The Northern Rivers Times Edition 133

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY in Lismore teaching young local

dancers.

The prestigious Sydney Dance Company joined forces with NORPA last week to mentor young dancers from the Northern Rivers in a week-long dance intensive held at Southern Cross University in Lismore.

Working with Sydney Dance Company’s Teaching Artists, 30 local dancers aged 13-18 years from across the region were taught Sydney Dance Company choreography and repertoire as well as learning how to develop and express their own experiences through contemporary dance.

Justine Turner, Sydney Dance Company’s Learning Manager said “The Creative Youth Dance Intensive provides tenacious and talented young dancers with an opportunity to connect to their creativity, express themselves and allows them to explore a new way of creating movement. We are delighted to partner with NORPA to connect with emerging dancers in the Northern Rivers Community.”

Photos by Kate Holmes

Julian Louis, NORPA’s Artistic Director said “The Northern Rivers has a very strong dance scene and this has been a great opportunity for young and emerging dancers to get first-hand experience with one of Australia’s best dance companies.

We’re thrilled to have collaborated with Sydney

Dance Company to make this once in a lifetime experience available to aspiring young dancers in the Northern Rivers.”

The Creative Youth Dance Intensive, supported by the Office for Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW, culminated on Friday afternoon with an informal performance for family and friends as well as special guest, the NSW Minister for Arts and Regional Youth, Ben Franklin.

Minister for the Arts and Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the arts can be transformative for children and young people, providing a sense of community and belonging.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to providing more opportunities for young people to not only access and experience arts, screen, and culture but to explore and develop creative skills alongside professional artists and mentors,” Mr Franklin MacKinnon Connolly from the Lismore area was one of the participants. MacKinnon said of the experience, “ This experience has been so valuable. Different perspectives in dance allowed me to challenge myself on a creative

FREE ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT PROGAM COMMENCES IN LISMORE ON MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY

The drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment organisation, The Buttery is offering a free 6-week non-residential program to assist people with alcohol and substance use. The face-to-face program commences on Monday 13 February and includes aftercare services for participants.

The Community Rehab program (CORE) is an evidence-based model of intensive rehabilitation which has revolutionised the practice of addiction treatment.

CORE Program Coordinator, Tanya Magnay, said, “Many people who would benefit from a long-term stay at The Buttery are unable to do so due to personal circumstances, such as parenting or carer responsibilities.

CORE is delivered faceto-face during school hours from 9.15 am to 1.00 pm from Monday to Thursday over six weeks. Participants who would like to maintain their pharmacotherapy medication and abstain from other substance use are suitable to attend the core program.”

CORE addresses lifestyle issues such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, mental health, and budgeting. It also offers opportunities for social connection in a safe and caring online environment to address the social isolation that many people experience.

Assessment of potential

participants is currently taking place for the 13 February intake.

To find out more about the program visit The Buttery or call:

Tanya Magnay: 0477 016 030

The Buttery Intake: 02 6687 1111

REGIONAL SENIORS TO SAVE $250 AS APPLICATIONS FOR POPULAR TRAVEL CARD OPEN

Seniors across regional NSW could save $250 on the cost of travel thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said applications for the latest round of the highly successful program are now open and encouraged eligible seniors to cash in on the initiative.

“We know how much seniors value this card – it can mean the difference between an extra few trips to visit grandkids, the ease of seeing friends locally or

just getting to the shops or attending medical appointments,” Mr Toole said.

“The figures speak for themselves - more than one million cards have now been issued injecting $196 million into regional economies and we want even more seniors and local businesses to reap the benefits of this card in 2023.

“The massive take-up from seniors across our regions shows why only the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can be trusted to deliver the services and investment our regions deserve – we continue

to roll out programs that make a difference to the daily lives of everyone in the bush.”

The $250 pre-paid Visa card can be used on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations, pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional train and coaches, helping those eligible with the cost of getting from A to B.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said he wanted the number of cards issued to eligible seniors in 2023 to break the 2022 record when 362,000 seniors benefitted from a boost to their hip pocket.

“The NSW Liberal and

Nationals Government understands the cost of living pressures our seniors are facing in the bush which is why we pushed for this scheme,” Mr Farraway said.

“I really encourage all eligible seniors to get their applications in and save themselves $250 on travel costs for this year.

“It’s disappointing that there’s been squat from Chris Minns and Labor on how they will help our seniors in the bush deal with the cost of living. Labor actually opposed this card when we first announced it and then they did a U-turn and wanted the card for people in the city.”