Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has announced a matched giving campaign this end of financial year, and is calling on the public to donate and take advantage of this opportunity to help open roads for rural and regional youth.

Any gifts made during the campaign will support national pro­ grams and resources to empower regional youth to unlock their full potential, with all donations made to CEF matched up to a total of $500,000 until 30th June.

In 2023, approximately 82% of CEF supported students did not receive financial support from family and 40% were ineligible or did not receive government assistance. Additionally, 46% were work­ ing more than 15 hours a week on top of full-time study, just to make ends meet.

CEF Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason explains, “This dem­onstrates a clear gap in the assistance regional young people are receiving to undertake post-school education and why the work of CEF is so critical, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.” “This matched giving campaign is an incredible opportunity to raise much needed funds to support our national operations, to grow the impact we have on the lives of our rural and regional youth,” said Ms. Mason.

CEF is a national for-purpose organisation committed to ena­bling equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth. “We believe wholeheartedly in the po­tential of our regional and rural young people, and we need the help of the community to provide them with the support they need to achieve their dreams,” said Ms Mason.

Along with more than 50 other organisations, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) is calling for the Federal Government to create bespoke options so families can overcome one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation.

NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said of endorsing an Early Childhood Education and Care policy earlier this month. “Childcare services in the regions are waning and, in some cases, they are non-existent, at a time when demand is growing and the agricultural sector is crying out for workers.” While better access to care could boost farm productivity and improve developmental, social and academic outcomes for regional children, Mr Mahar said it was essential to overcome this hurdle for women, who commonly bear the care burden.

“We’re proud to have a growing number of women employed in agriculture and women in leadership roles, but we need to support this trajectory through the child rearing years. Often when the patter of tiny feet arrives, leadership journeys are put on ice simply by a lack of care options.” To view the NFF’s Early Childhood Education and Care policy go to https://nff.org.au

 

Parkes Shire Council welcomes $943,000 in funding under the Federal Government Growing Regions Program which will deliver new community infrastructure at the Parkes Wetlands.

This funding will see the installation of a boardwalk and viewing platforms at the wetlands and the construction of two all-abilities access bird hides, as well as habitat creation, revegetation, interpretive signage, and public art. The funding enables delivery of the next stage of Council’s larger wetlands restoration project, following completion of earthworks and revegetation activities last year, and the construction of a shared walking track around the wetlands this year.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack announced the funding last week, visiting the wetlands site to gain a first-hand appreciation of the project.

“I’m really looking forward to the boardwalks and bird hides, elevating the Parkes Wetlands project to support habitat creation and promote tourism,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’m always interested to see innovative uses of defunct facilities, particularly when land can be reclaimed for environmental purposes that benefit the whole community as well as ecological diversity,” Mr McCormack said.

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Neil Westcott has described the announcement as “wonderful news.” “Residents and tourists alike will benefit from this project, with the transformation of this site into an educational, cultural, and recreational space. This will provide an accessible outdoor experience for all and a unique opportunity for tourists seeking ecotourism experiences, particularly birdwatching,” Mayor Westcott said.

Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, said: “The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – ensuring that our regions remain great places to live, work and play.” This project is set to be completed by December 2025. https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-media-and-projects/Projects-and-works/Parkes-Wetlands

Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.

“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.

“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.

“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”

2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.

The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.

NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.

“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.

“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”

According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.

ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.

“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.

“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”