THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023 FOLLOW US
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HEALTH & EDUCATION
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NAISDA opens applications for 2024 In its quest to uncover the hidden talent of tomorrow’s First Nations dance artists, NAISDA Dance College has launched this year’s application and audition process for 2024. With a rich history of nurturing and shaping the careers of renowned First Nations performers for almost 50 years, the college is calling upon educators and mentors to help it uncover hidden talent and discover Australia’s creative and cultural leaders of tomorrow. “While many of our graduates have become household names in the dance and performing arts industry, we recognise that NAISDA may be less well known in some communities,” CEO Kim Walker said. “That’s why we are reaching out to education providers, schoolteachers, Aboriginal learning and support officers, friends and families who play a crucial role in guiding young people’s paths.
Photo: Lisa Haymes
NAISDA students during a performance
“We invite them to spread the word about applying to NAISDA to help us bring the next generation of First Nations dance artists into the spotlight.” NAISDA provides a unique pathway to further study. It offers Australia’s only nationally accredited dance
and performing arts qualifications specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The curriculum is developed, written, and delivered exclusively by NAISDA. “We believe arts education is the most powerful way to
change the world,” Walker said. “NAISDA is shaped by the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities across Australia. “It’s their performances, works, steps and sounds that
power Australia’s creative economy and shape the future of Australia’s performing arts industry.” Successful applicants will be invited to NAISDA for onsite auditions from October 3-5. For auditionees who live 90 minutes or more from the
college, ABSTUDY assistance is available to cover travel costs and NAISDA provides accommodation and meals during the audition period with the support of ABSTUDY. The college prides itself on providing a supportive environment that allows students to thrive and achieve their goals, demonstrated by a completion rate double the national average in accredited vocational education and training. “We understand that coming to NAISDA may be the first experience away from home for many students,” Walker said. “Therefore, we build a secure, holistic community around them, to help ease anxiety and remove barriers to training.” Applicants must be aged 16 or over. For details go to www.naisda. com.au/apply Applications will close on August 21. Source: NAISDA
Grants for hands-on environmental learning Students across the Central Coast are on their way to becoming the next generation of environmental champions with new funds from the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. Schools to be awarded a grant of up to $1,000 include Wamberal Public School, Budgewoi Public School and Goodstart Early Learning – Tumbi Umbi. They join more than 1,100 schools and early learning centres across Australia to be awarded grants to help build and develop hands-on environmental learning projects. Over the years, thousands of schools have used these grants to create interactive projects focused on sustainability and
have inspired students to play an active role in the future of their natural environment. This year, the program also officially included First Nations perspectives projects for the first time. Woolworths and Landcare Australia are excited to award more than 320 grants as part of this year’s funding to projects that focus on expanding students’ First Nations education and deepening their connection to Country. Woolworths Wyong region Group Manager, Belinda Page, said bringing the classroom to the great outdoors and encouraging kids to get handson with nature was always something exciting to see. “We hope all of the schools across Wyong will have fun working on their new projects,”
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Pupils at Wamberal Public School
she said. With their projects up and running, Junior Landcare’s online Learning Centre,
supported by Woolworths, offers a range of free online resources to help students of all ages build their knowledge
of biodiversity, sustainable food production, waste management and more. Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said that for more than 25 years Junior Landcare had recognised the vital role children and young people played in caring for the environment. “Thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants and the Woolworths-supported Junior Landcare Learning Centre, young people have an opportunity to experience hands-on learning with environmental education,” he said. Proud Wiradjuri man and First Nations educator for Junior Landcare, Adam Shipp, said the knowledge from Elders and ancestors was extremely important to capture and keep
alive. “Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year,” he said. “From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems.” To date, Woolworths has contributed more than $5M to about 4,900 Junior Landcare projects across Australia, reaching more than 400,000 children. Source: Woolworths
FREE SEMINAR Challenging Wills Seminar
Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast This free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where they stand in: • Challenging a Will; or • Defending a Will from Challenge The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been
left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best deal with challenges. Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation
The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions. You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.
WHEN: 20 June 2023 TIME: 6.45pm to 8.00pm WHERE: Gosford RSL Club Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!