Friday, February 10, 2012
A Star News Group publication
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Ready, set, go: Independent’s Superkidz on their marks
COAST COPS ON THE ROAD PAGE 2
Good sports: Hobbs siblings Olivia, 10, Jaron, 8, and Matilda, 7, prepare for the Superkidz triathlon. Picture: John Conway
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Pay rises threaten agency jobs, work BY JOHN VAN KLAVEREN EMPLOYMENT and services will be cut if government fails to fund recent pay rises in the community sector, Geelong region agencies have warned. Encompass communications officer Silje Eidsnes said trying to cover the rises “would be a problem” for the agency. “We are non-profit and we do have limited funds, so we’re waiting for confirmation from State Government that it will
increase its funding. “If it doesn’t cover the funding it will have an effect on our employment levels and services available.” Ms Eidsnes said Fair Work Australia’s decision to increase community sector pay was “a good thought” that would boost staff morale. “But it all comes down to the decision by the State Government.” Fair Work Australia announced rises of 19 to 41 per cent as
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well as a four per cent lift in loadings over the next eight years for more than 150,000 community sector workers. The decision was based on Federal Government and union submissions that the rises would help narrow a pay gap between men and women. Gateways chief executive officer Rosemary Malone said the decision was a “step in the right direction” for staff working under awards. “As our major funding is from
government, we’ll need to see whether government builds this into its cost structure,” she said. “It’s important that we have a skilled and qualified workforce and this would be an investment in the future of the workforce. “We understand from a government point of view that it has competing interests but we need to attract and retain the right people and recognise their contributions. A State Government spokesman said the decision had major
financial and service provision implications for Victoria. “We have already made a financial commitment of $200 million over four years,” the spokesperson said. “However, it is vital the Commonwealth Government guarantees to provide substantial and ongoing financial commitment to meet the heavy costs imposed on state governments and non-government organisations as a result of the Commonwealth’s role in this case.”
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THE REGION’S super kids are preparing to compete alongside some of Australia’s best triathletes as part of a three-day Geelong Multi Sport Festival beginning this Friday. The Geelong Independent Superkidz Triathlon will send children aged seven to 13 over safe swim, run and cycle legs with distances tailored to their ages. The Superkidz event begins 9am Saturday, with each competitor to receive an event singlet, a finisher’s medallion, a bag of other goodies and chances to win random draw prizes. Entries are still available at geelongmultisport.com.au or at Eastern Beach from 7.30am to 8.30am Saturday. Torquay Surf Life Saving Club members Olivia, Jaron and Matilda Hobbs, of Highton, will be among the Superkidz competitors. Mum Angela said they were looking forward to competing. “They’re all excited,” she said. “They really want to go out there and have a bit of fun. They like trying anything.” The festival includes a range of other events over achievable distances for competitors of various standards. Competition becomes serious on Sunday, with Australia’s top triathletes competing for prize money of $12,500 in an URBAN 2.80.20 long-course race. Spectators can enjoy a range of on-shore activity and entertainment throughout the event. The Independent’s managing editor, Tony Galpin, said the multi sport festival was a hallmark event for Geelong. “Come on down to Eastern Beach to support this exciting community event.”
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