The Greater Bank Finance Academy is proud to announce that teachers across the Central West can deliver the High School Fi­nancial Literacy Program in 2024.

The free program allows teachers to deliver the full course cur­riculum in their classrooms – empowering Year 9 and 10 students to access crucial financial literacy.

Covering topics such as budgeting, saving, planning for the fu­ture, and understanding financial products like credit cards and loans, the program also addresses modern financial trends, giv­ing students a comprehensive understanding of the financial world they will navigate.

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Offer, Emma Brokate, said the teacher-led lessons aim to inspire students across the state with vital money management skills. “Financial literacy is not just about managing money, it’s about encouraging individuals to make in­formed decisions that enhance their financial stability and wellbe­ing,” said Ms Brokate.

“Enabling teachers to deliver the full program ensures that more students can access essential money management skills directly within their educational environment.”

Dean of the University of Newcastle Business School, Professor James Skinner, highlighted the partnership’s benefits.

“We are proud to enhance the financial literacy in our communi­ties and offer our students practical experiences that prepare them for the future” Professor Skinner said.

Schools interested in participating in the Greater Bank Finance Academy can visit www.greater.com.au/uon to get in touch.

On Saturday 8th July, only 27 players braved the cold, however the arrivals found the game enjoyable. Three wins were recorded by Merv Langfield, Joan Littlejohn, Neville Spry and Rex Toole. Well done to those players and particularly to Merv as he hasn’t been around for a while so great to see him back.

We are looking forward to our home game on Sunday 23rd July 23 at Gaggin Oval. The day is set to be a beauty, with five junior grades. This will see the debut of our under 10’s side which will be made up of our senior Auskicker’s who will transition into junior footy for the first time. Get excited!

Cutting-edge motorcycle detection testing technology has been introduced at Transport for NSW’s vehicle testing and research centre to help make our roads safer for both drivers and motorcyclists across the state.

The newest and most advanced testing technology is aimed at preventing motorcycle collisions and has been rolled out alongside the completion of a new 400 metre intersection at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal.

The new technology can assess how well a car detects and avoids collisions with motorcyclists. In NSW, motorcycle registrations have jumped by 20 per cent to nearly 280,000 in the last five years, and tragically, on average, 58 motorcyclists are killed and almost 1000 seriously injured on NSW roads every year.

“This new technology upgrade will allow ANCAP to advance to the latest, most sophisticated set of criteria for its vehicle safety ratings in NSW and cements this facility as a world-class autonomous technology testing site.

“The safety testing carried out at this site benefits all road users from families to freight operators, and importantly keeps jobs and knowledge in Australia.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

The NSW Government’s expansion of its testing capabilities and on-site expertise in Cudal is critical to the work of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation, ANCAP. 

The world-class site is helping the automotive industry and developers realise the next generation of safety enhancements that will benefit all road users.

The new crossroad intersects the existing 1.6-kilometre runway at the former Hazelton airport site. The $1.2 million intersection was constructed by TfNSW teams from across the Central West, along with a contractor’s local crews.

To date the Cudal site has delivered more than 80 test and research programs. Other recent upgrades to the FMTRC include the installation of EV charging facilities, refurbishment of the existing house with fit-for-purpose office spaces for testing teams, and an upgrade to 5G connectivity across the site to facilitate advanced vehicle testing.

Parkes Safe Haven opened its doors on 15th March, 2022, and since then has had 1,100 presentations of people struggling and in need of help. Safe Haven helps identify further services for appropriate support that is both immediate and ongoing.

Safe Haven is a friendly, emotional support facility for people with problems, often despairing or very lonely, some even contemplating suicide.

Ambulance Officer, Dan Wright spoke to Que Club members about this amazing facility at their recent dinner meeting. 

Dan and his wife, lost their son Luke to suicide four years ago. It was absolutely devastating for them, their family and friends. Another seven young people also committed suicide in the following months, while Dan also lost one of his own friends, a man with five children. 

Dan decided something needed to be done and that he would create a place to catch people before they reached crisis point. After two years of extremely hard work, calling on everyone he knew to help, he finally raised $510,000 to set up the Safe Haven. It is doing a remarkable job and as a result, ambulance callouts and death numbers have dramatically decreased.

Safe Haven looks and feels just like a house inside – beautifully equipped with quiet places, others for just talking, games, art and craft needs, even massage chairs, and everyone with a problem is welcome.

Safe Haven can only help needy people if they know about it. That’s where we all can help. Tell your friends, your kids, your parents, everyone. We can all help save lives.

Safe Haven is located at 3/195-199 Clarinda Street, and is open on weekdays from 10am. You can contact Safe Haven on 0428 228 097.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is extremely excited to welcome the Starlight Children’s Foundation into its hospitals with the launch of Planet Starlight.

Anne Field WNSWLHD Acting Director of Integrated Care, said it will be wonderful for children throughout the district to have access to Starlight and their resources.

“Captain Starlight will be virtually beaming into to our services, through the Planet Starlight platform. The virtual service will mean children have an engaging positive distraction while in our facilities,” Anne said.

Imogen Aitken, Starlight National Manager Program Development said distraction and fun, as well as feeling a sense of achievement, recognition and connection are important for hospitalised kids. “Our goal is that any child spending time in hospital can benefit directly from Captain Starlight experience anywhere, anytime.”

“We’re excited to expand the reach and impact of our Captain Starlight program into regions like the Western NSW LHD to bring happiness to even more sick kids, especially when we can’t always be there face-to-face,” said Immogen.

Planet Starlight was officially launched this week at Dubbo Health Service, while concurrently being rolled out at Bathurst and Orange Health Services. 

“Being in hospital can be a scary and stressful time, especially for kids. We hope Planet Starlight will be able to ease this for them while they’re with us,” Anne said.

Mum of four, Amie Gough said Starlight has played a positive role in their hospital stays in Sydney. “The Starlight Express Room has always been a ‘happy escape’ for Millie away from the ward, operating theatre and clinics.” 

The virtual platform is available on any smart device.