SUPPORT FOR NEW PARENTS IN GRAFTON

Young families in Grafton and surrounding areas now have access to increased support with the opening of the Tresillian in Clarence Family Care Centre.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the service inside the Clarence Family Care Centre, Grafton, is a win for families as it will provide parents in regional NSW increased access to specialist early parenting support services.

“We know how diffcult it can be adjusting to life with a newborn and having specialist services available closer to home makes a massive difference to the lives of young families living in regional areas,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Adding a baby to the family is an incredibly special time, however new parents often face challenges whether that be with feeding, settling the baby, toddler behaviour and perinatal anxiety and depression, which is why the support Tresillian offers is so important.”

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the extra support will ensure people living in the region have quick and easy access to support when they need it. “This is fantastic news for local families, who can now access a purposedesigned facility which will ensure that they are practically and expertly supported through the frst stages of their parenting journey,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Tresillian’s CEO, Rob Mills said the team at Tresillian aim to support parents to build confdence and enjoy the critical early years of their child’s life.

“Since opening in October 2021, the team at Tresillian in Clarence have delivered over 1000 occasions of service to local families”.

The Tresillian Family Care Centre is located at Unit 2, 21 King Street, Grafton and will operate Monday to Friday. Telehealth is also offered for families in other parts

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is ofering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy afordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The ofer is only available to households that live in the specifed regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

- Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Afairs Gold Card

- If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.” of the Clarence region.

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to fnd out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Ofer is supported by the NSW Government.

“Parents in the region can either self-refer to Tresillian in Clarence by completing a short online contact form on the Tresillian website or ask their local general practitioner or child and family health nurse for a referral,” Mr Mills said.

“Tresillian’s services have transformed the lives of thousands of Australian families. We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the NSW Government, the Northern NSW Local Health District and Gidget Foundation Australia to ensure every child has the best start in life.”

The NSW Government has committed $12.2 million to Tresillian over two years, which commenced in 2021.

Families seeking parenting support can call Tresillian’s Parent’s Help Line on 1300 272 736 Monday to Friday.

Nsw Government To Repair Flood Damaged Land In Ballina

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in the community of Ballina by providing significant funding to repair Crown Land damaged during last year’s floods. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $1,090,000 to help repair key pieces of community land in Ballina that were damaged during the February and March 2022 storms and floods.

“This funding for Ballina Shire Council will be used to repair Crown Land embankments on the Richmond River, in Regatta Park near Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool and in Kingsford Smith Crown Reserve near Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club,” Mr Anderson.

“These vital projects will rebuild embankments into robust structures to withstand storms and flooding after erosion caused sinkholes between the Richmond River shoreline and the shared pedestrian and cycle path.

“This $1.09 million investment will protect the heavily-used foreshore area for thousands who enjoy it every day, from walkers, cyclists and Missingham Park skaters to recreational fishers and visitors to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum.”

The funding was part of $9.81 million in grants to local councils across the State to help repair damaged Crown land in communities under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program.

Applications for funding were assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands with 45 projects supported with $9.81 million funding.

Minister Anderson said the funding will ensure local infrastructure in floodaffected communities is restored to pre-flood conditions.