Job opportunities for Aboriginal youth

SMYL Trainees Zemma Connell, Talecah Clayton, Tiffany Collard, Zamaria Councillor (Western Australian Country Health Services Midwest) and Maitland Spratt with SMYL Aboriginal Group Training Manager, Ashley Garlett. 

The City of Greater Geraldton has partnered with SMYL Community Services (South Metropolitan Youth Link) by providing young Aboriginal school students the opportunity to work in local government through a school based traineeship.

SMYL is a charitable organisation that offers Aboriginal students the chance to engage themselves in education, training and employment in the program throughout Western Australia.

City of Greater Geraldton Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Nola Gregory, said the City has taken on four trainees for the duration of the program.

“The traineeships allow Aboriginal students to have an insight of working in local government and the different career opportunities that are available,” she said.

“By working at the City, trainees are able to find what type of work best suits them and what they’re most comfortable in.”

The City has the following Geraldton Senior College students:

• Maitland Spratt – Automotive Traineeship with Fleet and Support
• Talecah Clayton – Business Traineeship with Community Law and Safety
• Tiffani Collard – Business Traineeship with the Aquarena
• Zemma Connell – Business Traineeship with Arts, Culture and Events.

Western Australian Country Health Services Midwest, Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and the Commonwealth Bank have also joined the initiative by taking on an Aboriginal School Based Trainee.

Throughout their traineeship students are mentored by SMYL Manager, Ashley Garlett, who regularly visits Geraldton.

Without the traineeship some students would be at risk of dropping out of school and find the transition from school to work hard.

Aboriginal students can apply by speaking to their VET Coordinators. 

For more information about SMYL Community Services and what programs they offer, visit the website on www.smyl.com.au or contact (08) 9430 4921.

Youth Mental Health "headspace centre" to open here in Geraldton

Good news for Geraldton. Headspace have announced they will be opening a centre here in Geraldton.

It's expected to be open toward the end of 2015 or early 2016. 

Full media release below. 

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Thousands more young Australians will get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing, after the Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, announced the next 15 headspace centre locations.

In welcoming the announcement, headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the new centres will extend the important early intervention work of the national youth mental health organisation into areas of significant need.

"Through our existing headspace centres we've helped thousands of young people with issues ranging from depression, anxiety, relationship break downs, bullying, exam stress and problems with alcohol and drugs," Mr Tanti said.

"These additional locations will bring us to a national network of 100 headspace centres. Together with our online service, support to schools and expansion to help young people experiencing early psychosis, we can help thousands more young people and their families no matter what issue they're facing."

"Many of these communities announced today have advocated strongly for headspace centres to be established in their areas, so we know these centres will be highly valued. We also know there are many more communities across the country in need of support for their young people," Mr Tanti said.

The 15 locations announced by the Federal Government today are:

New South Wales: Griffith - Murrumbidgee (Griffith), Orange, Sydney - Castle Hill, Broken Hill - Far West (Broken Hill), Goulburn.

Queensland: Moreton Bay - north (Caboolture), Gladstone, Brisbane east (Capalaba), Bundaberg

Victoria: Swan Hill, Melbourne - Greensborough, Gippsland (Bairnsdale), Grampians (Horsham)

Western Australia: Geraldton

South Australia: Limestone Coast (Mount Gambier)

Mr Tanti said determining the locations of the new headspace centres is based on a range of factors to ensure headspace services are delivered in the areas of greatest need.

"We take into account distance from existing headspace centres, the current and future population size, social and economic factors, accessibility of the location and the readiness to set up a headspace centre," Mr Tanti said.

The process to determine locations for centres is done in consultation with the Department of Health, headspace and the State and Territory Governments. The final decision is made by the Commonwealth Government.

The additional centres are part of the 2014-15 Federal Budget commitment of an additional $14.9 million to support expansion of the headspace network by 10 centres, bringing the total to 100 across Australia.

Young people who do not have convenient access to a headspace centre or would prefer to get help online, can access eheadspace.org.au - a free, confidential and anonymous telephone and web-based mental health support service.

About headspace

The primary focus of headspace is the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians. headspace helps 12 - 25 year olds going through a tough time through a national network of 70 headspace centres (soon to be 100) and online and telephone counselling service eheadspace.

headspace can help young people with general health, mental health, education and employment and alcohol and other drug services.

headspace was established and funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia in 2006.

G-Force shows appreciation of City employment

City CEO Ken Diehm is presented with a certificate of appreciation from G-Force Executive Officer, Tony Cooper, along with (from left) City staff - Manager, Corporate Services, Jeff Graham, Acting Sanitation Supervisor, Dave Meneguzzo, Acting Parks Manager, Graham Smith; and Director Community Infrastructure, Neil Arbuthnot.

The City of Greater Geraldton was recently presented with a framed certificate of appreciation from service contractor, G-Force, in recognition of the City’s continued support in employing G-Force workers with a disability. 

Presenting City CEO Ken Diehm with the certificate, G-Force Executive Officer, Tony Cooper, said it was organisations like the City that has allowed the not-for-profit company to be successful. 

“Without the likes of the CGG assisting us with this, we would not be where we are today,” he said. 

“For a number of years now, the City has used G-Force to provide staff to assist with the street sweeping of Marine Terrace and Foreshore Drive under the guidance of Parks Manager Kim Trotter and Sanitation Supervisor, Stuart Gilchrist.” 

G-Force recently won the Goodness Festival 2014 Best Social Enterprise in Geraldton Award. 

“This was a great outcome as we continue to strive with our mission of employing people with disabilities within the community, on full rates of pay,” Mr Cooper said. 

“G-Force does not receive any form of government funding and we have to source our own contracts. 

“We are able to offer services in all aspects of garden care and clean up, commercial cleaning, window cleaning and document and paper shredding.” 

Mr Diehm said he is pleased the City is able to support G-Force.

“The City recognises the value of this work and the social investment in getting people back into the workforce,” he said. 

G-Force can be contacted on 9964 3525 or www.gforcecontracting.com

Commercial dive boat mistaken for refugee vessel

A commercial dive boat just off the coast of Geraldton today has caused quite a stir with many people alluding to the boat being a refugee vessel.

But actually, the commercial dive boat was involved in a routine inspection and cleaning of a sea water intake pipe for the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) this morning.

The incident is still making its way around cyberspace with many people still Facebooking and Tweeting the rumours.

ABC News 24 Tweeted statements this morning but within an hour police quashed the rumours. Although it didn't stop people from re-Tweeting them.

The commercial boat which could be seen just off Separation Point, was contracted by Durack Institute of Technology to support commercial divers involved in the annual maintenance of its sea water intake pipe used by BCMI. 

BCMI Training Director Suresh Job said the maintenance is carried out on an annual basis. The sea water intake pipe brings in up to 130 kL/hr and is an important part of the BCMI infrastructure which opens out onto Separation Point.

“BCMI aims to maintain the quality of the sea water used in the facility’s research and training programs which includes the commercial production of marine ornamental fish species, coral, Pink Snapper, and Black Bream,” Mr Job said.

Entrepreneurs learn and launch at Startup Weekend

Geraldton Startup Weekend was held on the 19th and 20th of September, providing a structured fun and fast way for local people to launch new ventures or projects.

A mix of participants from business, government and community formed teams and used new tools to form, test and then present their ideas for new ventures. 

The benefits go beyond the prizes for the winning team, as this sort of event grows capacity in the Midwest region to grow new ventures for a diversified economy and stronger community.

Simultaneously on the same weekend, there were similar events held in Morocco, Brazil, United States, Peru and across Europe.

Startup Weekend is a global movement that inspires people to act on their entrepreneurial ideas by enabling them to meet collaborators, learn how to validate and build an idea and make compelling presentations to potential partners, funders or customers.

Since 2007 more than 700 cities have hosted Startup Weekends, all following the same ethos of “all action, no talk”.

Rather than being competitive and results-focused, Startup Weekend is actually focused on collaboration and learning about the process. The Geraldton Startup Weekend event attracted pastoralists, comedians, project managers, digital trainers, facilitators, photographers, and gardening gurus who each had an idea, or a desire to learn. 

After the Friday night pitches where people present themselves and ideas, a limited number of teams were formed around the most popular ideas. Mentors, presenters, educational videos and toolkits are then provided to all the teams to guide their work over the weekend.

 By the time the final presentations came round a day later, teams had:

• Exploded vague ideas into ten thousand variations, then narrowed back down to a single focused business proposition.
• Formed sub-teams to work on different aspects of the venture.
• Tested propositions with potential customers through calls, surveys, and text messages.
• Researched competitors, market size and then made decisions about features of the product and its pricing.
• Prepared and presented a 3-minute summary to judges.

 The winning team “Express: Impress: Progress” did exactly that, turning a general idea that could have been relevant to community groups or businesses, into a very specific proposition for scalable group training in communication skills.

This idea proved very popular with the target market, even when surveyed on a Saturday, with 97% of those surveyed about the service interested in using it in the next 6 months. 

Based on a polished final presentation, the winning team shared in more than $1500 of prizes including a place in the Catalyst program, thanks to MMG Golden Grove, a co-working space, thanks to CityHive and pro-bono business support thanks to Lifetime Services.

The next steps after Startup Weekend for the teams and individuals are to use those new resources to progress their ideas. Several have committed to taking their ventures further through the Catalyst program where there are longer time frames to develop their ideas!

Pollinators have committed to run Startup Weekend again in 2015, with some of the participants from this year likely to facilitate the event. There have also been expressions of interest in running similar events within specific sectors (e.g. Tourism, Youth and Environmental issues), and inquiries can be directed to the team at Pollinators Inc.

Geraldton Startup Weekend in Geraldton 2014 would not have been possible without the support of many organisations and individuals, including:

•  Local sponsors MMG, Lifetime Services and 3M,
• Global sponsors including Google, .co and Amazon web services,
• Mentors, coaches, speakers and judges including Alan Bradley, Jason Smith, Melissa Hadley Barrett, Brendon Davies, Jen Hanrahan, Euan Beamont, and Wendy Burr
• Organisers and facilitators including Yvette Hollings, Jo Blayney and Andrew Outhwaite, and the Goodness team who helped with the initial planning.

Geraldton and Mullewa pools get funding

City of Greater Geraldton pools in Geraldton and Mullewa will be sparkling that little bit more this summer after $30,000 of grants funded by Royalties for Regions.

The grants come as part of the Community Pool Revitalisation Program, which through Royalties for Regions will contribute $13.2 million over four years towards supporting local pools and aquatic facilities in regional WA. 

Money will go towards aquatic centre maintenance, upgrades, purchase of pool equipment and staff training at the Geraldton Aquarena and the Mullewa Swimming Pool. 

Member for Moore Shane Love MLA and Member for the Agricultural Region Paul Brown MLC congratulated the City on receiving the grants, saying they hoped to see the funding boost in action over the summer months. 

“Anyone who lives in a regional area knows how important local pools are to their community, and we don’t mean just for taking a cooling dip,” they said.

“These facilities also play a valuable role in connecting the community socially, providing numerous health benefits, recreation opportunities and increasing education outcomes.

“This funding will keep our local pools as inviting and accessible as possible to people of all ages, encouraging them to lead an active, healthy and refreshing lifestyle.”

The Community Pool Revitalisation Program was a Nationals WA election commitment in 2013, providing regional local governments up to $30,000 per aquatic facility under their management each year.

In the inaugural funding round, a total of $2,708,128 was granted to 91 pools around WA. Of 127 public aquatic centres in the state, almost 100 are located in the regions.

It is estimated they receive more than 10 million visits each year and in 2012-13 employed more than 3000 people in a full or part-time capacity, including life guards, pool operators and swimming instructors/coaches.

For further information about the Community Pool Revitalisation Program visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/cprp 

Exmouth Defence proposal one step closer

Member for Durack Melissa Price.

Defence is progressing its proposal to construct a Space Surveillance Telescope Facility at the Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station in Exmouth, Western Australia, with the referral of the project to the Public Works Committee.

The facility would be the cornerstone of a space situational awareness partnership between Australia and the United States, following a 2012 agreement that both governments would work towards locating a Space Surveillance Telescope on Australian soil.

Valued at $63 million inclusive of design, construction and fittings, Melissa Price Member for Durack said that the referral is a positive action in securing the project for WA and in enhancing the Defence presence in Exmouth.

“Exmouth is a vibrant town in my electorate of Durack and has played a global role for many years in Defence and in space technology,” Ms Price said.

“Exmouth was established in 1967 to support the nearby US Naval Communication Station and in the early seventies, Exmouth began hosting US Air Force personnel assigned to the nearby Learmonth Solar Observatory.

“As the town develops and diversifies its economy with tourism, fishing, and servicing of the oil and gas industry, Defence continues to be of fundamental importance to Exmouth’s economic base.

“I am extremely pleased that this latest proposal has been referred to the Public Works Committee, which will now conduct an inquiry into the project,” Ms Price said.

The facility would be located within the existing Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station offering the best conditions for telescope functionality of the sites available.

Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2015. 

Drought concessional loans now available

Western Australian farmers can now apply for an Australian Government drought concessional loan.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today he wished to ensure all farmers throughout Geraldton and the Mid West understood that $20 million in drought concessional loans are now available and access to these loans was a priority.

Mr Blayney said drought concessional loans of up to $1 million or up to 50 per cent of eligible debt, whichever is lower, will be available to eligible farm businesses at an initial rate of four per cent for a five year period. 

To be eligible for drought concessional loans, a WA farm business must be experiencing a one in 20 year drought event, or a one in 10 year drought event that has caused significant financial impact.

Mr Blayney said applicants must submit a valid Bureau of Meteorology ‘Rainfall Deficiency Report’ as part of their application.

Drought concessional loans will be available for:

• Debt restructuring: applicants can use the concessional loan to restructure a proportion of their existing eligible debt at a lower interest rate.
• Operating expenses: applicants can use the concessional loan to fund operating expenses that are necessary to continue the normal operations of the farm business.
• Drought recovery and preparedness activities: applicants can use loan funds to contribute to the cost of activities to recover from and prepare for future drought.

These drought concessional loans are in addition to other forms of federal support available to WA farmers such as Farm Finance concessional loans, Farm Household Allowance as well as rural financial counselling services.

Mr Blayney said drought concessional loans will allow eligible farm businesses to restructure their existing debt at a lower interest rate and provide finance to meet their ongoing business running costs and drought recovery and preparedness activities.

Further, he said the loans are for a term of five years over which interest only payments are required. At the end of the loan period, farmers will have the option of refinancing the remaining amount with a commercial lender, or repaying the loan in full.”

Farm businesses are strongly encouraged not to self-assess their eligibility for a loan and to contact the Rural Business Development Corporation to find out more about the scheme and what is required to apply.

More information on the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme in Western Australia is available from https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/drought/drought-concessional-loans-scheme-applications-open or by contacting 1800 198 231 (free call).

For information on Farm Finance, Farm Household Allowance and other Australian Government farmer assistance measures visit agriculture.gov.au/assistance.

Landcare grants open in Durack

Landcare and other community groups in Durack will be able to access a helping hand with the launch of the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants 2014-15 as part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said today.

“The grant round is a fitting way to commemorate the twenty fifth anniversary by supporting the carers at what they do best – caring for the land,” Ms Price said.

“Interested groups can apply for up to $20,000 from a competitive pool of $5 million nationally, for projects that are local in nature.

“The grant round is designed to support local landcare projects as well as local natural resource management groups to help protect their local environment.

“This means that Indigenous communities, farmers, fishers and other land and sea managers in Durack, from the Kimberley to the Wheatbelt, could look at getting involved and make an application,” Ms Price said.

Ms Price reconfirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring 20 per cent of Australian Government investment made through the regional natural resource management organisations will be directed towards local projects and activities that are delivered by the community, under the National Landcare Programme’s regional stream.

“Essentially funding will be available on an annual basis to farmers, landcare and community groups in Durack so that they can continue with important on-ground works in their local communities,” Ms Price said.

The funding round opened on 19 September and closes on 20 October 2014.

For more information about the National Landcare Programme 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants 2014-15 go to www.nrm.gov.au.

Building industry puts the boots on to nail prostate cancer

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Master Builders Geraldton Branch is inviting its members and others in the industry to join them for breakfast.

In Australia, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in men.

Master Builders and Totally Workwear will be hosting a BLUE BOOTS BREAKFAST on Thursday 25 September 2014 at 75 Flores Road, start time is 7am with a gold coin donation for breakfast.   Steel Blue will donate $10 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for every pair of BLUE BOOTS sold.  Additionally we ask that your workplace join in and dress in blue for the day, it’s fun and raising  awareness and having a checkup could save a loved one’s life!

Master Builders Regional Manager, Di Gilleland, is one person who clearly sees the importance of “getting the message out there” to builders and others in the industry as a high priority.  Working in a male dominated industry she too has been on that other side when her husband Dennis was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. 

“Fortunately having a checkup and seeking a second opinion Dennis has now received the all clear and is making the most of a healthy lifestyle, free from cancer," Mrs Gilleland said. 

“At the time it was like a horror movie. I remember us all being in total shock and then the realisation that there were just so many other men out there in the same situation; it just blew us away.

“With Steel Blue offering this generous donation I saw it as a win-win situation, raising awareness of prostate cancer and for the opportunity to raise funds for research to hopefully one day find a cure for this terrible disease.

“Remember if you are a male and over 40, now could be the right time to have your prostate checked,” Mrs. Gilleland concluded.

To attend the Blue Boots Breakfast, phone Penny Rae at Master Builders on 9921 5061 or email  crystal@mbawa.com. 

Elizabeth Pedler to reside in Geraldton as part of artist program

Artist Elizabeth Pedler will be in residence at Central Greenough from September 22 until October 20, 2014 as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Central Greenough Artist in Residence Program.

During her visit, Elizabeth will be creating a new body of work and inviting the community to engage with her and practice in a range of arts.

Based in Perth, Elizabeth’s artwork takes on many forms including new ways to generate participation and interaction in art spaces that use materials such as mirrors, light, sound, styrofoam beans and even conversation.

While in residence Elizabeth will be creating a series of artworks which respond to the sensory environment of the Central Greenough buildings to create subtle but affecting experiences for the audience. 

As she is yet unacquainted with Geraldton, Elizabeth will be inviting members of the local community to join her for a meal and to share stories about life in the area.

Elizabeth will be presenting an artist talk at ACDC Community Gallery as part of the Sunset Salon series, discussing her art practice and the processes of making art. 

There will be workshops open to all members of the public to collaborate on sensory perception and participation. More information on these workshops and the Sunset Salon series can be viewed on http://www.acdcarts.com, or contact ACDC. 

At the completion of the residency period, Elizabeth will be opening up a space at ACDC for an exhibition from October 17 – 19 at 12 - 6pm each day, Elizabeth will also be present during these times to answer questions about her new works.

On October 18 there is a potluck event open to all audiences to join the Elizabeth for a shared meal and celebration.

More details on these events can be seen on the Queens Park Theatre website: http://queensparktheatre.com.au/arts.

For more information about the artist, visit http://www.elizabethpedler.com.

Unlicensed breast cancer charity illegally fundraising

Consumer Protection has issued an alert concerning the illegal fundraising activities in Western Australia of an unlicensed breast cancer charity.

Reports that Breast Cancer Australia (BCA) has been selling raffle tickets to WA consumers via a telemarketing and doorknocking campaign has prompted this alert. Apart from its unlicensed status, the BCA is also not a current permit holder to conduct raffles in WA.

The licensed and reputable charity Breast Cancer Care WA Inc., which is not affiliated in any way with BCA, has expressed concern about BCA’s fundraising activities. The licensed Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Department of Health’s BreastScreen WA have issued a similar alert to the WA public.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll has urged WA donors approached by Breast Cancer Australia to report them.

“We will be liaising with Commonwealth and other State agencies regarding this charity’s activities and urge anyone in WA who has been contacted by this charity to come forward,” Ms Driscoll said.

“While we conduct an investigation into reports of this charity’s unlicensed activity in WA, we urge the public not to donate any funds to this particular charity or any other charity that is not licensed.”

Donors can check if a charity is licensed by searching the list on the Consumer Protection website at: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/charities. Reports of unlicensed charity collections can be made by email: consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54. 

Improved power supplies for Mid-West

Towns in Western Australia’s Mid-West region will benefit from a reliable new power supply which Horizon Power forecasts will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan today announced a new power purchase agreement with WA company Contract Power Australia for the supply of electricity to the Mid-West towns of Cue, Meekatharra, Yalgoo, Wiluna, Sandstone and Mount Magnet.

“This agreement will ensure a safe and reliable power supply for the Mid-West as well as providing savings for the State Government through a more flexible supply arrangement,” Dr Nahan said. 

Five new diesel-fired power stations and one gas-fired power station will be funded and built by Contract Power Australia on land owned by Horizon Power.  A new station may be built in Norseman, if required. 

“The new arrangement gives Horizon Power much more flexibility in finding the most economical way of providing additional capacity if required in the future, and offers the ability to augment the generation capacity with renewable energy,” the Minister said.

“Horizon Power is currently exploring several options to enable more households to connect solar energy to our network and we hope to give more information on this new development in the coming months.”

Since the inception of Horizon Power in 2006, the operating subsidy from the State Government has grown substantially and the business has recognised that this is not sustainable in the long term.  Horizon Power undertook a strategic review last year following consultation with the State Government and identified that it could reduce its operating costs significantly.  The goal is to decrease its subsidy by $100million a year by 2018. 

Dr Nahan said the Mid-West project was testimony to how the Government would continue its work to find better ways to deliver essential services to all West Australians while allowing for the uptake of renewable energy and displacing diesel fuel generation.

Midwest Charity gains with grain

Midwest Charity Begins at Home (MCBAH) in conjunction with Ten Tigers – Grain Marketing Solutions, have announced a new grain donation program, exclusive to grain growers.

MCBAH is now a registered deliverable charity with CBH which means farmers can support the charity by donating all types of grain. The accumulated grain will then be sold to buyers by Ten Tigers, a Geraldton based grain marketing advisory service which has been working for WA grain growers since 2004.

Growers can donate grain directly via their CBH Loadnet account. There will also be an opportunity to join the grain donation program at the Gala Dinner on November 29th. Growers who register with the program have a chance to win a one year Grain Marketing Package, donated by Ten Tigers.

Chris Tonkin, Director of Ten Tigers, said that grain donations are a valuable and simple way for local farmers to support Charity Begins at Home this harvest.

“We are a locally owned and operated business, and are happy to be involved with this unique charity supporting Midwest families,” Chris said.

President of Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc, Chris Dobson said they were extremely excited to join forces with Ten Tigers on the project. 

“It’s fantastic to be able to provide an easy avenue for our grain growers to contribute to Midwest Charity Begins at Home because as a charity, we are here to support the whole Midwest region, including many of their farming communities," she said.

For more information on how you can be involved contact Ten Tigers on 9964 9905.

Geraldton students and teachers take part in cyberbully workshops

Allendale Primary School, Melissa Price Federal Member for Durack, Nola Marino Federal Member for Forrest, at Allendale Primary School where 110 students participated in the cyberbullying workshop. 

New research commissioned by the Abbott Government this year showed that one in five Australian children aged eight to 17 experiences cyberbullying each year. 

The findings confirm that cyberbullying is widespread and that there is significant community concern about whether there are adequate response mechanisms available today.

More than 470 students from Allendale Primary School, St Lawrence’s Primary School and Geraldton Senior College participated in five workshops to learn to be safe, smart and responsible when using technology. A further 50 teachers from Geraldton Senior College attended a workshop. 

Melissa Price Federal Member for Durack, hosted Nola Marino, Federal Member for Forrest, presented the workshops.

Working with local and Federal Police and being on the Joint Select Committee for Cyber-Safety, Ms Marino has been able to identify what concerns young people when using the internet. 

Ms Price said she was concerned about young people’s safety when using the internet and that Geraldton was fortunate that Ms Marino was able to conduct the cyberbullying workshops, which have helped many children and parents over the past years.

“The workshop presentation addressed the risks associated with social media like Facebook and Twitter, cyber bullying, your child’s digital footprint, what it means to be groomed online, your mobile phone and its security weaknesses such as location services and of course, scams,” Ms Price said.

“If you are being cyberbullied, you need to block the contact or ignore it, and tell a parent or responsible adult.”

The workshop participants also discussed unwanted contact, online friends, rude messages and online gaming and how to recognise the associated dangers, as well as strategies for managing them.

The Abbott Government announced funding of $10 million in the May Budget for its policy of Enhancing Online Safety for Children, including:

• $7.5 million to assist schools to access accredited online safety programmes;
• $2.4 million to establish and operate the Office of the Children’s e-Safety Commissioner (the Commissioner) to take a leadership role in online safety; and
• $0.1 million to support Australian-based research and information campaigns on online safety. 

Same sex attracted and gender questioning students are being abused more than ever

Guidelines for supporting sexual and gender diversity in schools released

Today, the 29 of August is ‘Wear it Purple Day.’ This year the student led organisation is focusing on identifying stereotypes and preconceptions to educate about sexuality and gender diversity. Allanah Lucas Commissioner for Equal Opportunity said she was proud to release the Guidelines Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools on this special day.

Ms Lucas said, “The Guidelines have been developed in line with the National Safe Schools Framework to support schools in their valued work in providing positive learning environments that are inclusive of diversity and safe from discrimination, bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex difference.”

Ms Lucas commended the positive steps schools are currently taking and stated, “The Guidelines are here to encourage good practice and provide information and resources to schools and their communities.

“Many do not realise the harm and suffering that such bullying can cause.”

Ms Lucas stated, “The Guidelines had been developed with extensive consultation with public and private education sectors and related agencies in WA, together with the use of recent national research.”

Research reveals that same sex attracted and gender questioning students between 14 -21 are actually experiencing more abuse at school than in previous years: 61% reported verbal homophobic abuse, 18% reported physical homophobic abuse and 69% reported other forms. Overall, 80% experienced the abuse at school (up from 69% a decade ago).

Schools that have policies prohibiting homophobic discrimination and bullying in Tasmania and Victoria show a significant reduction in prejudice and reduced levels of bullying across the entire school community.

Ms Lucas said Australia has laws that underpin the respect, fairness and safety expected in school environments. The Commission can provide information, links to resources and training. The Guidelines are available on the Commission’s website at www.eoc.wa.gov.au.

Support for implementation of the Guidelines has come from a broad range of people and organisation including:

Kylie Catto President WA Council of State School Organisations Inc. (WACSSO) “The Guidelines are a positive and timely step forward in improving equality in schools.

“Every student should go to school feeling safe and confident that their individual circumstances will be respected.

“WACSSO is proud to have been part of the development of these Guidelines, which, using best practice will encourage schools to provide support, resources and strategies for LGBTI young people and their friends, siblings and parents.

“We know many schools are already doing a great job in this area and the Guidelines will help them to build upon the positive steps taken to ensure all schools are a safe and inclusive place for the whole school community.”

Geoffrey Bice Uniting Church “The Uniting Church is fully committed to human rights having promised at our inception to "oppose all forms of discrimination which infringe basic human rights and freedoms." The Social Justice Board of the Uniting Church in Western Australia believes that providing GLBTI young people with a safe school environment is a vital element in that work and is proud to endorse the Equal Opportunity Commission's GLBTI School Guidelines.”

Sue Ash UnitingCare West “UnitingCare West is proud to have been able to participate in the development of these guidelines. Our True Colours program, which offers support for LGBTI youth in Bunbury, will be involved in numerous events to raise awareness and reduce emotional and social isolation for youth in rural schools. Our hope is that these guidelines better enable school’s staff and students to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Dani Wright Toussaint Freedom Centre Coordinator:= “These Guidelines will provide the crucial foundation for WA schools to equitably provide a safe school environment for the 17% of students that are LGBTIQ.

Pat Byrne President of the State School Teachers’ Union of WA “The SSTUWA is proud to have been involved in the development of the Guidelines for Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools. This is an important progression in supporting and celebrating sexuality and gender diversity within our school communities and in doing so prevent sexuality discrimination and homophobic bullying. Our schools should be a safe and affirming environment for LGBTI students, staff, parents and families.”