Tessa takes a trip Outback

Last week C4C program manager Tessa Parsons took a trip out to Nyngan, (637kms west of here) to present the new Talking Realities Young Parenting program DVD and evaluation report to a group of Barnardos Adolescent Services workers. The group were very interested in the program and are keen to look into the opportunities to adopt this great program.

It is always interesting to visit another site and the two hour drive from Dubbo to Nyngan brought home how isolated these communities can be. The youth workers told us that one of the complaints of the young people is that it is a three hour trip to the nearest McDonalds (some of us city slickers would say that was a blessing!) Severe drough conditions have eased a bit and the Bogan River is full for now, the countryside looked quite beautiful.

While in the area Tessa also took the opportunity to call in on the Communities for Children Dubbo and district program coordinator Rikki Price. Rikki has an office at Narromine and coordinates activities in Wellington, Narromine & Dubbo Shires. They exchanged resources from their sites and compared the challenges and successes of their sites. Tessa is looking forward to showing these beautiful resources at the next C4C Advisory group meeting in June.

Thanks to the extension of C4C funding to 2012 both program managers agree that more sustainable results are being achieved and many more families are better connected to their community and services.

Kidsfest Shellharbour Festival Finale !

Kidsfest Shellharbour Event Co-ordinator Carla Brookes says this year's festival broke all records with a 25 per cent increase on last year's numbers. "We had more than 2500 children attend 60 events during the week-long festival, including parents and carers, a total of 7500 people turned out over the week". Tessa Parsons Program Manager for Barnardos Communities for Children says she is thrilled with the success of Kidsfest Shellharbour 2010. "Kidsfest Shellharbour has been a wonderful celebration of children in the city and an opportunity for families to connect with services in the area. We will build on this success and make sure Kidsfest Shellharbour 2011 is even better". The Festival Finale finished with the Pram Parade at Little Park along the Shellharbour Foreshore.
As a foot note - there were 60 events on the program. Event highlights for the Festival would have to be Illawarra Light Rail Museum, Warilla Nth Celebrations, HARS, RFS, Fishing By the Lake, and the Festival Finale Parade (and everything in between !) !

Kidsfest Shellharbour is an activity of Communities for Children Shellharbour funded by the Australian Government that takes place in the lead up to Families Week.

Kidsfest Shellharbour will be back in May 2011- Mark it in your diary !
See you then............

Barb

12 Months In the Planning- Then - Here For One Week -Then Gone The Next !

It has been 12 months of planning that has made the Kidsfest Shellharbour Festival hugely successful. There were lots of activities undertaken in Albion Park and Shellharbour with many participants from babies to 12 year olds and their families, uniquely the festival was able to cater for the many who attended. This festival would not have the been success it was without the financial support of its sponsors, the many businesses involved and the work of the Kidsfest Team and their band of volunteers. Kidsfest will be back in May 2011. Hope to see you then.

Barb

Kidsfest Festival Has Arrived and is Celebrating !

Kidsfest Shellharbour kicked off Sunday 9th May at the Illawarra Light Rail Museum and what a great day it was ! With over 200 children and approx 500 people altogether, the weather, the venue, and especially the children made it such a special Mother's Day !
Please check http://www.kidsfestshellharbour.com.au/ website to see what else is happening this very busy fun week during Kidsfest.

Barb

Kidsfest Express - Here We Come !

Kidsfest Shellharbour 2010 was officially launched Monday 3rd May at the Illawarra Light Rail Museum in Albion Park Rail! Member for Throsby Jennie George, State Members Lylea McMahon and Matt Brown, Snr Manager of Barnardos South Coast Centre Kerry Moore, Major Sponsors and Parents and Grandparents were also amongst the many guests and children who attended the launch. With only 6 sleeps to go, the countdown now is well and truly underway. Mother's Day Picnic is now a tradition and this Sunday will officially be Day One of the event. Most events are free with a variety of activities to be undertaken, children can pick up their free Kidsfest Shellharbour Passport at events during the Festival. Kids can collect stickers for their passports by attending Kidsfest events and Kidsfest Playspots, then hand in their completed passport for a lucky dip prize. To find out more, and to download a full program go to www.kidsfestshellharbour.com.au .

Barb