The anti social behaviour and vandalism perpetrated by a small number of youth has disrupted our business activities, community, and lifestlye. Adults also contribute to this problem. It is time to do all we can to resolve this disturbing trend.

Bellingen is not alone with this problem and many lessons have already been learnt elsewhere. Basic contributing factors have also been identified. We now need to join past experience with innovative measures and police cooperation.

To this end the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce have invited

Superintendent Mark Holahan APM – Local Area Commander

Coffs Clarence Area Command – NSW Police

to address our community in a rare opportunity for all interested parties to put their concerns to a man in a position to make a difference.

Superintendent Mark Holahan, a family man with four children, has served for 29 of 31 years in regional, rural NSW. He has served as Commander since 1995 and received numerous awards: National Medal 1995, Commissioners Olympic Citation 2001, NSW Police Medal 2003 and the Australian Police Medal (APM) for Distinguished Service in the 2007 Australia Day Honours.

Mark’s position takes in the ‘big picture’ and focuses on the direction and support of officers in the field. He stresses the importance of communities and supports local police dealing with local issues by leaving them in local areas.

Come and hear what is being done by the local police and engage in active question and answer time with Mark Holahan at the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce ‘Autumn’ Breakfast – Friday 5th March at the Bellingen Golf Club – 7.10 registration for 7.30 am start. $20 Chamber members, $25 non members. Everyone welcome !

Bookings essential RSVP Susan coordinator@bellingenchamber.com.au

Coffs Clarence Local Area Command NSW Police

7.30 Friday 5th March – All welcome at the Bellingen Golf Club

ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, THEFT & VANDALISM

The anti social behaviour and vandalism perpetrated by a small number of youth recently is an out of the ordinary ‘spike’ for Bellingen that has disrupted our community and lifestyle. Adults also contribute to this problem. It will only strengthen us as a community to acknowledge the issue, identify the contributing factors and then do everything we can to resolve it.

To this end the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce have invited Mark Holahan to address our community in a rare opportunity for all interested parties to put their concerns to a man in a position to make a difference.

Everyone is invited. You don’t have to be a member, you don’t even have to have a business and the Chamber welcomes attendance by youth representatives and parents alike. This is an opportunity for the whole community.

Mark’s position takes in the ‘big picture’ and focuses on the direction and support of officers in the field. He stresses the importance of communities and supports local police dealing with local issues by leaving them in local areas.

Mark Holahan began his career in 1979. He is a family man with four children and two grandchildren on the way. His entire career, with the exception of 2 years, has been spent in regional, rural NSW.

He has served as Commander since 1995 in Darling River (Bourke area), Barrier (Broken Hill area), Mid North Coast and Lower Hunter. Prior to taking up his post in Coffs Harbour in 2007 he was Director of Operations & Professional Standards Command. He has received numerous awards: National Medal 1995 -15yrs service, Commissioners Olympic Citation 2001, NSW Police Medal – 10 years service (2003) and in the 2007 Australia Day Honours List was awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) for Distinguished Service.

Come and hear what is being done by the local police and engage in active question and answer time with Mark Holahan at the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce ‘Autumn’ Breakfast.

7.10 registration for 7.30 am start. $20 Chamber members, $25 non members.

Bookings essential ! RSVP Susan by Wed 3rd March coordinator@bellingenchamber.com.au

The 2010 event program includes key-note speakers, workshops, kids activities, and live music – all around the theme of sustainability. Community groups and local businesses will be demonstrating all the ideas, products and services that can help reduce our carbon footprint and lead to a better future.

The 2009 event was hugely successful. It was attended by over 4,000 people, involved 50+ exhibitors and received considerable media coverage in regional newspapers, radio and television.

We anticipate that the 2010 Festival will be even better. John Hepburn, Greenpeace’s Climate and Energy Campaign Leader is confirmed as one of the key speakers. In addition to the popular exhibitions on transport, gardening and renewable energy, this year’s event will also include workshops on deep ecology, ‘electrifying your bike’ and vegetarian cooking. There is also a North Coast Energy Forum for businesses being held the day prior on Friday 4 June.

The Festival has now established itself as a major event for the mid-north coast and is a flagship event of the NSW Government’s 2010 North Coast Innovation Festival. The Festival is managed as a not-for-profit event, exhibitor fees and sponsor packages help cover event costs. If you are interested in maximising your involvement and becoming a sponsor of the Festival, call the Director Martin Hogan on 6655 1159. Sponsorship packages are very reasonable.

Liz McCabe

Festival Coordinator

Bellingen New Energy Festival

http://www.mybusiness.com.au/newsletter/

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100225_130424.aspx

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, and Special Adviser for Work and Family Balance and Pay Equity, Senator Jacinta Collins, today encouraged small business to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to help them better balance work and family.

There are “…opportunities for small business to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to help them better balance work and family. Eligible small businesses with less than 15 employees can apply for the grants to put in place family-friendly arrangements in their workplaces. (These) second round grants form part of the Australian Government’s $12 million Fresh Ideas for Work and Family Grants Program.”

Regards,

Greg McPhee

UMCC PR Officer

UMCC Newsletter Feb 2010

Ph: 6655 6340

Mob: 0408 556 341

Breakfast Urunga

Wednesday March 10th

7.00am for 7.30am Start

Ocean View Hotel

Morgo Street, Urunga

Guest Speaker: Bob Higgins – RTA General Manager for the Pacific Highway

Topic – Updating the Urunga Bypass

Members $20 Non Members $25

RSVP Greg McPhee 6655 6340 by Monday8th

The Community Advisory Committee will:

Cover community interest areas including environmental, recreational/sporting, aboriginal heritage and business.

Be honorary, ie not a paid position.

Meet quarterly.

Initially run for a 12 month term.

Application forms and Terms of Reference can be obtained from

Kersten Tuckey, Ranger Bellinger Heads State Park, by calling

66919616 from Monday to Wednesday.

Applications close 5pm Monday 15th March

We have received amazing support from all quarters, a Nexxo Sound System,complete with sound engineer, from Craig Richardson of Any Entertainment,—free of cost— . Leo Barcala from LB Rigging has confirmed the supply of a Professional Stage at cost. John Logan from JLE Entertainment is helping us source a more accomplished act as our headline act, as is Shane Seccombe from OFF BEAT OPERATIONS. Travis Ross of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE fame has agreed to do paid dance workshops with other nationally famous dancers in his troupe prior to the event with the view to producing a show on the day with the kids involved and putting on a show of their own for free!!

There is volumes of verbal support for the style of entertainment we have produced, what we really need is more finanncial backing to upgrade and make this a self sufficent and ongoing event.

We have many local business sponsors who very generously donate to the best of their ability,amounting to approx. $1000.Unfortunately this barely covers the insurance and security expenses.We need further funds to afford promotions not covered by present sponsors, ie. Bellingen Courier Sun, Mid Coast Printing, accomodation and travelling expenses to offer potential Major Drawcard performers who may appear for no cost but may require their out of pocket expense to be covered.

This is a very brief overveiw of some of the challenges we face in order to further enhance this community event we plan to continue on well into the future.

Bands who have confirmed without guaranteed payment are EBB ‘N FLO, HEARTTRIBE, young performers from Natalie Bradshaws music classes, Kylie from Sacred Lotus Belly Dancers who also plans to do workshops included in the event,and there are many, many others very keen to perform.

Please do not hesitate to ask us for further infomation as you require.

Yours Faithfully,

Evan McMillan

and Team Local M.A.D.E

evan.mcmillan@bigpond.com

Local M.A.D.E. is now not only a great show but will host music and dance workshops in the week prior with Travis Ross and nationally famous artists. With the theme: “Aspire to Inspire” we have great acts in store to mentor up and coming young artists.

Already on the bill for the main stage are Ebb ‘n’ Flow and Heart Tribe and the DJ Room will host the Twobble Twins, Xplicit Aktz and Jesta with more to come, including a surprise act and a big headliner, along with local kids up on stage with the big guys!

Youth involvement in the community is our main aim so expressions of interest from community and youth organisations are encouraged. There will be an introductory meeting on Tuesday the 2nd of March for volunteers to sign up and to give people an opportunity to be involved and nurture Local M.A.D.E.

There will be market stalls and food on offer too. This event is held up by community support and sponsorship is invited.

Email or call Evan to apply for market stall spots and if you are an interested DJ, Artist or Dance troupe. localmade@live.com.au or (02) 66554481.