Tag: education program

Media Release: Maroondah Interfaith Network gets a funding boost

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Maroondah City Council has welcomed an $8800 Victorian Multicultural Commission grant which will assist the Maroondah Interfaith Network with its leadership training and education programs.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin accepted the grant last Wednesday.

“Since the Maroondah Interfaith Network was established in November 2009 it has grown to include more than 35 leaders from a range of faiths,” Cr Makin said.

“The $8800 grant will assist the network to launch a leadership training program which will target the areas of conflict resolution, project management and media relations,” Cr Makin said.

“Participants will be able to attend  training sessions and neighbouring municipal interfaith networks will be encouraged to assist  as mentors,” Cr Makin said.

“The funding will also allow the Interfaith Network to be more actively involved in the coordination and participation of events that promote tolerance and celebrate the diversity of faiths in Maroondah like faith-based seminars and conversation cafes,” Cr Makin said.

The Maroondah Interfaith Network aims to bring together diverse faith and cultural groups to promote community harmony, education and awareness of racial and religious diversity.   It also hopes to increase understanding of varied faiths and cultures among the wider community.

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Launch of the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program

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The Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program (VEIPP) is a youth alcohol diversion program, aimed to assist younger people at risk of alcohol abuse.

The program is a pilot project between Victorian Police, Department of Health, Eastern Access Community Health and Turning Point Alcohol and counselling and diversion programs to prevent ongoing criminal convictions.

The City of Maroondah was chosen as the location for the pilot program due to alarming trends that have emerged with teen drinking within the municipality. While these trends are concerning, it is encouraging that the Police and other organisations are taking a proactive role in trying to reverse these trends.

This morning I accompanied Kieran Walshe, Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police and Dr Karleen Edwards, Executive Director, Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division of the Department of Health, in launching the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program.

The speech delivered during the proceeds is included within this post:

Continue reading “Launch of the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program”

Opening the Lighthouse Home for Mums and Bubs

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The Lighthouse Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to end youth homelessness through its model of integrated model of care, which provides an holistic approach through health, education and development.

This morning I opened the Lighthouse Foundation’s Home for Mums and Bubs, a house that will provide support for homeless young mothers.  The program provides an early intervention strategy that aims to break the cycle of homelessness, violence and abuse through providing shelter, support, counselling and education programs.

The house will cater for two mums and their babies at any one time, and also provides respite accommodation for emergency situations.  The opening of the House will assist in providing opportunities for some of the most vulnerable members of our community and I congratulate the Lighthouse Foundation and the many organisations and individuals involved in this initiative.

Maroondah Journal: Event highlights online safety

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Safer Internet Day 2010 is held on Tuesday the 9th of February and is supported by the Australian Communications and Media Authority through its cybersafety education program.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s involvement in the event:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said this year’s theme, ‘Think before you post’, was an important message for people when using the Internet and mobile phones.

The theme reflects the growing popularity of services such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter and calls on community to think twice before submitting personal information through these services.

“Taking the simple step to stop and think before sending or posting information may help reduce negative experiences online. What you send or post is placed in the public domain so it pays to be careful.”

While the Internet is certainly a useful communications platform it is imperative that people are mindful of their safety when using online services.

Media Release: Help your children become ‘cyber-smart’

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Safer Internet Day 2010 is almost upon us and it’s set to highlight the need to be safe and responsible when using online technologies.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, encouraged the community to learn more about safer surfing during Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 9 February.

“The day aims to help children, parents and library staff to manage online risks so the online experience of children is safe and positive,” Cr Makin said.

“Safer Internet Day 2010 is an international event supported by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under its Cybersmart national cybersafety education program,” Cr Makin said.

“The theme for 2010 is Think before you post. This theme is an important message for children and all people in our community – both for their internet and their mobile phone use,” Cr Makin said.

“Taking the simple step to stop and think about the consequences before sending or posting information may help to reduce negative experiences online,” Cr Makin said.

“What you send or post is placed in the public domain so it pays to be careful of what you put out there,” Cr Makin said.

A range of information on safe and responsible use of online technology is available by phoning the Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176, emailing cybersafety@acma.gov.au or visiting www.cybersmart.gov.au.