Aboriginal Community Support Worker Chris Thorne (centre), and acting Executive Officer with Central Hume PCP, Jenny Ashby (right), met with the Minister for Aboriginal Health the Hon Ken Wyatt at Parliament House. Mr Thorne and Ms Ashby briefed the Minister on practical local solutions which benefit the community. The Minister will visit Indi on 25 and 26 September.

INDI IN THE NEWS

Applications open for $20 million for jobs and infrastructure fund

It’s a $20 million opportunity to deliver for Indi. Applications are open for the region’s $20 million share of the Commonwealth’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package. Investment will be guided by the local investment plan developed by the local committee, to which Cathy nominated four Indi representatives. An information session will be held at Mansfield MACE on 31 August at 2.30 pm.

Young people – have your say on regional development!

Cathy is encouraging young people in Indi to submit their ideas about regional development to the NESAY (North East Support and Action for Youth) #YouthForIndi project. Five submissions from people aged 16-25 will be short-listed for submission to the national Inquiry into Regional Development and Decentralisation. Submissions close 11 September.

• Media release: Chance for young people to have a say on regional development 
• More info NESAY's YouthForIndi project here
• The Select Committee for the Regional Development and Decentralisation Inquiry has tabled an issues paper ahead of the public submissions process. Read the issues paper here. 

Citizenship and the parliament

Thanks to all who have contacted the office regarding the citizenship of some parliamentarians. Cathy has stated her intention to provide supply and confidence while waiting for the decision of the High Court in October. The full statement can be read here.

EFFECTIVE INDI

Myrtleford secures funding for flood bypass

Congratulations to Alpine Shire Council for securing a joint Commonwealth-State Government grant to create an emergency flood bypass on a section of road between Myrtleford and Bright. The $182,500 Natural Disaster Resilience Grant (NDRG) will contribute to a total project cost of $365,000. More info here. 

Interested in digital innovation? Book now

Benalla Rural City Council and Tier One are hosting a Digital Innovation Festival at the Benalla Performing Arts & Conference Centre on Thursday 31 August. The festival will bring together government, industry, and businesses in the region to explore and celebrate Digital Innovation. Events include a Google Digital Garage training session, expo, a complimentary dinner and conference. 

INDI INVOLVED

Marriage equality postal survey

It’s important that as many people as possible have a say in the marriage equality postal survey. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has made some special provisions to make sure people who are eligible to participate can do so. The provisions cover accessibility, translation resources, and people who are homeless or travelling. 

Still time to have a say on education inquiry

Students, parents, education providers and community members can submit their ideas on improving education in regional Australia. You have until 29 August to make a submission here.

Be part of one of Australia’s biggest school music initiatives

Registration is open for Music: Count Us In (MCUI), funded by the Commonwealth, is Australia's biggest school music initiative. More than 3,500 schools will be involved and sing 'the song that stops the nation' on Thursday 2 November. The program is open to all schools but is particularly suited to primary schools. Register at musiccountusin.org.au

COMING EVENTS

• Thursday 31 August: Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund information session, Mansfield MACE, 2.30pm; Digital Innovation Festival Benalla Performing Arts and Conference Centre (see above)
• Saturday 2 September: Cathy in the Cafes - 10am-11am at Lilyz in Whitebox Rise Shopping Centre, 81 Victoria Cross Parade, Wodonga
• Monday 4 September: Parliament resumes