Sing Australia - Walgett

Connecting Australians in Singing

MEDIA RELEASE:  7 May 2010

Warm up with a Song!

The Assistant Director of Sing Australia, Margaret Nicolson, will be visiting Walgett on Monday 17 May to conduct a fun singing and information session on the unique concept of Sing Australia.  It will be held in the Walgett District Sporting Club from 7:30 – 9:30pm.  All members of the community who want to experience the great benefits of singing are welcome.

According to National Director and Founder of Sing Australia, Colin Slater OAM, singing is for everyone – really - that’s all men and women – not just the ‘good’ singers – and he has been telling communities all around Australia just that for the past eleven years.

‘Singing is a healthy, positive and fun pursuit, especially when we sing with others,’ says Slater.  ‘We sing because it is a natural human expression just like talking, laughing and crying.  Everyone has the ability to sing and when they do sing it brings with it a whole lot of health and social benefits.  How the voice sounds when we sing has nothing to do with achieving those benefits.’

Sing Australia is a National network of singing groups and its philosophy of friendly fun and inclusivity has now been embraced by nearly six thousand Australians from 145 towns in every state of Australia, except the Northern Territory.  Members enjoy a broad repertoire of more than 350 songs allowing for all tastes in music with great variety and choices. All the singing groups have the same songbooks so that when groups come together in regions or nationally the singing is wonderful. It also means that when members travel around they can take their songbooks and call in on any of the groups along the way.

Marg Nicolson’s visit to Walgett will take the form of a fun singing session.  Participants will enjoy singing some great songs and will discover Sing Australia’s friendly and inclusive approach to singing.  Marg has been the Leader and conductor of Sing Australia Dubbo for eight years and has worked as Assistant Director for Sing Australia during the past two years.  She comes with a wealth of musical talent and a background of more than 30 years experience as a school teacher and choral director.  She will inspire and encourage you.  Come and find out how to become part of a Sing Australia group – a group that will be encouraging and welcoming to everyone regardless of how well they sing.  There will be no pressure, judgements or criticisms.

Details: Monday 17 May 2010 – Walgett District Sports Club, 1 Fox St Walgett.  7:30 – 9:30pm.  Cost is $10.00  No need to book.  All welcome.

Further details are available by contacting Sing Australia 1300 552 296

info@singaustralia.com.au       www.singaustralia.com.au

FarmReady FInancial Year Eligibility

Reminder - FarmReady Financial Year Eligibility
 

FarmReady Reimbursement Grants provide funding of up to $1500 to eligible primary producers, wild game harvesters and Indigenous land managers to attend approved training courses. The grant can be used to cover course costs and additional funding is available for travel, accommodation and childcare expenses.
FarmReady registered courses aim to improve the capacity of primary producers to adapt to the impacts of climate change and increase self reliance and preparedness.
Over 520 training courses are registered with FarmReady, on a variety of topics including:
> understanding the implications of climate change
> whole farm planning
> financial management
> farm business management
FarmReady Reimbursement Grants are capped at $1500 per financial year. Eligible primary producers and indigenous land managers will need to have participated in pre-approved training by 30 June 2010 and have submitted all necessary paperwork by no later than 30 July 2010 to access available support in the 2009/10 financial year.

Workshop - Griffith

Griffith
The Environmental Defender’s Office invites you to this FREE workshop for NSW landholders. The afternoon will provide an overview of some of the key laws relevant to rural
landholders, including native vegetation and mining, agricultural chemicals, pests and weeds, and generating income from private conservation.
Date: 14 May 2010
Time: 12:30pm till 3:30pm
Venue: Griffith Center for Irrigated Agriculture, NSW Industry & Investment, Farm 217 Murray Road, Hanwood/Griffith
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact the EDO on (02) 9262 6989 

Great day in Tamworth with Wendy Harmer

Country women – getting the most out of your life in a season of change.
Enjoy a FREE day out with morning tea and lunch provided.
Come and hear four inspiring women speak about:
– Getting and staying motivated
– Managing difficult situations
– Building and maintaining a support network
– Overcoming life’s challenges
Whatever role you take on as a woman, this day is for you.It will give you the skills to achieve what you want in your life.

 When: Friday 18th June 2010 Where: Tamworth Community Centre, Darling Street, Tamworth
Time: 9.30am Morning tea & registration for a 10.00am start
(This event is expected to finish at 3.00pm)
As this is a FREE event and catering is required, RSVPs are essential. RSVP to:Jenny Croft on 0429 446 417, jenny.croft@industry.nsw.gov.au orPhoebe O’Shea on 02 6766 1394, poshea@nwsdgp.org.au.

Telstra Business Women's Awards

The Telstra Business Women's Awards recognise, reward and celebrate the achievements of inspiring business women.

To nominate yourself or a business woman who inspires you and who you think deserves recognition for their work click here or call 1800 817 536 between 9am and 7pm.

Entries close 21 June 2010.

Riverina Field Days this weekend

Hi All,
 
The Riverina Field Days are being held this Friday 7^th & Saturday 8^th May 2010 at the Griffith Showground.
 
Opening times are from 9am-5pm Friday & 9am–4pm Saturday.
 
The seminar program will be running again this year with all the speakers presenting on Friday 7^th only. The presentations are set to cover many key issues that growers have reported to the Board over the growing season including

• Post harvest management options
• Shiraz Shrivel
• Top Grafting new varieties
• Scale management
• Organic Farming
• and the forthcoming Murray Darling Basin Plan.

 
The program with seminar times and further details is attached.
 
As always, free parking at the site is available via the Walla Avenue entrance,
 
For further information visit www.riverinafielddays.com
 
I look forward to seeing you there,
 
Kind Regards,
 
 
Kristy Bartrop - Industry Development Officer
 
Riverina Wine Grapes Marketing Board
182 Yambil Street (PO Box 385)
GRIFFITH NSW 2680
ph: 02 6962 3944
fax: 02 6962 6103
Mob: 0422 717 573
e: kbartrop@wgmb.net.au
Website: www.wgmb.net.au
 

Free workshop - Rural Landholders Guide to Environmental Law

Hi All,
 
You are invited to attend ‘The Rural Landholders guide to Environmental Law in NSW – A Free Workshop’ being presented by the Environmental Defenders Office on 14^th May 2010, from 12:30-3:30 at NSW I&I Murray Road, Griffith. Lunch and light refreshments are provided.
 
The afternoon will provide an overview of some of the key laws relevant to rural landholders including
-        native vegetation and mining,
-        agricultural chemicals,
-        pests and weeds,
-        and generating income from private conservation
 
For more information or to RSVP please contact EDO on 02 92626989 or education@edo.org.au
 
(Please distribute this information freely – all community members are welcome to register)
 
Kind Regards,
 
 
 
Kristy Bartrop - Industry Development Officer
 
Riverina Wine Grapes Marketing Board
182 Yambil Street (PO Box 385)
GRIFFITH NSW 2680
ph: 02 6962 3944
fax: 02 6962 6103
Mob: 0422 717 573
e: kbartrop@wgmb.net.au
Website: www.wgmb.net.au

Public Lecture Orange - Galaxy Evolution

I would like to bring to your attention an historic occasion which is taking place on Friday evening, 14 May 2010.  This is the inaugural Public Lecture of the Central West Branch of the Royal Society of New South Wales.  
 
Astrophysicist, Professor Ray Norris will be talking about “Galaxy Evolution”.
 
Venue:                 West Room, Orange Regional Art Gallery
 
Date:                     Friday, 14 May 2010
 
Time:                    6 pm
 
The attached publicity leaflet provides additional details.  While this is a Public Lecture and attendance is free, for catering purposes could you please advise Kerry Madden (details below) of your intention to attend.
 
Your sincerely
 
Kevin
 
Professor Kevin Parton
President
Central West Branch of the Royal Society of New South Wales
 
 
NOTE:  Could you please distribute to anyone you think would be interested?
 
 
Kerry Madden
Executive Assistant to Head of Campus
Charles Sturt University
Orange  NSW  2800
 
Telephone:  02 6365 7500
Facsimile:  0263 65 7885

Rural Financial Counselling extra funding

Helping farmers plan to hand the reins to the next generation

27 April 2010
The Government has acted on a key recommendation from the drought policy review to better help older farmers plan to hand their farms on to the next generation with an extra $2.43 million for the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
With the extra funding issues surrounding succession planning should be a key focus for rural financial counsellors.
The drought review expert social panel found that as the average age of farmers continued to climb, many found it hard to face the complex issues around succession.
The panel found that when drought hits, issues around succession which have not been addressed place greater strain on families already under pressure.
There are 110 rural financial counsellors working at 14 Rural Financial Counselling Services across the country.
According to Rural Financial Counselling Service figures, counsellors have worked with more than 8,550 farmers in the last nine months alone.
More than one quarter of those were aged 60 years and over and nearly 1,500 did not have a succession plan.
RFCs will help to suggest suitable succession planning advisors and help farmers identify the documents required to visit appropriate advisors.
These may include accountants, financial planners, solicitors or family meeting facilitators.
RFCs can provide a keylink in the chain between farmers and suitable advisors.
Farms are not just businesses – they’re homes and, in many cases, they’re the family history.
taken from www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/april/helping_farmers_plan_to_hand_the_reins_to_the_next_generation

Year of the Farmer - 2012?

PLANS are underway to see 2012 declared as the year of the farmer. People are being encouraged to show support for the event prior to the final decision being made.

http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/will-2012-be-the-year-of-the-farmer/1812854.aspx?src=enews

'Marks' Printing Workshops - Walgett Shire

“MARKS & COUNTRY”

Printing Workshops to be held in Walgett throughout May & June 2010.

Workshops will be funded by Arts NSW and have been organised by the Outback Arts Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer (RICDO)

Susan Lawrance

to spread the knowledge of the traditional “Marks” found in our Gamilaraay, Yuwaalaraay and Wailwin region

The workshops will give an opportunity for aboriginals and others interested in traditional art to participate in recreating these “marks” in their own styles and at the end of the session have their work displayed in an exhibition

If you would like to join in creating some original artworks please contact

Susan Lawrance 0407279717 or Frank Wright 0432320277

Kookaburra Awards!

	Our Community and Westpac are undertaking a search to find Australia’s Kookaburras – the loud and proud stirrers – the community groups, the people and the projects that changed our communities for the better. The 2010 Kookaburra Awards will offer prizes to individuals, groups and projects that really made a difference – that stretch people’s vision of what’s possible in Australia’s society today. At times, we might think of these people as ratbags, or cranks, or worse. We call them radical, or subversive, or infuriatingly single-minded. But we can’t deny that they made a difference in the world. Nominate now for a 2010 Kookaburra Award! There are prizes for: COMMUNITY GROUPS: It’s not about being the biggest, or the best resourced, or the highest-profile group, it’s about being a group that does what it does brilliantly – and one that stands out as a bea­con of innovative community leadership and works to change things for the better. PROJECTS: It’s not about having a project that brought in a large grant, or came in below budget. We’re looking for projects that have changed people’s lives; that make people say “Gosh, I didn’t know you could do that. Awesome!” INDIVIDUALS: It’s not about being a saint, or a guru, or a great philanthropist: it’s about being some­one who can bring ordinary people along with a movement to change their lives, and ours. Each winner will receive a total prize package valued at more than $10,000, plus free tickets (including flights and accommodation for those outside Victoria) to attend Australia’s best community conference – Communities in Control 2010. The winners will be announced at the conference in front of an audience of 1500 community groups, MPs and dignitaries. If you know of people, groups and projects in your community that fit that description, make sure their names are put forward for a Kookaburra Award. Nominate Now >>

Slow Food in Armidale this weekend - YUM

And a reminder to you all that Slow Food New England's Inaugural Feast of Slow happens on Sunday May 9 in the main tent at Wool Expo.

 

While the exact menu on the day will depend on what is available and in season locally - Slow Feasters will enjoy wonderful selections of fresh local produce presented at their very best, and served over a period of 4 hours so you can be sure you'll be able to savour all those exciting flavours. The menu will include dishes like Soy and Ginger Beef, Pork Belly on Apple with Shiraz Jelly, Whole Trout baked on Sea Salt, Smoked Lamb Salad and Cardamom Curry Goat.  Feasters will also enjoy local olives, oils, cheeses, fruits and breads and a selection of local wines and beers will be available at the on-site bar.

This is truly a first for Slow Food New England. I can't think of a better way to while away a few hours while celebrating the local natural bounty - and what a terrific Mother's Day treat!

Feasting will kick off at 11.15 so you can settle in comfortably to watch the Fashion Show at 11.30 - with more seriously Slow Feasting from 12.15 until - well - until you really just can't take it any more! 

Tickets for the Feast are $90 for non-members, and $80 for Slow Food New England members, and include your entry into The New England Wool Expo if you'd like to come along earlier to see some of the terrific displays and activities.

Tickets are selling fast - to reserve yours now, contact Maureen Chapman by e-mail at maureenlucia@optusnet.com.au, by phoning either 6771 5781, or 0413 274 056, or just drop in to the office of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet in Cinders Lane.

Innovation Generation Conference

 
Dear GGA Young Growers Network and Industry Colleagues,
 
‘Innovation Generation – Building Supply Chain Solutions’ Conference will be held in Albury NSW from 6 – 8 July 2010. Innovation Generation has fast become the premier Conference event for young people involved in agriculture.
 
Registration to attend opened on Monday 19 April and early bird discounts currently apply! Get in before Monday 3 May 2010 @ 9 am to ensure the discounted rate of $395. Full Registration will run from Monday 3 May 2010 at 9 am for $445. Registration closes 5.00 pm Friday 4 June 2010.
 
Registration Includes:

• 4 nights accommodation (Mon-Thurs)
• All meals inc breakfast and dinner
• 2 x themed networking dinners
• Conference Gala Black Tie Dinner at All Saints' Winery
• Access to ALL Conference sessions and Tours
• ONE NETWORKING & EDUCATIONAL EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!!

A few key speakers in 2010 include:

• Khan Horne, General Manager for NAB Agribusiness
• Mick Keogh, Executive Director for Australian Farm Institute (AFI)
• Bob McKay, Managing Director for Agfarm Marketing
• Andrew Weidemann, Victorian Farmer and first Australian farmer to deliver GM canola into the bulk handling system
• Peter Barrie, SA Farmer and CEO of Flinders Ranges Premium Grain (as seen on Landline)
• AND Grain and Graze, Rimfire Resources, Next Rural, Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars and more...

To assist you in getting to the Conference we also offer bus transfers at $50 for a return trip from both regional Vic and regional NSW - take the cheaper and easier transport option!
 
To register click on the following link: https://www.ors.net.au/GGAJuly10.html
Payment can be made via both Direct Deposit (EFT) or credit card (please note credit card transactions will incur a 1.5% service fee).
 
PLACES ARE LIMITED SO  MAKE SURE YOU GET IN EARLY TO AVOID MISSING OUT!
 
If you have any questions or require any assistance please do not hesitate to reply to me via email (georgie@graingrowers.com.au) or phone 1800 620 519.
 
I would like to acknowledge and thank our 2010 Conference Partners: DAFF, Agrimaster, Rural Finance, CBH, GrainCorp, Riverlea Meats, Institute of Integrated Agricultural Research.
 
I look forward to seeing you in Albury!!
 
Kind regards,
 
Georgie Aley
Innovation Generation Conference Manager
Grain Growers Association Limited
E: georgie@graingrowers.com.au  
P: 02 9886 2200
W: www.graingrowers.com.au