Media Releases, February 2006
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Tamworth Sportswomen ‘Get Out in Front!’
Tuesday February 28, 2006
Sportswomen in Tamworth will be encouraged to lead from the front when the NSW ‘Sportswomen-Get Out in Front!’ workshop program comes to Tamworth tomorrow, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper announced today.
The workshop, run by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, will be held at the University of New England Access Centre in Tamworth from 6pm, with guest speaker Jemma Brownlow, Australian Olympic Water Polo player, and about 40 women participating in valuable media and sponsorship skills training.
“Women’s sport is growing not just in competitive numbers but also in media coverage, so it is important that our up-and-coming female athletes know how to make the most of their sponsorship opportunities,” Mr Draper said.
“This program will provide young sportswomen with opportunities that will boost their career chances as athletes, by providing both experience and contacts that will help them publicise themselves and open up sponsorship opportunities as a result.”
The ‘Sportswomen – Get Out In Front!’ program will visit every Regional Academy of Sport in New South Wales to hold workshops in February and March.
Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women, Sandra Nori launched the program in December last year, with the assistance of a range of high profile female athletes, many of whom will be assisting in the statewide workshop program.
As a complementary program, workshops will also be provided to coaches, administrators, parents and partners of participating athletes.
‘NSW Sportswomen – Get Out in Front!’ is a joint program, funded by the NSW Premier’s Department, Office for Women, auspiced by Sydney University Sport and run in partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport and Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
Tamworth Women’s Refuge campaign gaining momentum
Tuesday February 28, 2006
The Tamworth Women’s Refuge moved one step closer to autonomy after a Management Committee and constitution were adopted at a meeting at the Tamworth Community Centre last night, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Daphne Mandel-Hayes and Pam Crayn were elected to the roles of president and vice-president respectively, with Sue Dennis elected as treasurer, Janette Nolan as secretary, and Leanne Anyanwu, Faye McIlveen, Judith Devnie and Louise Evans elected as normal committee members. Refuge patron Laurie Beattie was elected as publicity officer.
Mr Draper congratulated the new committee members for showing their support to the Refuge, its staff and clients, saying their dedication had added great strength to the campaign to return the Refuge to local control.
“I am pleased that so many people volunteered their time and effort to be on the Management Committee, and it gives me great hope that the campaign to gain local control of the Refuge will be successful,” Mr Draper said.
“The people that were elected to this committee are of good standing in the community, and I’m sure they will lead the Refuge in continuing to provide for women in need in the Tamworth area.”
Mrs Mandel-Hayes, a former nurse, spoke briefly at the meeting before her election as Management Committee president, saying she wished to be a part of the Refuge as it provided a much-needed service to the area.
Mrs Crayn, a member of the Refuge Management Committee in the early 1990’s, said she wanted to ensure the Refuge remained in local hands and was keen to make a contribution towards that end.
Mr Draper also thanked Refuge patron Laurie Beattie for taking the campaign so far over recent months, and looked forward to having him remain a part of the Management Committee as publicity officer.
“We never would have come so far without Mr Beattie’s hard work and dedication for the Refuge, and it is good to see he will continue to make a contribution as publicity officer,” Mr Draper said.
“The passion shown for the Refuge by the Tamworth community is commendable, and has put the Management Committee in a powerful position to regain control,” he concluded.
Mr Draper said he would continue to lobby the Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher on behalf of the Refuge Management Committee.
Schools congratulated on environmental projects
Monday February 27, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated students and teachers at four Tamworth schools for showing initiative towards improving their local environment.
Duri Public School, Moonbi Public, Peel High and Tamworth West Public School were all recipients of a $2,500 grant from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust to fund projects unique to each school, encouraging them to save water and energy, reduce waste and restore the natural environment.
Mr Draper visited Duri and Tamworth West recently to inspect the schools’ projects, and was impressed with their ideas, saying they set a good example for other schools to follow.
“Duri Public School students are working to create a sustainable forest microclimate with ferns, shrubs and a frog pond inside an old disused shade house, and the forest will be then extended around the perimeter of the school to create a green corridor,” Mr Draper said.
“Tamworth West will use the funding to transform the grounds surrounding the old principal’s residence into a playground, which will be designated as a sensory garden and outdoor learning area. A drought tolerant native garden, fern garden, vegetable patch and a shade tree area will be included
“Each project required much thought and initiative from the students, who have proved they are in touch with their local environment and are willing to contribute to improving it for their school.”
Moonbi Public will use their funding to re-establish a traditional horse paddock on the school grounds by planting native plants and restoring the natural landscape to encourage birds and animals to the area. A biodiversity garden featuring local native plants will also be created.
Peel High’s project involves the regeneration of the school’s wetland by assessing and implementing strategies to improve the area with the help of local interest groups and traditional owners.
“These projects are unique to each school and teach the students responsibility and awareness of their environment, examples that can be followed by the broader community,” Mr Draper concluded.
Mr Draper will inspect the remaining two schools’ projects in the coming weeks.
Photo (top): The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with Tamworth West Public School principal Anne Jacob and captains Ethan Woods and Erin Biddle outside the old principal residence.
Photo (under): The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with Duri Public School captain Alexander Riley and Environmental Officer Kelsey Walters outside the school’s project greenhouse.
Tamworth and Gunnedah to celebrate International Women’s Day
Monday February 27, 2006
Tamworth and Gunnedah have both received a $900 grant to help organise community events to celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday March 8, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper announced today.
Tamworth Regional Council will hold a ‘Woman to Woman’ event at the new City Library and Art Gallery, featuring Editorial Director of the Australian Women's Weekly Deborah Thomas as a motivational guest speaker, on Wednesday March 8 at 6.30pm. Gunnedah Shire Council will host an International Women’s Day Gathering aimed at network building, reducing isolation, providing information on local services, transport for women in outlying areas, with brunch, entertainment and a screening of Memoirs of a Geisha on Sunday March 5 at the Civic Theatre at 10.30am.
“These grants will help local communities to stage events on International Women’s Day to celebrate the talents, generosity and achievements of women in our state,” Mr Draper said.
“Our women’s and community organisations in Tamworth and Gunnedah will be able to celebrate this important day and get together to help increase awareness about issues facing women.”
Breakfasts, barbeques, art exhibitions, workshops, information stalls, guest speakers and recognition of volunteers will be among the many events held across NSW.
The events are intended to emphasise participation and community strengthening, while increasing the awareness of the inequalities that women face in employment status, earnings, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Tickets for the Tamworth event are $5 each and are available from Customer Service staff at Ray Walsh House 437 Peel Street Tamworth. Attendance to the Gunnedah event is free.
Residents urged to assist in National Census
Friday February 24, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is encouraging residents in the electorate to apply for one of the 9014 temporary positions required to undertake the delivery and collection of forms for the National Census of Population and Housing in August.
Mr Draper said workers were needed to fill both Area Supervisor and Collector positions and were vital in collecting accurate population estimates and other information for States, Territories and Local Government areas.
“The National Census helps provide our governments with an accurate picture of the population, how much it has grown and the different ethnic and religious groups living in Australia today,” Mr Draper said.
“The Census is held every five years and is an important strategy in providing an up to date snapshot of our nation so the state and Federal Governments, community organisations and the business sector can adequately plan for the future.
“I urge interested and responsible residents to apply for these positions, as your efforts can help deliver accurate findings for the Census as well as earning some additional money for yourself.”
The primary duty of an area supervisor is to manage the work of Collectors and Special Collectors/Persons in charge of itemising all household and non-private dwellings in a designated work area. They must work from home and be available for work from April 21 to October 6.
The primary duty of a collector is to obtain completed Census forms from every household or non-private dwelling in an allocated work area. Collectors must work from home and be available for work from June 30 to September 9.
Mr Draper said interested people can obtain further details of the positions by logging onto www.abs.gov.au/recruitment or by calling 1300 236 787. Applications close for the Area Supervisor positions Friday March 3 and information will be posted for the Collector positions on Saturday April 8, with applications closing Friday May 5.
Census night will be held on Tuesday August 8.
“I urge everybody in the electorate to participate in the Census to assist in planning for the future of our nation,” Mr Draper concluded.
Country areas ignored in Government shake up
Thursday February 23, 2006
Country areas have been overlooked in a State Government plan to address high unemployment rates and stimulate economic growth, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
As part of Premier Morris Iemmas’s announcement of a major review into Government services, details of a $90 million payroll tax incentive scheme to encourage business development and job creation in areas of high unemployment were released. The plan targeted areas including Illawarra, Wollongong, Hunter, Newcastle, Outer Sydney, Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Richmond-Tweed and Mid-North Coast, but ignored the New England and North West along with most of country NSW.
Mr Draper said he welcomed any initiative to promote new business in areas of high unemployment, but added the Government had failed to acknowledge that rural NSW traditionally suffered higher rates of unemployment than city areas, thus warranting at least equal Government support.
“The review seems to target economic growth and jobs, with a $90m review of the payroll structure to help new businesses and also businesses wanting to relocate or expand in areas of the state with high unemployment, but this doesn’t seem to include country areas” Mr Draper said
“I am most concerned that the New England and North West have not been included in these incentive packages to encourage business. Once again it seems that Newcastle, Sydney, and Wollongong will be the main beneficiaries, along with certain coastal strips, but why should country people miss out on the opportunities reduced payroll tax would create?”
Mr Draper welcomed the establishment of a well-credentialed Business Roundtable to identify key areas of concern and opportunity for business, and a $13 million boost to State and Regional Development, but warned there needed to be a broader focus applied to its services outside Sydney than just Wollongong and Newcastle.
He added that the planned cut of 5,000 jobs didn’t bode well for the bush.
“I am concerned that these announcements seem to be underpinned by a cut of some 5,000 jobs in the public sector through voluntary redundancies, and with the Liberals very clear that they intend cutting 29,000 jobs we must be vigilant on the impacts to country areas,” he said.
“Cutting overtime assumes an adequate workforce is available to cope with existing workloads and I am not convinced this is always the case in country areas. You only have to look at how the NSW Firearms Registry is struggling to process applications to realise they need more resources, not less.”
Mr Draper said the inclusion of the Tourism ministry plus the Ministry for Science and Medical Research into the Department of State and Regional Development would allow for expanded opportunities to create investment in NSW.
Student leaders inducted at Kootingal School
Tuesday February 21, 2006
Kootingal Public School’s young leaders have been officially inducted into their new captain and councillor roles, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper presented school captains, vice captains and school councillors with their badges at a special school assembly yesterday, with parents also participating in the induction by fitting the badges to each student.
Mr Draper congratulated the students, saying he was impressed that at such a young age the students were keen to volunteer themselves for a leadership role with their school.
“Showing leadership is a quality that we must always strive to impress on our young people, as it prepares them for the adult world by teaching them responsibility, initiative and participation in the community,” Mr Draper said.
“Captains, vice captains and school councillors have important roles to play in our schools and make a significant contribution to student life.
“I congratulate these students for wanting to step up for a leadership role, and I wish them well in their future endeavours with the school.”
Mr Draper presented badges to captains Harrison Seymour and Clair Jamieson, vice captains Jessica Taggart and Jamie Bell, and councillors Jessica Watt, Lachlan Mills, Jack Bennett and Madison Lamb.
Kootingal School principal Kaye Lewis said this year’s school leaders were of outstanding quality.
“I think giving students the opportunity to show leadership allows them to grow and take responsibility in their lives,” she said.
“We have an excellent group of children this year, and they really showed their leadership qualities at last week’s swimming carnival where they were up the front of their houses encouraging the other children to get involved.”
Mr Draper also applauded the school for encouraging parents to become involved in the process by having them pin the badges of office to the students during the ceremony.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with (front) captains Harrison Seymour and Clair Jamieson, councillors Jessica Watt and Lachlan Mills, (back) vice captains Jessica Taggart and Jamie Bell and councillors Jack Bennett and Madison Lamb.
Nats misfire again
Tuesday February 21, 2006
Leader of the NSW National Party Andrew Stoner has got his facts wrong again by labelling the State’s Independents as a political party, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said Mr Stoner’s recent comments showed he was out of touch and moving further away from the interests of country residents who the Nationals claim to represent.
“Mr Stoner has showed again that he just doesn’t get it by accusing the Independents of being a covert party when he knows full well that is not the case,” Mr Draper said.
“Independents often vote against each other on issues to reflect the interests of the people they represent, unlike the Nationals who follow blindly whatever decisions their Liberal Party masters dictate, against the interests of country people.
“Too often the Nationals have tried to pull the wool over the eyes of the regional communities they are supposed to represent. They told country people they would support them on issues such as firearm legislation, dairy deregulation and the establishment of a scientific committee on natural resources, but when back in Macquarie St they voted the opposite to what they had promised.
Mr Draper said that the Nationals should concentrate on working with Independents, rather than endlessly criticising them and obsessing over the thought of losing more country seats.
“The Nationals are so blinded by their fear of Independents that they forget their job is to target the Labor Government when it acts against the interests of regional communities.
Mr Draper pointed out that his voting record was over 80 per cent with the Coalition’s.
“The Nationals have clearly not seen that Independents vote consistently against the Labor Government, obliterating any ideas that Labor and the Independents are ‘in cahoots’ as Mr Stoner claims,” Mr Draper said.
Region poised for $1.5 billion boost from Caroona Coal project
Friday February 17, 2006
Communities in the coal-rich Gunnedah basin could receive a $1.5 billion boost following the announcement of BHP Billiton as the successful tenderer for a five-year exploration licence for the Caroona Coal field, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said if a mine at Caroona is approved it will provide major benefits to the communities neighbouring the site, stimulating increased investment in local business and infrastructure and a boost to the population.
“This is fantastic news for the communities in the Quirindi to Gunnedah region, as should the State Government approve the mine following the 5 year exploration license, the project is expected to create around 550 jobs in the region to support the construction to production phase,” Mr Draper said.
“The mine is also expected to bring an increase in NSW’s Gross State Produce of $1.83 billion, with about $1.5 billion of this expected to occur in the local region.
“New jobs will be created to help upgrade and create infrastructure necessary to support coal developments at the site some 50 km south east of Gunnedah, and the project would also benefit related industries and services such as transport, mine supplies and services, and financial and commercial services, giving great impetus to the local economy.”
While he was supportive of the project, Mr Draper said the State Government and BHP Billiton must take into account the concerns of the neighbouring landholders and communities ensure social infrastructure, environmental concerns and required services were all properly considered in the process.
“At a meeting I attended in Caroona, locals were concerned about possible impacts on the underground water aquifers and the Mooki River, plus other issues such as subsidence, noise pollution and traffic generated from the mine,” Mr Draper said.
“I also have concerns about social infrastructure such as housing, access to doctors and education facilities, and whether emergency services would be able to cope with a significant increase in activity.
“This proposal adds weight to the Ardglen Tunnel proposal, as the Caroona site is only 260 km northwest of the Port of Newcastle, and the rail line in its current state would not be able to cope with the increased rail movements a mine would create.”
Mr Draper said BHP Billiton had an agreement with the Australian Rail Track Corporation to undertake studies on the feasibility of the Ardglen Tunnel. He said the company had also indicated it would begin a community consultation program upon granting of the exploration licence, which will include the establishment of a community consultative committee chaired by an independent person appointed by the Minister for Mineral Resources.
Studies suggest the Caroona site contains more than 500 million tonnes of untapped export quality coal resources suitable for underground mining. The process for the mine approval is expected to commence in 2010, and if approved, construction would proceed in 2012 with the first coal delivery expected in 2014.
Draper puts case forward for Namoi Valley Bricks
Thursday February 16, 2006
Namoi Valley Brickworks and the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper are working together to secure a contract to provide bricks for the new hall for Gunnedah South Public School.
Following the initial announcement of the $1.8 million project last month, bricks for the hall’s construction were to be sourced from an Albury-based company. But after being approached by Brickworks managing director Michael Broekman, Mr Draper made representations to the office of Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt pointing out the possible savings achieved by using a local company and the benefits it would bring to the local economy.
While a decision is yet to be made on who wins the contract for the hall’s bricks, Mr Draper is hopeful the company will be successful, allowing welcome economic benefits to flow to the community.
“I thank Mr Broekman for bringing this issue to my attention and will continue to work with him towards winning the contract to supply bricks for the new hall,” Mr Draper said.
“The Gunnedah community lobbied hard to get the new hall for Gunnedah South Public School, and the Government must recognise the local benefits that would result from a local business securing the supply contract.
“The Namoi Valley Brickworks has a long and proud history within the town of Gunnedah. They provide a quality product, and they are well deserving of being awarded this contract. I am also told the savings on transport costs achieved by using a local product would be substantial.”
Namoi Valley Brickworks employs a total of 28 people, and has been a fixture in Gunnedah since 1880. It has been under the management of the Broekman family since 1959.
Managing director Michael Broekman thanked Mr Draper for his support for the business, and said the company would ensure it would put the best possible case forward to win the contract.
“We now have an opportunity to put our case to the contractor through a very proactive local member, who was searching for ways to support our community to ensure business stays in the region,” Mr Broekman said.
“It’s now up to us the meet the criteria for the project, which I have no doubt we will, as our local product is very good.”
Initial construction of the hall began last week and the winning bid for the bricks will be announced shortly.
Draper welcomes “Families First” physiotherapy service in Tamworth
Thursday February 16, 2006
A new physiotherapy program to operate from Tamworth will give children living with moderate to severe disabilities more support needed for a good start to life, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said the new $84,000 Families First service will provide a clinical early intervention physiotherapist service for children from birth to six years of age living with complex needs in the Tamworth, Quirindi, Gunnedah and Narrabri areas.
The service is the first of its kind to operate in New South Wales under the Families First strategy, and it will be delivered jointly by five government agencies – Department of Community Services (DoCS), NSW Health, Education and Training, Housing and Ageing, plus Disability and Home Care.
Mr Draper welcomed the announcement, saying it would provide much needed relief for young people experiencing a range of various disabilities, particularly those with access issues to such services because of where they live.
“People with disabilities in rural areas are often disadvantaged compared to those in the city as they have limited access to many services, so it is welcome that the Government has recognised those areas of need in the country,” Mr Draper said.
“Disability services are an area of growing concern in regional NSW because the burden of care often falls onto families, so I welcome this exciting project and the benefits that will flow to the region’s disabled and their carers.”
Mr Draper said the service would help children living with disabilities associated with conditions such as Spina Bifida, Cystic Fibrosis, Developmental Hip Dysplasia, Erbs Palsy and Down’s Syndrome.
“There is extensive literature supporting the need for early physiotherapy intervention with children with developmental, neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital and genetic disorders,’’ he said.
Mr Draper said that infrastructure for disability services was in constant need of maintenance and upgrade in rural areas, and he would continue to be a strong advocate for increased support through the State Parliament.
Joint release by Peter Draper MP and Richard Torbay MP
Call for unity to resolve mental health crisis
Tuesday February 14, 2006
A collaborative approach by all mental health groups in the New England North West is the only way to address the current crisis in the system, MPs Peter Draper and Richard Torbay said following a meeting in Tamworth today.
The MPs welcomed the $1.1 billion Federal and State health package, which includes a national action plan to tackle mental health issues.
Following today’s meeting with local service providers they will push the State government to direct mental health resources to meet a critical shortfall in regional areas.
At the meeting Superintendent Tony Jefferson (Oxley Local Area Command), Rev Brian Kirk (Anglican Counselling Service), Joan Wakeford (Billabong Clubhouse), Phyllis Nicoll (Lifeline Tamworth), Terry McBride (Tamworth Homeless Men’s Support Group) and parent Robyn Nugent agreed to work together on a regional strategy.
With statistics showing a 20 to 30 per cent increase in mental health problems over the last 12 months, particularly amongst young people, the group said it was essential to consolidate existing programs that were currently under resourced.
“We heard from police and service providers across a broad spectrum and the message is the same, the problem is growing and the resources are not,” Mr Draper said.
“The mental health system in this State is in crisis and this new funding must be channelled strategically to ensure that country areas receive an equitable share.”
The MPs said they would seek meetings on the issue with the Premier and the Health Minister when Parliament meets later this month.
“It is clear that all mental health service providers are facing the same problem and their willingness to work together will be an important part of the solution,” Mr Torbay said.
“We need a significant increase in funding but we can also make better use of existing skills and resources through a collaborative approach.”
Mr Draper and Mr Torbay were pleased with the strong support at the meeting for the Independent Rural Health Strategy. They said a collaborative plan to address mental health issues in rural areas would be incorporated into the Strategy.
Supt Jefferson told today’s meeting that in the last 12 months there had been a 25 to 30 per cent increase in police responses to incidents involving mentally ill people.
Similar statistics from the Anglican Counselling Service showed a 21.5 per cent increase in new clients presenting with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, self-harm, suicidal behaviour and other mental health problems since September last year.
Lifeline CEO Phyllis Nicoll said it was essential that government and non-government organizations coordinate their resources and work more closely together.
“We in the non government sector are very good at making the most of the funding we have and many government agencies are in the same position, underfunded and struggling for resources,” she said. “It makes a lot of sense to unite behind a common strategy.”
State sporting achievers congratulated
Friday February 10, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated five young Tamworth athletes for achieving state level representation in their chosen sport.
Mr Draper presented Kimberley Resch (touch, hockey and athletics), Heidi Swab (touch), Ryan Martin (hockey), Benjamin Merrick (athletics) and Shaleigh Perkins (gymnastics) with certificates from Premier Morris Iemma recognising their selection for their state.
Mr Draper said it was important to recognise young people for their sporting prowess, as it served to encourage them to achieve in other areas of life.
“These young people are a credit to the Tamworth sporting fraternity and I congratulate them for achieving state level representation in their chosen sport,” Mr Draper said.
“Sporting achievement is something to be encouraged in our youth as it teaches them discipline and commitment, qualities that can be adopted into other areas of their life.
“Encouraging young people to participate in team sports teaches them invaluable social skills such as co-operating for a common goal, while individual sports such as athletics and gymnastics helps them learn self discipline.”
Mr Draper encouraged other young people and their parents and coaches to contact his office at 13 Fitzroy St Tamworth to alert him of an achievement in state level sport.
Photo: Mr Draper with, from left, Benjamin Merrick, Heidi Swab, Kimberley Resch and Ryan Martin.
Funding boost to help students with special learning needs
Friday February 10, 2006
School students with special learning needs in the electorate of Tamworth will benefit from a share of a $37 million funding boost, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said for Terms 1 and 2 this year, schools across the electorate will receive $464,217 for specific support to help students in regular classes who need extra help.
“Many of these students have disabilities that affect their learning, or experience difficulties in basic areas such as literacy and numeracy,” Mr Draper said.
“Schools can use these funds for extra teacher time, to employ teacher’s aides or for additional training to assist their staff.
“An increasing number of students with disabilities are seeking enrolment in regular classes in regular schools.
“It’s imperative they get the same opportunity to learn as others in their classrooms.
“This extra funding will enable schools to develop a flexible, local solution to ensure their special needs students and their teachers get the very best support available.
Mr Draper said the allocation is part of the State Government’s program for students with special needs.
Draper welcomes nursing scholarships for Tamworth
Thursday February 9, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed three nursing scholarships recently awarded to Tamworth mental health nurses.
The scholarships will enable three local nurses to enhance their skills in mental health through studying a Bachelor of Nursing degree with the full support of their employer, Hunter New England Area Health Service.
Mr Draper met with the nurses, Colette Preston, Prue Cosier and Purna Hamilton, to congratulate them on their achievement, and discuss issues relating to mental health services in the Tamworth area.
Mr Draper said he was impressed by the knowledge and dedication to the well being of their clients displayed by all the nurses, and wished them success in their future studies.
“It is inspiring to see mental health workers who already have a strong understanding of mental health issues striving to better themselves so they can deliver better outcomes for their clients,” Mr Draper said.
“Mental health is an area affecting more and more people, and it is an area under increasing pressure given the current shortage of health workers.
“I applaud Colette, Prue and Purna on their willingness to take on this additional responsibility, and I would urge other health workers to follow their example and take advantage of future scholarships offered through the health service.”
The scholarships, aimed at developing specialist mental health skills, were among 20 awarded in the Hunter New England Health Service as part of a statewide programme to address the shortage of specialist mental health nurses in NSW.
Colette Preston, previously an enrolled nurse, has worked in mental health at Tamworth Base Hospital for the past 18 months. She expressed her appreciation for the support she will receive from the health service to further her education.
“It takes the pressure of as there won’t be a HECS debt at the end, and studying is easier as you have support in your workplace, while being able to remain in your local community,” she said.
Prue Cosier, who was also previously an enrolled nurse for six years, has been working in mental health at the Tamworth Base Hospital for the past five years. She said she has enjoyed her work in mental health and was looking forward to completing her studies for the benefit of her clients.
“When I was an enrolled nurse I thought mental health would be the last place I’d want to work, but it is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to studying as I’m sure my improved knowledge will see clear benefits flow on to my clients.”
Purna Hamilton, who has worked at Banksia House for the past six months, said the scholarship will enable her to find time to study, something that is difficult whilst working full-time.
“It’s very difficult to balance family and study when you work full-time, but as we will be given time off to study under the scholarship, it will allow me to devote time to improving my skills which should prove a real benefit for the clients,” she said.
Mr Draper said he was delighted to see the very positive attitude evident in all three nurses’ approach to their jobs and studies, and he wished them every success for the future.
Photo: Peter Draper talking with mental health nurses (from left) Prue Cosier, Purna Hamilton and Colette Preston.
Students urged to step into the Bear Pit
Wednesday February 8, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is urging high school students from years nine to twelve with an interest in State issues to get involved in the New South Wales Youth Parliament program.
The program, run by the YMCA of Sydney, aims to give young people a voice in the running of NSW, with a view to influencing the Government to change or introduce new legislation on issues raised by the participants.
Mr Draper said the program would be valuable for students with future political aspirations, or would simply be a great experience for those who are passionate about certain issues in their community.
“The NSW Youth Parliament is an excellent program as it places students in the thick of the action in the bear pit of NSW Parliament,” Mr Draper said.
“Participants will be given the opportunity to present a Bill on a particular issue to Parliament House, where it will be submitted to the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition for review.
“While not all Bills are successful as many veteran politicians can attest, they will be considered seriously by the Government, as happened in 2002 when participants in the Youth Parliament program submitted a Bill that was eventually made law.
“I urge principals and teachers in the electorate to encourage participation in this program, as there are many issues on which our youth can provide a unique perspective to NSW Parliament.”
Once applicants have been selected they will be placed into a team where over a three-month period they will develop a bill about a certain issue. Most of the meetings take place online via a YP chat forum or via email so travel is not a concern. One applicant will be chosen from each electorate.
Mr Draper said he will be available by appointment to offer any advice to the successful candidate from the electorate of Tamworth.
Applications to the program close Monday March 13, 2006. The cost to be a part of YP ‘06 will be $410 per participant. This includes accommodation, meals, transport between Camp Yarramundi and NSW Parliament House whilst on residential camp, all activities and extra expenses throughout the duration of the residential camp.
For more information and to access an application from visit the website www.ypnsw.ymca.org.au.
Spray Paint laws target retailers not vandals - Draper
Wednesday February 8, 2006
New laws governing the sale of spray paint cans will only serve to financially disadvantage retailers, instead of focusing on the perpetrators of graffiti, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Under proposed new laws the State Government aims to introduce when Parliament resumes later this month, retailers will be forced to remove spray cans from display counters, placing them in the same category as dangerous toys or fireworks. Police and Fair Trading inspectors will be given the power to inspect paint stores and ensure retailers have physically restricted access to spray cans.
Having contacted a number of paint retailers across the electorate, Mr Draper said many were opposed to the new laws as they felt the Government was targeting the sales outlets rather than graffiti offenders, and it was merely a ‘band-aid’ solution to the problem.
“Local retailers are already adhering to strict regulations on the sale of spray cans of paint, and they never knowingly sell to a vandal, so targeting them is not the solution,” Mr Draper said.
“The real problem lies with the people who commit this crime, so that is where the Government should focus any changes to legislation to strengthen options available under the law to punish the perpetrators.
“Many of the retailers in this electorate said that taking spray paint off the shelf would impact on their sales, and some even indicated that they would stop selling spray paint altogether because of the increased cost and inconvenience these new laws would impose.”
Manager of Gunnedah’s Habate Paint and Power Tools Kevin Edmonds is concerned that regardless of these additional laws, vandals may still gain access to spray paint.
“”We sell a lot of spray paint to customers off the shelf, so it doesn’t suit us at all to remove them,” Mr Edmonds said.
“They are making it harder for the kids to get their hands on spray paint, but they’ll still manage to get it.”
Under the proposed laws, Courts will be given the power to order convicted graffiti offenders to clean up their graffiti or pay compensation toward repairing the damage.
Mr Draper said the new laws were another case of city centric legislation impacting on country communities, as graffiti in regional areas was nowhere near as common as it was in the city.
Oxley Local Area Command Crime Manager Inspector Greg Birtles said while graffiti crime in the area was minimal the majority of cases went unreported. He said most incidents of graffiti were isolated, with the underside of bridges and street signs the main targets of these vandals.
The former Tamworth City Council undertook a graffiti management program employing workers from Challenge, but the program was later discontinued due to a lack of work.
“While graffiti is a problem in our community that requires constant vigilance, it is far from the levels experienced in the cities where buses and trains are literally covered with this so-called ‘art’,” Mr Draper said.
“This is another example where the one size fits all approach favoured by Government does not work for country businesses,” he concluded.
Community input sought for Rosary College future use
Tuesday February 7, 2006
Community organisations are invited to submit ideas on possible uses for Rosary College after its new owners indicated they would consider local use options for the former school, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
At today’s Coledale Action Team (CAT) meeting at the Coledale Community Centre, Tony Fenwick, director of Rosary College’s new owner Australian Demolitions, invited the community to make suggestions on how the vacant site could be utilised, after the company decided that it was too valuable an asset to demolish. He added that the company had surveyed the site’s asbestos content, and found it did not pose a health risk in its current state.
Mr Draper said the site, which has been vacant since December 2003, held great potential for local community groups struggling to find adequate space for various projects, and urged such organizations to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting their ideas to his office.
“The former Rosary College provides a unique opportunity, as there are scores of buildings that could be ideal for utilisation by all sorts of groups in the Tamworth area,” Mr Draper said.
“Along with existing structures, the site contains up to 25 acres of land which could be helpful for local outdoor groups or used to enhance programs such as the Bush Tucker Garden proposed by the Coledale Residents Association.
“I urge community groups to take advantage of this opportunity and I congratulate Tony Fenwick and Australian Demolitions for being open to suggestions from the community for possible future public purposes.”
Mr Draper said the site could be considered for projects such as the new School Suspension Centre, currently housed temporarily at the PCYC until a permanent site is finalised, and for a proposed Youth Centre for Coledale. He intends pursuing other potential uses with the State Government once community suggestions are received.
Mr Draper said that Australian Demolitions had employed a full-time caretaker for the site, and Mr Fenwick had indicated interested groups would be able to inspect the facility upon request.
“There has been much negative media attention regarding the asbestos content at Rosary College, but Mr Fenwick assured the meeting that in its current state it does not pose a risk to anyone considering using the facility,” Mr Draper said.
“He also indicated that the company would be prepared to remove the asbestos should a potential user group deem it necessary.”
Interested groups are invited to make submissions to Mr Draper’s office at 13 Fitzroy St, Tamworth NSW 2340. All submissions will be forwarded to Australian Demolitions for consideration.
Draper vows to protect local jobs and RTA offices
Monday February 6, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today he would hold the State Government accountable to its advice that RTA motor registries in the electorate of Tamworth would not be affected by cut backs mooted by the Roads Minister Joe Tripodi
Mr Draper was responding to an announcement made by Minister Tripodi that motor registries in West Wyalong, Katoomba and Springwood would close, with RTA operational services to be offered through councils in the areas affected.
Mr Draper said he had received assurances from Mr Tripodi that motor registries in the electorate of Tamworth would not suffer the same fate.
“I intend monitoring the situation closely as the RTA offers services essential to local communities as well as providing many jobs for local people.
“I intend holding the Minister to his assurance that both the motor registries in Tamworth and Gunnedah will remain fully operational, so that no RTA worker is forced to look for work elsewhere,” Mr Draper said.
“Motor registries are an essential point of call for rural motorists, and given the tyranny of distance faced by country motorists it is vital that they are maintained.
“The Roads Minister has used the fact that online transactions have increased to over one million per year as an excuse for closing motor registries, but given the current situation regarding communications infrastructure in country areas, that excuse simply won’t wash around here.”
“This government has a history of backing down on previous assurances, and I will be working vigorously to ensure RTA workers and country motorists are not disadvantaged by this cost cutting initiative,” Mr Draper said.
Draper backs call for egg restructure package
Thursday February 2, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has backed a State Government call for the Federal Government to assist egg producers adjust to new cage regulations that come into force late 2007.
The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, has called on his federal counterpart, Agriculture Minister Senator Peter McGauran, to initiate an industry restructure package, similar to what had been provided to farmers within the sugar and dairy industries.
Mr Draper said there were currently no cages in the Tamworth area that would comply with the new regulations in 2007, and unless Federal Government assistance was forthcoming, most producers would suffer significant financial losses when the regulations were enforced.
“Many farmers have invested their life savings into their egg farms and to expect them to adjust to these new regulations without any Government financial assistance is just ridiculous,” Mr Draper said.
“Once these new regulations come into play, current cages and sheds will be rendered useless, forcing all producers to either build new sheds or leave the industry entirely. For those that leave the industry it is even more important that they are compensated for any losses they would incur from these new regulations.”
Mr Draper said only a handful of producers in the Tamworth area, who collectively produce one-third of eggs in NSW, had indicated they were prepared to stay in the egg industry by building new sheds that comply with the regulations.
He said that producers who stayed in the industry needed to be given reassurances the legislation would guarantee the long-term viability of their business, as many were uncertain on the detail of the legislation.
“Building entirely news sheds and cages is an expensive and long-term commitment and farmers need to know that they won’t need to build new sheds again in 10 years time at the whim of another government,” Mr Draper concluded.
Parliamentary Committee invited to Gunnedah
Wednesday February 1, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has invited the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works to inspect the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility as part of its inquiry into Municipal Waste Management in NSW.
Mr Draper, a member of the Committee on Public Works since 2003, said that the inquiry would examine the practices of waste management in NSW with a view to adopting alternate practices where needed. He indicated that the enquiry would facilitate the introduction of processes across the state to lower costs and reduce negative effects of waste management on the environment.
Me Draper believes that the new $625,000 Recycling and Sorting Centre at Gunnedah would provide a positive example for the inquiry due to its recent upgrade which has seen a 20 per cent increase in recycling in the Gunnedah Shire.
“Since the construction of the Recycling Centre less than 12 months ago, the amount of recyclable materials deposited by residents for kerbside collection has risen by about 20 per cent, which is an excellent outcome,” Mr Draper said.
“As a result of the increased recycling, there has also been a noticeable reduction in the amount of waste going into landfill, which has extended the life of the Shire’s landfill facility.
“The success of the recycling program has also generated interest from other regional Councils to adopt similar recycling strategies, and I commend Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises for their achievements.
“I have informed the Public Works Committee Chairman Kevin Greene of the local impacts since the redevelopment of the facility, and advised him that I believe Gunnedah would provide an excellent example of a successful waste management strategy for the inquiry to consider.”
The Recycling Centre is run by Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises of which ‘Recyclit’ is a subsidiary. They employ 21 disabled people and have been undertaking kerbside collections in Gunnedah since 1990.
Other benefits to come from the construction of the centre include vast improvements in the working conditions of employees and increased awareness of recycling among Gunnedah residents.
“The facility is modern and has room for future expansion, which holds promising implications for the long-term viability of recycling in Gunnedah,” Mr Draper concluded.
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed the appointment of a new Business Advisory Officer in the WorkCover office at Tamworth.