Branch News Update - October 2012

Better School funding campaign kicks off

Local branch members and supporters will soon be hitting the streets in support of the Federal Labor Government's National Plan for School Improvement. Essentially the plan, launched in September, aims to ensure that by 2025 Australia is ranked as a 'top 5 country in the world' for the performance of our students in reading, science, mathematics, and for providing our children with a high-quality and high-equity education system.

"The aim of reaching the goal by 2025 will be legislated to galvanise the nation's focus on improving schools. Australia's future prosperity depends on embracing a high-skill future and therefore depends on lifting the performance of our schools", Prime Minister, Julia Gillard has said.

 

The National Plan for School Improvement is expected to deliver much needed change as well as more resources to every school in the country, and will be phased in over several years, as recommended by the recent Gonski review.

 

For more information about the local information campaign, or to find out how to be involved, email info@annerleylabor.org

 

Community BBQ a local hit

 

Almost 100 Annerley and Tarragindi residents joined Federal MP for Griffith, Kevin Rudd, State MP for South Brisbane, Jackie Trad and Yeerongpilly ALP spokesperson, Cam Crowther (pictured) for a free barbeque recently at Ekibin Park South. The BBQ, a regular event hosted by the Annerley Branch, brought locals together keen to meet their elected representatives and talk about issues important to their community.

 

Residents also provided some strong feedback as to their concerns about the savage budget cuts introduced by the LNP state government. "It's not just about public service jobs, it's also about our local services and quality of life", one concerned resident said. "These cuts are hurting the disadvantaged and for what? - getting back to surplus one year early?".

 

Speaking to those present, Kevin Rudd reflected on the stark differences between the ALP and LNP, observing that the Labor Party has a 'proud track record of building communities up' and would continue to fight the cuts that are hurting so many families across the Queensland.

 

Residents get behind local charity

 

Kindness and caring has come full circle for residents across Moorooka, Yeronga, Fairfield and Tarragindi.

The community has overwhelmingly responded to a call from Sandlewood Op Shop to help local families in crisis.

 

“When we asked people to help their neighbours in need, they stepped up”, says charity drive co-ordinator and local ALP spokesperson, Cameron Crowther (pictured with Desley from the Op Shop).

 

“It’s a great example of the spirit and generosity of this community. Many of the people that responded were in flood affected areas.  Now some of those same people are giving back to the community that supported them through tough times", Cameron said.

 

After reading about Sandlewood’s charity drive, Cameron pulled together a team of local community volunteers to leaflet more than 5000 homes promoting Sandlewood’s charity drive, then spent weekends going door-to-door to make collections.

 

Desley, manager of the Op Shop, said she was 'heartened by the community’s response'.  "I want to thank Cameron’s  team for organising the drive, but also everyone in the community who responded", she said

 

“These donations will make a difference to our clients just when they need it".

 

For more information please contact Cameron Crowther on 0407 582 938.