NRSDC has just released a report which calls on the State Government to urgently increase the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS).  The report entitled The Shrinking Circle found that people with disability who rely on this taxi scheme because they cannot access public transport are at high risk of poverty and social isolation.

Northern Rivers Social Development Council's HACC Development Project is hosting a regional 'Funder's Forum' for those organisations and services that receive funding from  the Commonwealth's Home & Community Care Program and/or NSW's Community Care Supports Program. RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ASAP with the topics or subjects you want more information on and they will be forwarded to the presenters. 

Community welfare groups have expressed deep disappointment at the news that the federal Government will not include a much needed increase in the below poverty line Newstart Allowance payment in the recent 2013 Budget announcement, despite growing community support.

It may come as no surprise that housing, transport, employment, education, social inclusion, health and well-being have again been identified as some of the most important issues for locals living in the Northern Rivers region.

At community forums held over the last few weeks in Grafton, Lismore and Brunswick Heads, members of the community came together to voice their opinions about what was important to them and developed some innovative ideas for tackling the identified issues. At community forums held over the last few weeks in Grafton, Lismore and Brunswick Heads,

members of the community came together to voice their opinions about what was important to them and developed some innovative ideas for tackling the identified issues.These ideas will be included in a new Regional Social Plan coordinated by Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC)  and Regional Development Australia (RDA) – Northern Rivers.  Another community forum will be held on May 15 in Kyogle and the local community is invited to come along and have a say. Anyone who hasn't attended a forum and would like to give some input can complete an online survey until May 17.

Northern Rivers Community Transport (NRCT) in partnership with Tweed/Byron/Ballina Community Transport (TBBCT) and Clarence Community Transport recently celebrated the opening of their new Lismore drivers lounge.

NRSDC's Home & Community Care Development project is undertaking a Regional consultation to identify and analyse organisational needs during this time of change. 

The Centre for Policy Development has developed a resource called Refugee Facts, designed to provide quick facts and comprehensive background information on asylum seekers in Australia, in the interest of ethical and accurate reporting. http://refugeefacts.cpd.org.au/

NITV is looking to commission new content that will be branded under their daily themes and is calling out call out to Indigenous filmmakers for content ideas. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers and Regional and Remote media organisations can apply for a one off story to do or up to 10 stories maximum across the themes. For more information:  http://www.nitv.org.au/about-nitv/dsp-news.cfm?loadref=20&id=177.Applications will close on 24th May.

Download theGovernance for Good guide as a PDF. Charities are an essential part of the fabric of Australian society and reach into every community across Australia, as well as beyond our shores. They enrich our culture, protect our environment, educate our children, enable us to practice our faith, promote our health and wellbeing, strengthen our democracy, contribute to good public policy and advocate on behalf of individuals and communities.

The next meeting for the Lismore Aboriginal Interagency will be on May 21, 10.30am – 12noon. If you would like to speak about new or existing programs for Aboriginal children and families in the area, please contact Catherine Hillard. RSVP essential.