community

Welcome to this special edition of Red Leather. I don't do these often, but I
wanted to let you know about 2 opportunities that need your input right now.

Do you know of local community organisations that need money for small,
medium or big infrastructure programs? Each electorate in NSW is eligible to
apply for up to $400,000 for local infrastructure programs. For details see
below - applications close 10 August so you need to act now.

Community groups across NSW are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of community grants and funding available on the Community Builders NSW site. Grants closing soon include:

• The Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation program provides grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 to facilitate projects that prevent or reduce pollution, the waste stream or environmental degradation of any kind. (Applications close 29 May 2009)
• Community Heritage Grants aimto preserve and provide access to locally held, nationally significant cultural heritage collections across Australia. (Applications close 5 June 2009)
  

One of the great things about being an MP is you get asked to host events on behalf of community groups so they can come and meet and hold forums in the parliament. These are usually open to other MP's and the public. It is a great democratic instituion and something that I try to do as much as possible.

This week I am hosting 2 events that you might be interested in:

- New Matilda is holding a series of events about internet regulation. As the intersection between politics, technology and the media continues to grow online, we're facing some hard questions. How do we regulate the world wide web?

The latest round of grants and funding on the Community Builders website that are closing soon includes:

2009 Next Big Thing Award - Applications close 16 March 2009
The Next Big Thing Award is a national competition to find and showcase the best new Australian products and innovations with the potential to become the 'next big thing'. » more

A new NSW Government hotline is up and running today to help manage the thousands of offers of help pouring in from the NSW community.

The NSW community has been extremely generous in its offers of help to our Victorian neighbours.

The best way that people can help at the moment is by donating cash to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal on 1800 811 700. Or online at www.redcross.org.au

Crikey also featured excellent tips to help article today from a survivor of the Canberra bushfires.