New program to help youth in detention

activities,” Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club President Louise Vangestel said.

“VERTO kindly donated hats, drink bottles, back packs and 12 ocean rated Personal Floatation Vests (PFDs) to help this program and the youth we are mentoring.

“To be able to give these youth a welcome gift and help them feel connected to us as part of their mob, while removing any barrier to enter the sport of outrigging, was important for them and the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre.

“The centre is delighted to give the youth a sporting option that is outside of the usual rugby or ball sports.

“They feel that being on the water and learning about the ocean, the canoes and the outrigger family they are now a part of, will positively impact their mental health and motivate them to make better choices for the future.”

VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said his organisation was proud to continue its long history of helping clubs and organisations that give back to their local communities.

“The Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club’s mission aligns closely with VERTO’s goal to positively transform the lives of individuals and communities, so it’s fantastic to be able to support such an important new program with these donations,” he said.

Legal Aid NSW is encouraging more seniors to contact the Elder Abuse Service (EAS), which solely services the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle regions, following a 20 per cent jump in self-referrals in 2021-22.

This followed an Elder Abuse Prevalence Study in 2021 which found one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the 12 months prior to being surveyed.

“We’re really proud to team

Cracking down on elder abuse

Senior solicitor at the Elder Abuse Service (EAS) Mary Lovelock said perpetrators are most often family members like children or grandchildren who take advantage.

She said the most common abuse is a “granny flat” arrangement where the older person has given a significant sum of money to a child in return for the promise of care.

“We have had several clients come to us with this issue who are on the verge of homelessness,” she said.

“It can cause significant financial and mental stress for already vulnerable people.”

Lovelock said she has also seen financial abuse involving money misappropriated under Powers of Attorney, unpaid loans, property fraudulently transferred and debts fraudulently created in the name of the older person – even money refunded by banks.

Because elder abuse can sometimes be hard to identify – particularly when it’s in the form of psychological abuse – she said it is essential seniors talk to a lawyer to understand their rights.

“We have helped hundreds of seniors recoup money and defend their rights,” she said. “We are here to support you and everything you say to a solicitor is confidential under client-professional privilege.”

Solicitors from the service will be available to offer free advice and information on the issue and other common legal issues at the upcoming 2023 Seniors with the Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club and play a small role in helping these youth, while continuing to play an active role within our communities towards improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”

Festival Expo, to be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on February 2 and 3.

The 2023 Legal Aid Topics for Seniors Diary, which includes key tips around common legal issues like scams and will planning, will be distributed free at the expo.

The EAS will also be running a webinar on February 9 with a panel discussion about financial elder abuse as well as wills, Powers of Attorney and Guardianship via https:// legalaid-nsw-gov[1]au.zoom.

The Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club Inc (TOCC) is on Darkinjung Country, based at The Haven, Terrigal.

TOCC is Australia’s first Aboriginal culture-based club with a vision to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and water on which their canoes rest, and to culturally educate all members on the importance of bridging the gap.

The club is inclusive of anyone who wants to paddle, but members are encouraged to undertake cultural awareness training.

Source: Media release, Jan 31 VERTO us/webinar/register/WN_x6WcvmCRe2aZD47hNaLdA.

The EAS supports older residents (aged over 65 or over 50 for First Nations clients) who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse and reside on the Central Coast or Lower Hunter. Contact the service on 4324 5611.

Source: Media release, Jan 23 Legal Aid NSW

AUTHORISED PERSON FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOME SCHOOLING REGISTRATION

Upper Hunter Region, NSW and Central Coast Region, NSW

NESA is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Authorised Person for home schooling registration from persons based in the Upper Hunter and Central Coast region of NSW. Authorised Persons assess and make recommendations regarding applications for registration for home schooling in NSW.

Successful teaching experience and curriculum leadership is required. A Working with Children Check number is also required for this position.

Information regarding the application process can be accessed by following the below stated relevant link: Upper Hunter Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingupper-hunter-region-379162

Central Coast Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingcentral-coast-region-379174 educations

Applications close 6 February 2023. Further details can be obtained by contacting (02) 9367 8403

The Central Coast is to gain 70 new doctors at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the medical graduate interns would commence duties across the two hospitals.

“I want to extend a warm welcome to the class of 2023 and thank them for choosing a rewarding career in health,” he said.

“Each of these new interns will play an important role in keeping the people across our region safe and healthy for years to come.

“These new medical graduate interns will also provide a major boost to their new colleagues