Thursday, 14 November 2024 17:03
FOOD, NOT FINES FOR HILLS CHRISTMAS APPEAL
HILLS Shire Library members with overdue library books now have a unique opportunity to have their fines waived as part of the Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty.
From Saturday, November 16, until Sunday, December 15, library members can return overdue books and have their fines waived in exchange for a non-perishable food donation. All donations will go to Anglicare’s Mobile Community Pantry.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the donations provide affordable food options to individuals and families who need it most.
“This initiative supports a great cause and gives back to members of our community who are doing it tough,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It also offers Hills Shire Library members a chance to return long-overdue books. Recovering these books also allows other members of the community to enjoy the magic of reading.
“Last year, 2196 items were donated, and 167 lost books were returned to the libraries.
“Even if you don’t have an overdue library book to return, please donate to this worthy cause to help families who need it most and make their festive season a little brighter.”
Overdue books can be returned through the returns chute at any library branch during opening hours. Bring along an item from the list below to donate and present your library card or app to staff at the Customer Service desk at any of the Hills Shire Library branches in Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Dural and Rouse Hill.
Acceptable non-perishable food item donations include:
Christmas cake or pudding (500g or 700g).
Tinned ham or chunky soup (450g).
Tinned salmon or tuna (415g).
Tea (100pk).
Coffee (100g).
Packet of biscuits (no chocolate biscuits).
Dried pasta (500g).
Pasta sauce.
Long-life milk.
Long-life custard.
Tinned fruit and vegetables (425g).
Jam (500g).
Chocolate or chocolate-covered items will unfortunately not be accepted, as they are likely to melt.
For more information about the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and Library Fine Amnesty, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library
Published in
Default Set
Thursday, 14 November 2024 16:58
APPRENTICES RECOGNISED FOR DEDICATION, RESILIENCE
APPRENTICES from across NSW have been recognised for their dedication and resilience, receiving the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, which offers life-changing support to those facing hardship.
This $15,000 scholarship, spread over three years, was awarded to 150 apprentices who have shown exceptional skill and commitment to vocational education and training, despite overcoming significant challenges.
The 2024 cohort of scholarship recipients includes 44 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 83 learners with disabilities, 57 women excelling in non-traditional trades, and 74 mature-aged apprentices.
Importantly, 113 of the recipients come from regional NSW, highlighting the program's broad reach and inclusivity.
The apprentices were awarded the scholarship for their exceptional commitment to ttrades. This scholarship will provide crucial financial support to help them succeed in their training.
The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships are open to all registered apprentices across NSW, including school-based apprentices, whether in metropolitan or regional areas.
Since its inception in 2014, this program has continued to be a beacon of opportunity, enabling apprentices to overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals.
Named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a lifelong advocate for vocational education, the scholarship continues his legacy of supporting apprentices and promoting vocational pathways as a foundation for success.
Published in
Default Set
Thursday, 14 November 2024 16:50
NEW COMMISSIONER TO LEAD THE SES
MINISTER for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new Commissioner, Michael Wassing, to lead the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
The SES is the lead emergency service agency in NSW for floods, storms and tsunami, providing support for communities through more than 11,000 volunteers operating from a network of over 260 sites across NSW. The SES works closely with other emergency service agencies and also provides road accident, search and rescue support when needed.
Mike Wassing has extensive experience in senior leadership roles in the emergency services in Queensland and Victoria. He joins the NSW SES from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority where he served as Deputy Commissioner.
Prior to this, Mr Wassing was Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) where he led the Readiness and Response Service and Fire Rescue Service from May 2022 to November 2023, and the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service from September 2015 to May 2022.
At QFES, Mr Wassing played a pivotal role in the response to severe weather events including Tropical Cyclone Debbie (2017) and the 2022 East Coast floods which severely impacted South-East Queensland and NSW, as well as the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires as acting Commissioner.
The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Wassing will take up his role from December 2, 2024.
Published in
Default Set
