BALLARAT CARPET COURT LAUNCHES STORYBOOK CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS

Entries in Ballarat Carpet Court’s Storybook Challenge opened today, giving local primary school students the chance to win big prizes, including $1,000 in books and colourful reading mats for their classrooms as well as individual prizes.
With Australian students’ reading literacy levels on the decline1, Carpet Court Ballarat is committed to promoting a more literate future for local children.
Ballarat Carpet Court store owner Rod McDonald encouraged children living within the region to enter before March 30 by describing what they love most about their community.
“Literacy is a key skill for success in this day and age. The Carpet Court Storybook Challenge is a fun way to encourage reading and writing among children; to help improve reading literacy,” Rod said.
“We hope that by providing new books and fun reading mats, we might further encourage a love of reading among youngsters, setting them up for a bright future.”

From February 1 to March 30 the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge will be open to children in grades one to four in the Ballarat store region. Entrants must describe what they love most about their local community and provide an illustration.
Students wishing to enter can pick up an entry form for the Storybook Challenge from Ballarat Carpet Court, their local participating primary school, download one from www.facebook.com/CarpetCourt or email storybook@carpetcourt.com.au.
Eligible entries will be displayed on www.facebook.com/CarpetCourt where the public can vote to determine the top five finalists.
Finalists will be judged by a panel at Carpet Court, including a successful children’s author, with winners for each participating store announced from 16 April 2012.

Flooring Grants for Schools
As well as providing books and reading mats for winners of Carpet Court’s Storybook Challenge, participating schools can win the chance to have their school floors made-over with Carpet Court’s new Flooring Grants for Schools initiative.
Whether it’s new vinyl for the cafeteria, hardwood floors for a striking reception, or fresh carpet in the classroom, Carpet Court’s Flooring Grants provide up to $10,000 of the latest flooring products for schools. Terms and conditions apply.
Schools whose students participated in the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge will be invited to apply for a Flooring Grant when the local winners are announced.

Carpet Court Learning Network
The Storybook Challenge is part of a wider community initiative called the Carpet Court Learning Network aimed at fostering literacy skills among Australia’s youth. Under this initiative, 2012 will see Carpet Court sponsor the Children’s Charity Network in support of their Young Australian Writing & Art Awards and book giving program Carpert Court Book Drop For Kids, while also running the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge and Carpet Court Flooring Grants program.

CALLING ON ALL AUSSIES TO BE BRAVE & SHAVE TO RAISE $15 MILLION FOR BLOOD CANCER

The Leukaemia Foundation is calling on Australians to ‘be brave and shave’ during this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, to help raise over $15 million for blood cancer research and patient support.
The Leukaemia Foundation‟s biggest fundraiser is back 15-17 March, and we are seeking thousands of people willing to shave or colour their hair to raise funds to help people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.
“Each year, around 11,500 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma – 2,500 in Victoria,” said Stephanie Hechenberger, General Manager for the Leukaemia Foundation in Victoria.
“Blood cancers are devastating. Treatment can begin within 24 hours and continue for years. It‟s especially tough for the regional families who need to relocate to the city for treatment.
“That‟s why the World‟s Greatest Shave is so important. Money raised funds free services to support the person and their family, including information, emotional care, transport to and from treatment, and accommodation for regional Australians who need to move closer to hospital.
“Money raised also funds vital blood cancer research. It will surprise many to learn than blood cancer is Australia‟s biggest cancer killer after lung cancer, claiming a life every two hours.
This year, a willing candidate is Meshel Laurie from Nova‟s national Drive show Meshel, Tim & Marty. Meshel will shave her head on 16 March to help raise awareness and funds for the work of Foundation.
The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with blood cancer and related blood disorders. It receives no ongoing government funding and relies on community support.
“The Leukaemia Foundation‟s World‟s Greatest Shave is great fun for a great cause,” said Stephanie.
“We are aiming to raise $3.2 million in Victoria and we need people of all ages and walks of life to take part at home, work or school. Happening again this year in schools across the country is „Crazy Hair Day 4 Kids‟, and our Mining Challenge.
New this year and launching this week, is the new “Chinface Yourself” App on Facebook. It lets you use your own photo to create a „Chincharacter‟ like you see in the distinctive ads. It‟s another great way to show your support.
Sign up at worldsgreatestshave.com or 1800 500 088, to receive a fundraising kit. The sooner you start, the more money you will raise. What better way to show your support than helping others with a few laughs along the way.

Strong Koorie contingent at Harmony Fest 2012

This year’s City of Ballarat Harmony Fest will be celebrated with a strong Koorie contingent and the Ballarat and district Aboriginal Co-operative will be out in force to celebrate with other local Aboriginal organisations.
Led by the Koorie Night Markets in Alfred Deakin Place, BADAC will have a stall featuring Aboriginal inspired jewellery, souvenirs, flags, pins and much more and will also have some fun traditional Aboriginal games for the kids and some creative art and craft activities!
BADAC is excited to be involved this year and predicts Harmony Fest will be another great event for Ballarat!

It’s Official – we can now tell you about our “Be Heard!” grant…….

Voice FM is thrilled to be one of the successful stations receiving first-round grants as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Be Heard! program.  Our application to fund our “KOTA Project” is on the way.

For those who don’t know this project started with the “Supporting Community Issues” a joint project run by ACU and UB.  From the many opportunities to work with various community groups, Voice FM had four 3rd year teacher students from ACU put their hand up to work with us.  From our first meeting when we discussed various options they undertook to write a program to assist us in our endeavours to engage education facilities.  The result was a complete package for Voice FM and Teachers.  The students, Matthew Hoey, Paul McAloon, Mark Tanis and Rowan Walker called the project “KOTA” Kids On The Air.

The package prepared by Mat, Paul, Mark and Rowan streamlines what Voice FM has to do.  It is written by student teachers in a way that engages teachers to understand why this is such a great project and how it can be implemented in their classrooms and schools.  It links to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) at level 3, students “Civics and Citizenship”, “Interpersonal Development” and “English”.

The KOTA project has been written specifically to give children the opportunity to experience how a radio station works and to work with Voice FM to develop, produce and record their own radio show.  This program will provide children with an insight into the world of radio broadcasting that they would not have otherwise had, giving them a taste of the work involved and providing them with realistic expectations of a career in radio.

An integral part of this project is the refurbishing of our old caravan and a Merlin 8 mixer has been purchased and our fabulous volunteer technicians have installed the mixer which will be used for the first time at Harmony Fest 2012 Ballarat.

The Voice FM team look forward to working with schools located in the Ballarat Region initially and assuming a successful outcome of the pilot project we hope to include schools within the Central Highlands Region.

Rural and regional youth get chance to Be Heard!

Wednesday 25 January 2012
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith has congratulated 10 rural and regional community radio stations on receiving a $5,000 grant as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Be Heard! program.
Be Heard! will increase volunteering opportunities for young people while providing them with increased skills and career pathways in radio.
Minister Smith said the Coalition Government had delivered on its election commitment to provide funding of $200,000 over four years to the Be Heard! program.
“The successful radio stations will receive grants to provide training and mentoring for young people to produce live-to-air shows as part of the Be Heard! program.
“These radio stations have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing training and mentoring opportunities for young people to produce radio programs, as well as improving young people’s skills and career pathways in radio broadcasting.
“Young people who are interested in careers in the media can use these types of pathway opportunities to build their skills and networks with journalists, editors, producers and station managers,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith added the four year program will provide grants for community radio stations to train and mentor young people. The funding can also be used for studio upgrades and equipment.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing young Victorians with the chance to Be Heard! on community radio, volunteer and have a positive impact in their community,” Mr Smith said.
Successful stations receiving first-round grants include Bacchus Marsh Community Radio, Gippsland FM, The Pulse in Geelong and 3MDR in Gippsland.
Subsequent grant rounds will be held in July 2012, 2013 and 2014. A full list of recipients is attached. For more information on the Be Heard! program, go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

Emotional Pat Farmer plants Red Cross flag at South Pole

This press release arrived at the station yesterday and Voice FM is proud to include the article and photo in support of Pat Farmer and Red Cross…

They said he’d never make it. They were wrong. Today Australian ultra runner Pat Farmer raised the Red Cross flag at the South Pole after the greatest run in history.
Inevitably, there was a glitch, for nothing great is ever easy. Pat’s support vehicle with his guide and supplies broke down an agonising 8 km from the Pole, so Pat abandoned the crew, and ran on alone to the Pole, where he broke down with emotion, and then planted the white flag with the big red cross in the ice at the very bottom of the world.
Pat is currently in a tent at the US base, with his feet in warm water drinking a bottle of champagne. He’s spoken to his children, Brooke and Dillon and is replaying the entire experience in his head with an enormous feeling of deep satisfaction.
“I’ve endured a lot on this run, but the people of Africa and East Timor and South America who have no clean water or have been victims of flood, earthquake, fire and famine do it very tough too” said Pat.
In his mission to raise funds for the Red Cross, Pat set out from the North Pole in early April, and ran through Canada, the United States, Central America and South America to his final destination in Antarctica, the South Pole. The 21,000 km epic trek saw Pat brave -40 degree Polar region snow blizzards, become lost in the blazing deserts of Peru, dodge polar bears, snakes, crocodiles, armed bandits and rogue militias, and narrowly miss being wiped out by an out-of-control truck. Running an incredible average 80km every day, with no days off, he has suffered dehydration, stress injuries and pushed through unimaginable pain.
“This run will take a toll on my body for as long as I live,” he says, “but every step, every frustration, and every moment when I’ve considered, but rejected the thought of lying down and not running another kilometre, has been worth it. Running long distances is my gift, my way of making a difference. The money I raise by inspiring people from all over the planet to donate to Red Cross clean water and sanitary projects in the third world will save lives. I’m asking all Australians to dig deep and support this exceptionally important work”
Red Cross CEO, Robert Tickner says, “Pat Farmer is an inspiration to all humanity.  Red Cross is extremely proud and grateful to have a supporter like Pat Farmer who has given his all in an amazing feat of physical courage and endurance to raise awareness and funds for water and sanitation projects around the world.”
Pat’s Pole to Pole run, however, is not quite over. Pat had to cut short his run through Chile and Argentina to make the last flight to the Antarctic in time to reach the South Pole before worsening conditions there made running impossible. He will now fly from the Pole back to where he stopped running in Puerto Montt, Chile, and then embark on the final leg of his run, 2,500 km down to Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, at the bottom tip of the Americas, to finish his run. Then, he says, “I’m going home to be with my children Brooke and Dillon in Sydney, rest up at the beach and have that meat pie with potatoes I’ve dreamed about.”
To support Pat Farmer and donate to Red Cross water and sanitation projects, go to www.poletopolerun.com  or visit the Red Cross website www.redcross.org.au.
Photographer:  Keoki Flagg

Helping kids affected by separation prepare for the new school year

Many children will be returning to school this year for the first time after their family has separated.
Federal Department of Human Services Director of Parent Support Toni Brown said gaining access to quality resources and support services early can make a big difference to how separated families interact over the long term and the effect this has on children.
“Latest Child Support statistics show there are currently around 1.2 million children whose parents are registered with Child Support.  Over 74, 500 applications for child support were registered with Child Support last year, with the highest number of applications received early in the year just after the Christmas/ New Year period,” Ms Brown said.
“This year many parents will be dealing with the emotional and financial stress of separation as well as preparing their kids for the new school year. Parents and children may both feel anxious about returning to school after a family separation.
“It’s important try to put aside your differences and plan ahead for the coming year so your children experience as little disruption and adjust to the new situation as quickly as possible.
“Practical parenting arrangements can include organising school drop-off and pick-up times, extra-curricular activities, school holidays as well as those special days such as birthdays, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.
“Many children worry about what will happen to them when their parents split up, and it can be a big relief to them if the arrangements are clear and predictable.
“Child Support has a number of support and referral services available to assist separated families understand and manage the stress of separation. This includes links to websites such as Family Relationships Online which has practical information on parenting plans and related support and mediation services for parents.
“We also have a new website www.youth.csa.gov.au   which has links to the latest publications, games and activities for teenagers and children under 12.
“It is very popular with both children and their parents. Since the launch of the youth website last year an average of 54 people a day have visited the site to play the game and download the activity book.
“Young people experience a range of emotions even if their parents are working well together, post-separation. It’s important for them to know they’re not alone and there are people they can talk to.
“I encourage parents to seek help early – talk to the school and the school counselor if necessary or call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 – to help ensure you and your children are getting the support you need.
“To find out more about your child support options and support services for separated families  in your area visit www.humanservices.gov.au or call 131 272.”

ASA’s Ballarat Regional Group – Public Meeting

AUSTRALIAN SHAREHOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION – BALLARAT REGIONAL GROUP MEETING
This meeting provides members of the ASA and visitors based in and around Ballarat, the opportunity to access a network of like-minded investors, discuss investment related topics or areas of concern and hear from a range of speakers and industry participants.
Guests are welcome. You may like to forward this notice of meeting on to friends and family who may be interested in attending this meeting. Please come and bring a friend.
SPEAKER:  Michael Kemp, IQ Investing, Author
TOPIC: Can you really beat the Market?
DATE:  Wednesday, 8th February, 2012
TIME:   7.30 pm
VENUE: Eastwood Leisure Complex (enter through carpark)  20 Eastwood Street, Ballarat (rear of Safeway Supermarket)
ADMISSION: Free.
REFRESHMENTS:  Provided at conclusion at 9 pm

Betty Clarke-Wood – Convenor-Ballarat Regional Group – Director – Australian Shareholders’ Association
Phone: (03) 5333 4720
Mobile: 0419 393 540
Email: bjwood@ncable.net.au
National Office 1300 368 448      Web: www.asa.asn.au     OVER 50 YEARS – Standing up for Shareholders

FORTHCOMING BALLARAT EVENTS – MARK YOUR DIARY
Wednesday, 8th February, 2012 – Michael Kemp, Author
Wednesday, 14th March, 2012 – Discussion Group
All normal meetings are held at 7.30 pm at Eastwood Leisure Complex, Ballarat

FISKVILLE MEDIA UPDATE #4 – Mon 16 Jan 2012

Contacting the Fiskville Independent Investigator
Independent investigator Rob Joy has established a website for any CFA members past or present, or other persons who believe that they may have been exposed to chemicals as a result of activities at Fiskville, to make contact.
The website can be found at www.fiskvilleinvestigation.com.au
Anyone with information which may be useful to Professor Joy’s team can contact them on (03) 5420 9260 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday or by email info@fiskvilleinvestigation.com.au

Contacting CFA
CFA has set up a hotline specifically to assist members and others who would like to register their interest to receive future updates or need advice about medical concerns, welfare support and safety at Fiskville.
The CFA information line phone number is 1800 628 616 and operates seven days per week from 8.30am to 8.30pm.

Medical Advice
For those with medical concerns and who were an employee, volunteer or resident of Fiskville, arrangements will be made for a nurse from the CFA Medical Officer’s facilities to make contact to seek further information.
Any discussions with our health care providers are strictly confidential.

Welfare Support
Psychologist/ counsellor support, peer support and chaplaincy support is available to those seeking welfare assistance.
Psychologists/counsellors provide professional mental health services to members and their immediate family members. They can assist in a range of areas, including family and relationship issues.
CFA members are offered three free confidential counselling sessions and CFA is invoiced for the cost of these sessions without any details being passed on to CFA.
A member with identified long term, complex or clinical needs will be assisted to transition to appropriate services.

Legal Advice
While CFA is providing a range of welfare services to members the law prevents CFA’s lawyers from providing legal advice to CFA members or other potentially affected people in these circumstances.
Callers will be advised to contact the law firm of their choice if they are seeking legal advice.

Public Safety
A recent hygienist review found there were no significant risks that would affect volunteers, employees and anyone else visiting Fiskville. WorkSafe has also condcuted an inspection of the site.
Since these allegations were raised in December, CFA has been working with WorkSafe and the Environmental Protection Authority.
For many years now it has been CFA’s practice to maintain regular testing of all systems associated with hot fire training at Fiskville.  This practice will continue.

 The latest updates regarding the Fiskville investigation will be posted to the Fiskville Investigation Updates page on www.cfaconnect.net.au

See you in the gardens this Sunday

With warm weather forecast this weekend, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is expected to once again host hundreds of visitors for the third week of Summer Sundays.
Council’s FREE Summer Sundays event series is on again this weekend, Sunday 22 January from 5 to 8pm, in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Last Sunday, more than 1,000 people turned out for the second week of Summer Sundays.
This week, Summer Sundays will feature the folk sounds of Sweet Jean from 5 to 6.15pm and the country tunes of The Elsworth Street Ramblers who will perform from 6.45 to 8pm.
The audience can indulge with dessert pizzas from the Forge Pizzeria which will be available for purchase.
Previously known as ‘Arts in the Park’ the event has a new name and a new location.
The FREE event will be held in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on 22 January from 5 to 8pm and 29 January from dusk.
Background info on performers:
5 – 6.15pm – SWEET JEAN
Made up of the sounds of Sime Nugent and Alice Keath, Sweet Jean’s music draws on the dark, bent and old soulful tradition. Together they play frailing banjo, agricultural guitar, autoharp and harmonica with harmony singing at the centre of it all.
6.45 – 8pm – THE ELSWORTH STREET RAMBLERS
Ballarat’s bluegrass boys return to the stage bigger, brighter and twangy-er than ever before. Bringing their own delusions of banjeur to summer, this bluegrass and country crew are more fun than a string sizzlin’ rodeo in a fairy floss factory.

The final Summer Sundays event for 2012 will feature:
Sunday 29 January, from dusk Twilight Cinema – CITIZEN KANE PG (1941)
Dessert: Twilight Cinemas – popcorn and choc tops
For more information visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au or to keep up to date with the latest news on Summer Sundays ‘like’ the Summer Sundays 2012 (City of Ballarat) facebook page www.facebook.com/summersundays2012

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