Ipswich City CouncilFestival of Theatre MediaBudget 2008-2009: Needs of youths and seniors catered for through Budget funding 30 June 2008 A NUMBER of special activities for Ipswich's seniors were given the green light in today's Ipswich City Council Budget. Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said council had allocated $2500 in the 2008-2009 Budget for Disability Action Week celebrations in Ipswich with $4500 allocated for the Ipswich Health Ageing and Disability Expo. Cr Ireland said Disability Action Week from September 14 to 20 would celebrate the experiences of people with a disability while raising community awareness about barriers to equal access. "Through its focus on local action, this week of activities has become a catalyst for lasting positive change in many Queensland communities," she said. Cr Ireland said to celebrate Disability Action Week in Ipswich, council planned to host a special event in partnership with Disabilities Services Queensland, Community Access and Transition Service and the Ipswich Disability Interagency Network. "This event is scheduled to be held in the Ipswich City Mall from 10am to 1pm on September 17, 2008. "The day will feature guest speakers, workshops and activities facilitated by people with disabilities, and arts and crafts and service provider stalls. "A primary objective of the event is to change the perceptions in the community regarding people with a disability and focus on the ability of people with a disability to contribute positively to the community." Cr Ireland said council was also organising the Ipswich Health Ageing and Disability Expo from 10am to 1pm on November 6 at Ipswich Civic Hall. "This expo provides a unique opportunity for council to work in partnership with other government agencies and local service providers to raise the awareness amongst the community of available health, well-being and disability services within the Ipswich and West Moreton region." Cr Ireland said research supported that people who have access to appropriate and up-to-date information were better empowered to make decisions about their lives.
"A steering committee of Ipswich Disability Interagency Network members which included council representatives and seniors' group representatives are already hard at work planning the expo." She said one of the keys activities which would take place during 2008-2009 was the Ipswich Youth forum/conference.
"Ipswich Youth Advisory Council members in partnership with council, other young people, youth service providers and other relevant stakeholders plan to develop and implement a youth conference/ forum during Youth Week 2009. "This forum will provide an opportunity for young people and service providers to come together and share, learn and work together to create a more vibrant community for local youths. "The forum will also include a discussion on intergenerational issues and solutions to foster respect, understanding and wisdom between different generations." Cr Ireland said council would also be working during the next year on items contained in the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) Action Plan 2008-2010 which included the Ipswich youth forum/conference. IYAC is a network of 22 young people aged from 12 to 17 years that meets monthly. Cr Ireland said the action plan would act as a guide for council's youth related activities during the next two years. "The plan identifies a range of key projects, activities and initiatives that young people will plan, implement and evaluate with council and service provider support. "It also illustrates council's commitment to young people by identifying a range of planned events, activities and initiatives for youths in Ipswich." Cr Ireland said among the key projects included in the action plan was the further development of the youth website known as The Swich. "This website, located at http://www.theswich.com/, provides a centralised youth website for the Ipswich region in a way that meets the needs of local youth." Cr Ireland said the new website had been born from a suggestion made by IYAC members. "They came up with both the concept and the site's name and council has worked hard with the youth council to instigate this great idea. The website includes (but is not limited to) the following information:
"This valuable information resource will be continually reviewed and updated by council with the support of young people and Ipswich youth service providers." -ENDS-
Last Updated 30 Jun 2008 |
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