t deny that this is a lavish production.
An added bonus is the presence of Hollywood stars — Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards — the first on the Hindi screen. 

 

Additional funding to meet the needs of older Australians in Canberra

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As part of a $347 million national announcement Senator Kate Lundy has welcomed the announcement of an additional $74,000 in Community Care Grants for the ACT.

In addition, a further $80,000 in Flexible Care Grants will be allocated to the ACT.

The Community Care and Flexible Care Grants will help to establish new community and flexible services for groups with special needs. This would enable, for example, the purchase of essential equipment such as office equipment or motor vehicles or providing funds for staff recruitment.

Under the latest Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) the ACT has received 84 new aged care places to care for frail older Australians.

The aged care services include new residential aged care places – two-thirds of them high care places – and community care places will be provided to aged care facilities and community care services.

The Rudd Government has also allocated a record $51 million in capital grants – the largest single capital grant allocation by any Australian Government since the Aged Care Act came into effect in 1997.

“This funding reaffirms the Australian Government’s commitment to assisting those who are most vulnerable in our community, without a one size fits all model,” Senator Lundy said.

“Older Australians have told the Government that they wish to remain independent, in their own homes and in their communities. Community care services help many people stay at home instead of moving prematurely into a residential aged care facility.”

The ACT has also received:
• 54 Community Aged Care Packages that provide support services for older people with care needs living at home. They are designed as an alternative to low care residential aged care.
• 17 Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) packages which deliver care in people’s own homes equivalent to high care residential aged care, including the provision of nursing care; and
• 5 Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD) packages for people who experience behaviours of concern and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.

The new community care places are in addition to the Home and Community Care (HACC) services provided to elderly and disabled people through the $1.2 billion in Australian Government funding that will be provided to the states and territories for 2009-10.

In April this year the ACT received an increase in funding for the Home Community Care Program of approximately $86 million over three years, an increase in annual funding from over $26 million in 2008-09 to over $31 million by 2010-11.

Additional information on the 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round is available at http://www.health.gov.au/acar2008-2009

Decisions on aged care places are made independently by the Department of Health and Ageing. The aim of the process is to ensure that the allocation of aged care places best meets the identified needs of the community.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
 

Establishment of a trial legal clinic for homeless people in the ACT

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Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has today welcomed the announcement by Attorney-General, Robert McClelland of the additional one-off funding of $6 million for legal assistance services.

The additional one-off funding will provide:
• $3.6 million for the development of pilot programs to build better partnerships and greater collaboration between all Family Relationship and nearby Community Legal Centres;
• $1.5 million for Community Legal Centres; and
• $916,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS).

Part of the community legal centre funding of $1.5 million will contribute to the establishment of a trial legal clinic for homeless persons in the ACT.

“Access to justice is crucial to social equality, particularly for those that are often least able to afford it.

“This trial clinic will help to ensure that homeless people in the ACT get the support they need and will bring us in line with other states such as Queensland and Victoria,” Senator Lundy said.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
 

$800,000 in extra community infrastructure funding for ACT

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Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has today welcomed the announcement that the Australian Capital Territory has been allocated $800,000 to assist in building new or upgrade existing community facilities such as libraries, community centres and sports grounds.

The new funding has been made available following the $220 million boost to the Community Infrastructure Program announced today by the Prime Minister at the second meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government.

The extra $220 million will be delivered as follows:

• $100 million shared between all of the nation’s councils and shires; and
• $120 million for larger Strategic Projects. All councils and shires will have the opportunity to compete for a share of this funding.

The extra funding will build on the projects already funded under the Community Infrastructure Program in the ACT, which includes Glebe and Eddison Parks.

The Government will start delivering the extra $220 million to councils and shires towards the end of 2009, giving councils the time to complete the existing projects funded under the Community Infrastructure Program.

Guidelines will be available in the near future. For further information: http://www.aclg.gov.au/cip/index.aspx

Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
 

$125,080 funding to protect children in Canberra

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Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy, today welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment of $125,080 funding to support Woden Community Service and Barnados in Canberra. 

The ‘Protecting Australia’s Children’ program is aimed at developing the strength and resilience of children and families to prevent child abuse and neglect, and provide additional support to those children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

The funding was announced by the Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, as part of a $3.1 million commitment to support 50 child protection projects nationally.

“The Government’s support will enable these organisations to further support children who are at risk of harm and their families,” Senator Lundy said.

The successful projects include an early intervention pilot led by Woden Community Services in collaboration with eight community organisations to test a case management and coordination model for children and families who are reported to the ACT Government child protection service.

“Such a case management and coordination model across local organisations with the cross over of information will assist in targeting prevention, early intervention and remedial services for children at risk in the ACT and Australia wide.”

Ms Macklin said the Australian Government is working with states and territories to develop new strategies to provide broad family support as well as more intensive, targeted services for those families which are in need of more help.

“It is our priority to identify children and families at risk and intervene early before a crisis develops,” Ms Macklin said.

A full list of the projects is available at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/families/funding/Pages/ProtectingAustraliaChildrenFunding-Further31million.aspx.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
 

CIT to receive $6 million for sustainable building

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Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has today welcomed Australian Government funding of $6,184,218 to the CIT campus in Bruce. This funding builds on $3.1 million investment CIT received earlier this month under the better TAFE Facilities Program. 

“This funding will pay for the construction of a new sustainable building at CIT’s Bruce campus, providing green jobs, practical hands-on training of sustainable skills in science and engineering; and up skilling of existing workers,” Senator Lundy said.

“The funds will be provided as part of the $200 million Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow element of the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund (TIIFT) for Vocational Education and Training.

“TIIFT will enhance TAFEs’ capacity to up-skill and re-skill Australians for a productive future. Projects under the TIIFT will particularly focus on skills for a sustainable future, including the emerging green skills sector, and industries affected by climate change.”

TAFEs across Australia will receive grants in the 2009–10 financial year to upgrade or develop infrastructure, plant and equipment to skill Australians for the future.

Senator Lundy said that the additional funding for CIT will provide a welcome boost to the Canberra region and will help to keep the region working.

“This will help to secure economic activity, assist in addressing the impacts of the economic downturn and increase the capacity of the local training sector over the longer term to meet future skills needs,” Senator Lundy said.

The announcement of funding through the Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow is the second element of the $500 million Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training.

The Australian Government announced in December 2008 that this funding is part of a $4.7 billion nation-building infrastructure package to support Australia’s economy.

The Bruce project is subject to final contract negotiations.

Media Contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
 

Local projects funded for another year

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Local organisations the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Communities@Work, Belconnen Community Service, Companion House, Marymead Child and Family Centre, Sing Australia and the Uniting Church will receive combined $705,000 in Australian Government funding over the next year. 

Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy today welcomed the additional funding for Canberra which is part of a $19.3 million commitment to the new Community Investment Program.

“I value the enormous contribution made by these local organisations to the ACT community and this funding will enable this contribution to continue,” Senator Lundy said.

“These community organisations have been very successful in supporting vulnerable children, families and their communities.”

“The projects funded provide on the ground, practical help for people facing social and personal challenges and will strengthen communities through locally developed initiatives.

The Community Investment Program was formerly funded under the Government’s Local Answers program.

 

Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882