Jane Prentice

Play.Sport.Australia and Sporting Schools

Play.Sport.Australia is a great new Federal Government initiative. There are currently 13, 000 deaths annually in Australia which are attributed to physical inactivity and one in four children now considered overweight or obese; however, this national strategy will encourage participation in sport and support local clubs.

In conjunction with Play.Sport.Australia, Health Minister, the Hon Sussan Ley also announced Sporting Schools; the Coalition’s junior participation program for children 5 to 12.

This will give Australian children access to sport before, during or after school. It was not too long ago that physical activity and exercise was something no Australian lived without. Since the rise of technology and longer working hours our lives have become a lot more sedentary.

The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring all children have more access and encouragement to play sport.

Schools, clubs and coaches can get involved and register for Sporting Schools at www.sportingschools.gov.au.

Watch my speech in Parliament about this new initiative at http://www.janeprentice.com.au/Media/Speeches/ID/2181/Move-more-sit-less

ANZAC Day

This year marks the Centenary of ANZAC and I was proud to attend many special services and commemorations in Ryan. Many schools and community groups throughout Ryan went to great effort, as usual, to mark this important day in our nation’s history and I was pleased to see how involved and enthusiastic everyone was in the commemorations.

Picabeen Support Group

Picabeen Community Association is forming a new support group for survivors of sexual abuse and family violence. They need some help in the way of donations including any art supplies (paint, clay, craft material etc.) and they also have a funding campaign set up at GOFUndMe.com/ph7g68 .

If you would like more information or would like to join the support group, please contact Picabeen on 3354 2555 or drop into the centre at 22 Hoben Street Mitchelton.

Men’s Shed Grant

I am pleased to announce that Shed West Bellbowrie will receive $2500 from the Federal Government to continue to support men’s health and wellbeing in Ryan. The grant is part of $400 000 in national funding provided to more than 100 Men’s Sheds across Australia.

The Men’s Sheds provide a place for men to get together and work on projects, learn new skills or just socialise together and I am proud of the many Men’s Sheds in Ryan who contribute so much to our local community.

Under the National Shed Development Programme, all Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for up to $8,000 in funding. The next round of funding is open but will close on 13 May visit www.menshed.org for details.