August 2015

Australian Local Government Women's Association

The Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) invites interested women working in local government to attend a Networking Lunch in Ararat on Friday 4th September. Details

Australian Regional Women Leaders Convention

The 2015 Australian Regional Women Leaders Convention, Australia’s largest gathering of talented and inspiring women from all parts of Australia, will be held in Melbourne on 5th and 6th of November. The convention draws together hundreds of women from Australia’s vast network of regional and rural communities for a truly inspiring and empowering experience.

Leadership Day

The Leadership Wimmera Committee invites you to join them for Presentations by the 2015 Business Leaders Group and Regional Leadership Skills group followed by their combined Graduation Evening on Friday 9th October. Details

Parliament House Visit

Many thanks to Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy and her staff, Suzanne Bysouth and Kym Bateson for hosting us at Parliament House in early August. We experienced question time, toured the building and were fortunate enough to have a number of Parliamentarians share their leadership stories and challenges with us. Our group of participants and graduates all had a wonderful day.

WDA News

Bureau of Meteorology Update

The Bureau of Meterology will be providing a seminar and update on September 16th in Horsham. They will be briefing interested people on

Seasonal forecasting and the Federal Agricultural White Paper
The new supercomputer and its impact on computer modelling of weather
The new Himawari 8 satellite and improved data
Meteye and WOW systems

WDA is arranging two workshops for primary producers and agronomists on September 17th to discuss their issues with weather data with BOM representatives. These workshops will be used to collect further evidence to support improved weather information in the region. To RSVP or for further information contact Mark Fletcher mfletcher@wda.org.au (0) 5381 6505.

Executive Director Position

The WDA Board is currently advertising the Executive Director position for the organisation. WDA is looking for an individual with significant experience in the management of projects and relevant experience and involvement in economic development activities to fill this position. This position requires the ability to effectively lead, manage and motivate a small team of individuals focused on a range of initiatives and projects. The successful applicant will bring energy and enthusiasm to the position and a commitment to the development of the region.
For a position description, or to apply, please refer to www.macarthur.com.au referencing 130365 in the job search bar and click "Request Position Description".
For more information, or for a confidential conversation, please contact Charlie Cole on (03) 9828 6541 or email charlie.cole@mcarthur.com.au
Applications close Friday 28th August 2015.

Settlement Officer Position

WDA Settlement Officer Robyn Murphy has tendered her resignation. Robyn has worked in this position for four years, after a short period as a migration officer under the WDA Skilled Migration Program.
In that time, Robyn has built a strong regional network of health, welfare and education providers, raising awareness of the issues in servicing the specific needs of refugees and migrants. She has established migrant playgroups in Horsham and Nhill, providing an opportunity for often isolated families with young children to share their stories and access information. Robyn has coordinated a range of recreation activities, encouraging the participation in mainstream sporting and leisure activities. Her work with young migrant people, through the homework clubs in Horsham and Nhill has delivered benefits to school aged children progressing their social skills and supporting their learning. The establishment of the young migrant leadership activities has built confidence and provided a platform for these young community members to focus on their personal development and their place in the community.
The success of many of the settlement activities has been reliant on volunteers – family mentors, playgroups and homework clubs, and a range of community organisations supporting Robyn’s initiatives. Robyn has worked tirelessly to provide training and support to her volunteers, as they work with migrants.
A critical part of the settlement officer role is case management. This has involved Robyn supporting families with referrals to services, supporting them through difficult issues and working with the full range of agencies and organisations to resolve problems.
Robyn has established a great relationship with many migrant families and will be missed.
Appointment of a new Settlement Officer has commenced, with WDA receiving a contract from the Federal Department of Immigration and Border Security for further three years

Views sought on proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne

A Victorian parliamentary committee is seeking input for an inquiry into the proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne, as envisaged in the Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne Lease Transaction) Bill 2015, which is currently before the Parliament.
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest general and container port. It handles almost 7,000 containers per day, and in 2013-14 paid a dividend of $43.7 million to the Victorian Government.
Chair of the Victorian Parliament’s Port of Melbourne Select Committee, Gordon Rich-Phillips said the inquiry is an important opportunity for the public to have input into the proposed lease of this important State asset. “The Committee is particularly interested in hearing from the public about how the proposed lease would impact them, if it proceeds in its current form," he said. The Committee has called for written submissions.
Details about how to make a submission or contribute at a public hearing can be found on the Committee’s website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/pom
Submissions close on Friday 11 September 2015.
Enquiries: Keir Delaney, Secretary, Port of Melbourne Select Committee - 03 8682 2816

Young Adults in Ag Dinner

Building Resilience in Farming will host a ‘Young Adults in Ag’ dinner on September 10. The evening will feature presentations from three current Longerenong students who are studying their 2^nd year Diploma of Agriculture. Katie McCartney, Jake Dalgleish and Jordan Layley will discuss their recent overseas work placements in Canada and New Zealand and the differences and similarities they experienced.
A guest speaker from Young Ag Professionals will follow with the topic, ‘Opportunities in Agriculture for young people’. Focusing on entering the agricultural sector and the opportunities to become involved in a large range of areas, not just on-farm.
‘Young Adults in Ag’ will be held at the Royal Hotel, Firebrace Street Horsham on the 10^th of September at 7pm. For bookings contact Mark Fletcher (03) 5381 6505 mfletcher@wda.org.au

MATES Mentoring Community Champions

Businesses and organisations can become Community Champions by releasing staff to mentor or by providing flexible working hours during the work day. It is a great way for organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibility objectives. We really need organisations to step up, get involved and make a difference rather than just offering ‘in-principle’ moral support. More details

If you require further information please contact Tim Shaw at LLEN on Tel :03 5381 0122, Mobile: 0427 810 122 or e-mail eo@llen.com.au

Regional Network Development Plan (Public transport)

Victorian Government planning for the future public transport needs of regional communities is well underway, with regional workshops in Horsham and other Grampians centres. Councils and community groups are encouraged to have input into the review, for immediate, short term and longer term actions and strategies.

An online forum for the Grampians region is generating some interesting discussion https://getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/regional-network-development-plan/forum_topics/grampians-what-do-you-think-are-the-top-priorities-for-public-transport-in-your-area-and-why , and a survey is available online at https://getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/regional-network-development-plan/survey_tools/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-public-transport-in-regional-victoria . The survey is also available at bus and train stations.

Stress Management- Horsham Healthy Minds

Horsham Healthy Minds is currently exploring the establishment of an ongoing, easily accessible, affordable Stress Management education course in Horsham, open to all interested people.

Dr Craig Hassed has presented widely at national and international seminars and conferences, he is a regular media commentator and has published extensively in the areas of mind-body medicine and Mindfulness. Craig also runs numerous programs for health practitioners, professional groups, schools and the general public.

Dr Craig Hassed MBBS, FRACGP will present a Stress Management seminar at Wesley PAC, Horsham on Friday 21 August 15. Details
In addition Dr Hassed will present Mindfulness and Education at the Federation University auditorium, Baillie St Horsham on Saturday 22 August 15 9.30 for a 10.00am start. This presentation will focus on how Mindfulness techniques are enhancing the education process. An invitation has been sent to all schools in our area. Details

Victoria In Future - Population and Household Projections

The Victorian Government has just released its population projections through to 2051, with projections of population decline in West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, and Northern Grampians. http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/planning/forward-policy-and-research/victoria-in-future-population-and-household-projections?remap=delwp.vic.gov.au/victoria-in-future

2015 Bob Mibus Memorial Speaker

The Rotary Club of Horsham East will host Simon McKeon, the 2011 Australian of the Year as its 2015 Bob Mibus Memorial Speaker on Thursday 27th August. Simon is the Chairman of AMP. Details.
Tickets can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/148165