Monday, 21 May 2018

• Crime Stoppers Day - May 21
• $33,815 Lotterywest grant to set up multilingual reporting capability on the Crime Stoppers WA website
• More than 52,000 calls and online contacts to Crime Stoppers in 2017 

Police Minister Michelle Roberts has taken the opportunity for Crime Stoppers Day 2018 to highlight the importance of communities helping to solve crime.

The Minister has announced a $33,815 Lotterywest grant will go towards developing a multilingual reporting capability on the Crime Stoppers WA website.

Western Australia is one of the most diverse and fastest growing States with more than 240 languages spoken.

The most recent Census data shows more than 17 per cent of Western Australians speak a language other than English at home.

Previously, people with English as a second language had to ring Crime Stoppers WA and request access to an interpretive service.

The new website feature means people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can provide information more easily and without delay.

Mrs Roberts thanked members of the Ethnic Communities Council of WA, who have offered their translation expertise to ensure the reporting platform is available in as many different languages as possible.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Michelle Roberts:

"Crime Stoppers is a valuable tool for the community to provide information about criminal activity.

"Last year alone there were more than 1,500 direct arrests in Western Australia as a result of information provided to Crime Stoppers.

"This new initiative will expand the reach and access of Crime Stoppers WA, and allow people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in helping to keep their community safe.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank the hardworking team at Crime Stoppers WA, and remind the community to report suspicious and criminal activity on the Crime Stoppers' number 1800 333 000 or you can make a report online at https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au."

Monday, 21 May 2018

• The McGowan Government allocates $4 million for 64 WA community neighbourhood centres and childcare centres
• Decision reverses previous cuts to accommodation support by the Liberal National Government  

The State Government will provide $4 million over the next four financial years to continue to fund accommodation support to 64 community neighbourhood centres and childcare centres across Western Australia.

The recent State Budget reversed a Liberal National Government decision that would have meant affected community service organisations faced a significant financial burden relating to property maintenance and asset renewal, or replacement costs.

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said $1 million had been allocated for each of the next four years, starting with 2018-19, to continue funding the costs for the ongoing maintenance, insurance costs and urgent capital works for the properties.

The funding applies to 36 community neighbourhood centres and 28 childcare centres - some of which are owned by the State Government while others are leased. The centres are made available at nominal rent to not-for-profit community and childcare organisations, which provide a range of community and family services.

The Government, through the Department of Communities, has also been working on a procurement process with the community services sector and other key stakeholders. This will identify how government can further support place-based, grassroots community development practices.

Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:

"The decision to continue funding the asset management of 64 community neighbourhood and childcare centres, shows the McGowan Government's willingness to listen and respond to community concerns.

"Community service organisations have limited resources and need to be reassured that they can continue to provide their important activities and services.

"The centres provide places of inclusion and a range of social, recreational, educational and training opportunities that for some people make family life and work possible, and in many cases, improve health and wellbeing.

"The Government, through the Department of Communities, is working with service providers to ensure that the needs of Western Australian families continue to be met."

WE WOULD LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK 
Over the past year we have worked really hard to achieve more dementia awareness and dementia friendly communities throughout the Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern in WA. We’d like to thank all that came to our sessions and the general interest you have shown and we hope that even more dementia friendly communities will be popping up all over WA!
 
In the meantime, 
Below we have a short survey we would appreciate anyone living or working in these towns fill in.
​Feel free to share on social media and with anyone else relevant.
We are very interested in your opinion and thoughts about the Alzheimer's WA workshops please send through your thoughts by Monday 14th May.
 
Once again, many thanks and I wish you all the best. 
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https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RKFZS6