I HAVE been working closely with a local grandmother regarding the financial and emotional challenges she is facing as kinship carer of her three grandchildren.
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It is my understanding that kinship grandparents face challenges receiving the same benefits as foster carers. Adding to their challenges, often they are on a pension, which is certainly not sufficient income to raise a family.
It is for this reason that we need to ensure kinship grandparents are sufficiently supported in their care for their grandchildren, who have often come into their care under difficult and sometimes traumatic circumstances.
We need to ensure kinship grandparents are sufficiently supported in their care for their grandchildren, who have often come into their care under difficult and sometimes traumatic circumstances.
I have been speaking to various organisations and have made representations to the Minister for Families, The Hon Gareth Ward MP, on behalf of this grandmother.
It appears through the response in the media to her situation that this has really struck a chord in the community.
I will continue in my advocacy and monitor the situation in the coming weeks, to hopefully have a positive outcome for this woman and for other grandparents in the electorate who are in a similar situation.
ANGLICAN GRAMMAR'S CADET CORPS OPEN TO ALL
RECENTLY I had the honour of attending the Orange Anglican Grammar School to see the $1.2 million complex which has been constructed as a place for students to come together, play sports, and to play during wet weather.
While I was at the school, I spoke with headmaster Louis Stringer, who gave me a wonderful overview of the goals and activities of the school.
I was impressed to hear that the Cadet Corps are going so well. You may be interested to know that the Cadet Corps is open to all young people 13 to 17 years old, not just students of the school.
If you require more information, I encourage you to get in touch with the school.
ANIMAL INSTINCTS INTACT WHEN IT COMES TO WELFARE
LAST week I met with representatives from the Animal Welfare League of NSW, Orange branch.
They provided me with information and statistics on the large number of animals that have come into their care through surrender situations, or stray animals who have been handed to them by members of the public.
I was also interested to learn they have a homeless puppies program, and work closely with local welfare agencies to care for the pets of people fleeing domestic violence, or who find themselves homeless.
The Animal Welfare League Orange have a range of community programs and are truly a fantastic organisation.
I encourage you to consider donating to the organisation if you're in a position to do so - whether it's financial donations, or goods such as pet toys, bedding, coats and food, which is then passed on to the foster carers. You may also like to consider becoming a foster carer yourself.
The best way to link with them for more information, or to discuss drop off points, is on Facebook.
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