Community Support
I spent the afternoon in Lithgow recently and popped into Gorrie Ban to present them with $10,000 to support the great work they do with seniors and met with small business owners in Main Street. Gorrie Ban ‘Caring for the aged and lonely’ runs each Monday at 10am. Held at Fatima Hall, GWH, Bowenfels. New members and volunteers are always welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information please ring 6351 3092.
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Lets celebrate our seniors
I would encourage local organisations across the Bathurst Electorate to apply for a share of $200,000 from the NSW Government to host events that encourage older people to get involved in the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival events and activities.
Applications are now open for Seniors Festival grants with local councils, volunteer groups and community organisations encouraged to apply to show their appreciation for seniors. I know that local events and activities play a significant role in the Festival and provide opportunities for older people to not only enjoy entertainment, but get involved and share their talents with their community.
The 2019 NSW Seniors Festival will run from February 13 to 24 and organisations are encouraged to plan events now, with three funding categories available. Highlights from this year’s Festival included a virtual time capsule, markets, painting and gardening workshops, as well as yoga and swimming classes. Grant applications close at 5pm on Friday August 10. Visit www.seniorsfestival.com.au.
NSW Firearm Amnesty
An important reminder to the local community that the NSW Firearm Amnesty has started. I am urging people in the Bathurst Electorate to register or hand over any illegal firearms in their possession to the local police. The three month gun amnesty runs from July 1 to September 30, 2018.
Last year nearly 25,000 firearms were netted by NSW Police during the national gun amnesty. However, there are still firearms in the community that people no longer want or want to register.
Whether the firearm was inherited or found, this three month amnesty period will allow them to come forward and legally dispose or register it without fear of prosecution. Anyone with concerns about handing firearms or safely transporting them, can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 for assistance.
Mental health support
Deputy Premier John Barilaro joined me and local Chezzi Denyer, host and creator of Mummy Time Co to announce free specialist perinatal psychological counselling via video call for parents in the Central West, and right across NSW who are affected by perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA).
Mr Barilaro last week attended the official launch of Gidget Foundation Australia’s Start Talking program in Sydney and announced $270,000 in NSW Government funding to support the initiative.
Mr Barilaro said Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) is a condition commonly experienced by women during pregnancy and the year following the birth of a baby. New fathers are also vulnerable to PNDA.
Local Ambassador and host of Mummy Time Co, Chezzi Denyer said it was great to see the recognition and need for these services to be provided to all parents, no matter where they are located.
This program will give parents across the state access to psychological support when they need it most and could prevent more serious mental health issues requiring specialist perinatal and infant mental health services.
Vsit www.gidgetfoundation.org.au or telephone 1300 851 758. If you or someone you know needs crisis support please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78. For mental health services visit your GP or phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
