From your

Federal Member for Dickson

PETER DUTTON

www.peterdutton.com.au

I hope students (and parents!) enjoyed the school holidays and wish them well with their studies for 2009.  Congratulations to prep parents who are waving goodbye for the first time at the school gate as your children begin their educational journey.  I urge all residents to take care in school zones now that holidays are over and observe the school speed limit.

2008 school leavers will be starting apprenticeships, employment or tertiary education and I wish them success in their new ventures.  Higher education students and prospective students may find the Information for Commonwealth supported students 2009 and FEE-HELP Information 2009 booklets of interest.  Online versions of the booklets are available from the Going to Uni website, www.goingtouni.gov.au
Royal Children’s Hospital
As many constituents will already be aware from my previous columns, the State Government is proposing to close the Royal Children’s Hospital at Herston.  This is of great concern to our community, not only in an emergency but when children are receiving long term treatment and we are forced to travel through the city to get to the Mater on the south side of Brisbane.  This can add another 15 to 20 minutes in peak hour to a journey that for some constituents in Dickson can already take up to 40 minutes.  If you would like to have your voice heard on the proposed closure of the Royal Children’s Hospital at Herston go to www.smarthospitals.com.au
Neighbour Day
After the recent severe weather experienced in Dickson, I heard many stories of neighbours helping each other and in some cases meeting each other for the first time as a result.
With temperatures continuing to be high this summer I urge residents to particularly keep an eye on their elderly neighbours who in some cases cannot afford air conditioning or are reluctant to use it due to the increase in electricity costs.
Andrew Heslop, the founder of Neighbour Day, suggests giving your mobile phone number to older neighbours so they know they can contact you in an emergency.
The 7th annual Neighbour Day will take place on Sunday 29 March.  The day aims to develop better relationships with the people who live around us and encourage closer, friendlier relationships between neighbours.  By promoting safer, tolerant towns we can break down barriers and protect the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Neighbours have celebrated by holding barbeques, street cricket, morning teas and gardening competitions.  For ideas on how to celebrate Neighbour Day go to www.neighbourday.org
Local Sporting Champions Program
The Local Sporting Champions Program offers up to $500 for individuals and $3000 for a team competing in an official state or national sporting competition that is endorsed by the relevant Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised national sporting organisation, or national school sport competition.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 12 and 18 years of age at the time of the sporting competition, have to travel greater than 250km return to participate, be an Australian citizen and must not be participating in a professional competition that involves prize money.
Individuals and teams apply directly to the ASC via the website, www.ausport.gov.au/champions or by obtaining a hard copy from my office or by contacting the ASC on 02 6214 111.
Age Pension Information Guide
An updated Age Pension Information Guide is available from my office on request.  If you would like to receive one please contact the office on 3205 9977.
Pool Safety
Constituents are reminded that Pool Safety cards with a guide to resuscitation are available from my office or by calling 3205 9977.