Community News
FREE SOLAR ADVICE FOR AUSTRALIAN HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES
Australian households and small businesses now have access to a free online solar PV savings calculator, backed by a nearly one million dollar investment by the Australian Government, and tailored to individual property needs. More information on the SunSPOT tool and how to use it here: www.sunspot.org.au.
We are also developing a Solar Consumer Guide which will provide further advice for consumers during their switch to solar. The guide will incorporate feedback from key industry stakeholders and is expected to be launched in mid-2023.
NEW MYGOV APP SIMPLIFIES ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Accessing Commonwealth government services is now easier with the new myGov app. It has a digital wallet to store government-issue cards and documents, protected by the built-in security that will help tackle fraud and protect your important documents. The new app also includes additional accessibility functions so more people can use it.
As always accessing online services via the website remains an option. If you would like to use the new app but need some assistance in navigating it you can make an appointment for a free one-on-one digital coaching session at your Services Australia centre. For more information about using the myGov app, how to set it up and for help using the app, go to www.my.gov.au/app
SCHOOLS UPGRADE FUND
Local schools can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to create better-equipped learning environments and to support students after disruptions caused by COVID-19
Applications are now open for Round 1 of the Schools Upgrade Fund. Both government and non-government schools can apply for funding for small-scale projects up to $25,000 to create healthier and safer learning environments and help students get back on track after disruptions caused by COVID. The Albanese Labor Government is providing up to $32 million to help schools purchase things like air purifiers or air conditioning, upgrade ventilation and improve air flow, build or improve outdoor learning spaces, or to purchase ICT equipment like tablets and laptops.
Details on how your local schools can apply for funding can be found here.
NDIS – WE WANT YOU TO BE HEARD
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review is seeking submissions from people with disability. Over the next six weeks the Review Panel is focusing on listening to and understanding your experiences and concerns.
The submission process has been designed to be fully accessible so all people with disability can make a submission by writing, calling in or making a video submission.
The Review wants to hear from those with disability, carers and providers about your experiences and to identify the gaps and areas where the NDIS can be improved.
Go to https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/have-your-say for more information on making a submission.
E-SAFETY GIFT GUIDE
Every year, eSafety publishes a Gift Guide to support parents and carers with insights and advice on the latest trends and technology. The guide helps you make smart, safe and secure tech gift choices for children and young people. This year's Gift Guide focuses on new immersive technology and the practical things we can do to minimise harm to the excited young recipients of tech gifts.
The eSafety Gift Guide offers advice on what to consider when giving children and young people technologies that take them into immersive worlds, including whether a device is age appropriate and what parental controls are available. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/gift-guide
Grant News
LOCAL SPORT DEFIBRILLATOR GRANT PROGRAM
The NSW Government has opened a new Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which is aimed at improving availability and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in community sporting and recreational facilities, for use in emergencies involving cardiac arrest. Applications are now open, and will close in February 2023. For more information go to Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program | NSW Government
STRENGTHENING RURAL COMMUNITIES (SRC) PREPARE & RECOVER PROGRAM
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) offers the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Prepare & Recover program to support communities in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters through the medium to long term process. The current round is open until 1 March 2023. For more information go to Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover | FRRR and to see other programs available through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, go to Funding | FRRR
VOLUNTEER GRANTS
Thank you to all the groups who provided an Expression of Interest for the Volunteer Grants 2022-23 round. Unfortunately there were many more EOIs than available funding. The groups who were nominated have submitted their formal applications to the Department. The processing of those applications will occur over the summer, with the expectation of funds being provided in Autumn 2023. For those groups who missed out, I will be looking for new funding opportunities that may arise in the New Year to meet your project goals.
Government Inquiries
The Government has a number of inquiries running to investigate specific matters of policy or government administration or performance.
These inquiries provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process. If you or your organisation would like to make a submission you can do so by clicking the links below.
Disaster Resilience
Paid Parental Leave
Work and Care
Online Gambling
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